Riders often think that electric scooter charging is a simple process, one just needs to…
Are Electric Scooters Safe? A Comprehensive Analysis
Riding is full of excitement and thrill, your safety measures should be your prime responsibility. Being an electric scooter rider our life is exposed to risk, and we might experience dangerous situations, I noticed two teenagers riding the electric scooter down the hill, losing control, and one hit the head and was knocked out. You need to wear safety gear, especially a helmet. Adhere to the safety tips and follow the local authority law. This does not mean riding is dangerous, but you must be conscious. Many times we often hear, Are electric scooters safe? How to stay safe while riding?
In this article let me point out certain guidelines that everyone should follow, being a beginner or pro.
Weight – Generally an electric scooter can hold a weight of 220 pounds. Do not exceed it.
Riding in doubles – This violates the law as it is very unsafe for two people to ride in one vehicle. It may damage the components of the vehicle too.
Eye contact – You should have full control over your mind while riding as it will give the right instruction to the eye to have a clear vision on the roads. It applies to both drivers and riders.
No texting – Do not use any texting while riding.
Keep an Eye – You must always keep an eye on the roads through which you are traveling to prevent accidents.
Prohibition of Alcohol and Drugs – Do not ride when you are consuming drugs for any medical reason or if you consumed alcohol too.
Laws and regulations –The government has worldwide implemented regulations to ensure electric scooter safety. Adhere to the laws passed by the local authority body:
- Speed Limits: The maximum speed limit is between 15-25mph to prevent reckless driving.
- Age restrictions: Minimum age requirement is between 16-18 years depending on a city-to-city basis, ensuring riders are mature enough to operate the e-scooter safely.
- Helmet Laws: Helmet laws reduce head injury risks.
- License requirement: Some cities require licenses or permits to operate e-scooters
Slow start – One must not accelerate suddenly as it may damage the electric scooter and also can harm you. Avoid unnecessary speeding.
Safety gear – Wear a helmet and other safety gear like elbow, knee pads, and reflective gear for the night, preferably wearing closed-toe shoes for any short or long ride.
No earbuds or headphones – Do not use earbuds or headphones to be aware of your surroundings.
Carrying goods – Don’t carry heavy luggage as it may lead to an increase in pressure on the motor and the battery. Avoid carrying luggage as it may be accessed by the weight limit, which is not good for the electric scooter.
Route – Always prefer to select the safest route in advance like a bike lane.
Avoid sidewalks – Pedestrians mainly use sidewalks, do not use them for riding, the risk of injury will be less.
In case, you opt for a rental electric scooter, then you need to keep in mind that :
- Accessible for minors – There is no means to verify the user’s age on online apps and sign up without their parent’s consent. To control misuse your ward should know the rules and regulations and if possible check the phone.
- Riding knowledge – Electric scooters have different riding features than any other electric vehicle. You must know how to ride, balance, accelerate, and use brakes safely before riding it.
- Durability and poor maintenance – Often rental companies rely on the contractors, as they have to collect, recharge, and report any damage. They do not follow any rules which creates danger for the riders.
- Reckless driving – As per civil law, intoxication makes it difficult to claim damages or argue that another party was negligent.
- Geographical fencing – Rental companies keep their vehicle within their limited range, if the rider crosses it then the electric scooter will be suddenly stopped without little and no warning.
- Brake issues – It has been noticed that there is a software issue with sudden or irregular braking, locking the front wheel which certainly causes minor or major injury.
Conclusion
Electric scooters are a trending, eco-friendly, decent mode of transportation even among teen and college-going students. You must own them for your loved ones too. It is a piece of advice and suggestion before stepping on the electric scooter your ward should know about the features rules and regulations. This article will be helpful to those who are about to start their independent journey.
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