Since the launch of electric scooters in major cities, a new era of urban mobility has emerged, offering convenience, efficiency, and sustainability. However, as these nimble two-wheeled wonders have taken to the streets, so too have safety concerns. This growing transportation trend has stirred discussions and debates among users, companies operating these vehicles, and governmental legislators alike. While electric scooters promise a revolution in urban transportation, ensuring the safety of riders and pedestrians has become an equally pressing challenge. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the multifaceted world of electric scooter safety, exploring the key issues and solutions at the intersection of innovation, regulation, and personal responsibility.
In the world of electric scooters and micro mobility, safety takes centre stage. Just as with any mode of transportation, there are potential risks and challenges that users need to be aware of. Riding an electric scooter requires constant vigilance, as unexpected obstacles like potholes, sudden stops or even vehicle malfunctions can occur. Sharing the road with various urban travellers emphasises the importance of staying prepared for unforeseen situations. A study on all electric scooter injuries by the Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine states that a total of 446 electric scooter injuries were identified with 12 of those affecting non-riders costing 1.7 million euros solely in the year 2021. (Vasara et al., 2022). Most of these injuries occurred during Friday and Saturday evenings as people are more likely to be alcohol intoxicated.
Due to the increase in injuries during the weekend, the Finnish Government imposed restrictions on vehicle usage after midnight on Fridays and Saturdays in Helsinki. In the past, there have also been somewhat effective strategies and attempts for minimising injuries linked to electric scooter ride-sharing. For example, a few years ago, the operator Voi introduced a basic cognitive test where users had to complete a puzzle before riding. These tests were designed to evaluate users’ sobriety and cognitive sharpness. These instances illustrate the actions that operators and the Government can take to enhance user safety.
User education and awareness play a pivotal role in promoting safety. As riders take to the streets, they must possess the knowledge and responsibility necessary to ensure their safety and the safety of others. This includes adhering to traffic rules, using helmets, and being cautious when navigating through shared spaces. The importance of user education extends to understanding the capabilities and limitations of electric scooters and recognizing that they are not just fun gadgets but legitimate modes of transportation that require sensibility. Companies like Bird, Tier, Voi, and numerous others provide valuable safety resources, offering guidance on riding, and parking their vehicles, and even offering safety schools to educate riders.
Scooters come equipped with several safety features to ensure compliance with traffic laws. Essential among these are functioning tail lights and front lights, particularly crucial during darker months. Additionally, most scooters are equipped with blinkers, aiding pedestrians and drivers in anticipating user actions. To mitigate safety risks, the speed of these scooters is often capped at 22 km/h and they automatically slow down during downhill descents. Similar to bicycles, scooters are also equipped with bells to alert pedestrians or those in front of the rider.
In conclusion, electric scooters have ushered in a new era of urban mobility, providing convenience and sustainability while posing significant safety challenges. As injuries related to these nimble vehicles rise, government regulations and operator-driven initiatives aim to mitigate risks. However, the key to safety ultimately lies in user education. Promoting adherence to traffic rules and recognizing scooters as legitimate transportation modes is essential. Collaboration between users, operators, and regulators will shape a safer, more harmonious urban mobility experience.
References
Vasara, H. et al. (2022) Characteristics and costs of electric scooter injuries in Helsinki: A retrospective cohort study – Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, resuscitation and emergency medicine, BioMed Central. Available at: https://sjtrem.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13049-022-01042-0#citeas (Accessed: 06 November 2023).
