A person died following a presumed electric scooter crash early Thursday morning at the intersection of West 23rd and Guadalupe streets, the Austin Police Department confirmed. The rider was not affiliated with UT, according to a University spokesperson.

Police and Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services arrived at the scene at approximately 1:45 a.m. in response to a welfare check call.

“Based on preliminary investigation and evidence gathered at the scene, this death investigation was determined to be an accidental death,” the APD Public Information Office wrote in a statement to the Texan. 

The accident comes as the Austin Department of Transportation and Public Works explores new rules to make dockless electric bikes and electric scooters safer. According to a draft, the new rules would set a maximum speed of 15 mph for electric scooters and require electric scooter providers to conduct maintenance and report crashes. The department anticipates posting the final rules on Aug. 28. 

Inconsistencies in data collection and reporting of collisions involving electric scooter riders contribute to a lack of reliable information, according to a 2024 city audit. 

As of July 11, four serious injuries resulting from traffic crashes have involved electric scooter riders this year, according to data obtained from the Texas Department of Transportation. Over the past decade, a total of 397 crashes have involved electric scooter riders, and six crashes have resulted in one or more fatalities. A total of 265 crashes resulted in injuries, with 47 causing incapacitating injuries, according to TxDOT data.