Electric scooters have steadily been increasing in popularity throughout the last several years, with a multitude of models being issued as gifts to children. This has led parents to wonder just how dangerous electric scooters are. There are some safety concerns that you should not overlook even when riding the best electric scooters.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Electric scooters are not dangerous, per se, though there are thousands of scooter-related accidents each year.
- To minimize the risk of accident or injury, we recommend always wearing the appropriate safety gear, including helmets, knee pads, and arm pads.
- You should also follow the rules of the road and keep an eye on any specific scooter regulations in your area.
Safety Concerns and Risks
Though not unsafe, riding an electric scooter does carry with it a certain amount of risk. These are moving vehicles and accidents do happen. In 2018, there were 6,957 accidents reported that involved electric scooters. This number does tend to rise, but so does the number of e-scooters on the streets.
Insider Tip
The best thing you can do to increase your safety during electric scooter rides is to wear protective gear.
How to Increase Electric Scooter Safety
If you want to ensure you or your child have the safest ride possible, we have compiled a list of general guidelines to follow. It may also be helpful to know how your electric scooter is made, just to be safer.
Wear Protective Gear
The best thing you can do to increase your safety during electric scooter rides is to wear protective gear. We recommend starting with a heavy-duty helmet and working your way up to knee pads, arm pads, and related pieces of safety equipment. In a study conducted from 2008 to 2018, around 66 percent of those involved in an electric scooter accident were not wearing a helmet or any piece of safety gear. We cannot recommend wearing safety gear enough, as it just may save your life. Helmets are relatively inexpensive, as are related pieces of gear.
Follow the Rules of the Road
You should always follow the rules of the road while out on an electric scooter. This means stopping at stoplights, stop signs, and looking both ways before you cross an intersection. You should also stay off of your phone as you ride and try to minimize outside distractions as much as possible. Additionally, look up any local regulations to find exactly where you can ride. Some areas demand that riders stay on the sidewalk, while others demand they go to the bike lane.
Adhere to Local Regulations
Different states and cities tend to have different regulations regarding electric scooter use. We recommend that you research these regulations and follow them, for the sake of your safety. For instance, many states place a minimum age requirement on e-scooters, while other states demand that riders have a valid driver’s license or driving permit. If you are buying a scooter for a child, make sure they are older than the minimum age requirement. And just so they do not get stuck on the way, make sure you know how to charge an electric scooter battery.
Warning
In 2018, there were 6,957 accidents reported that involved electric scooters.
F.A.Q.
What are the main causes of e-scooter accidents?
The main causes of electric scooter accidents tend to be gross inebriation or a failure to follow cycle lanes. According to police reports, over 18 percent of e-scooter accidents were due to the rider being drunk.
Is this the next big thing in electric mobility?
It certainly seems that way, though electric scooters will likely share the spotlight with electric bikes and other personal transportation vehicles. Self-driving electric cars could also make a big splash once they are commonly available.
Are electric scooters safe?
The electric scooter consists of many parts. The main components, however, are the frame, motor, tires, brakes, and controllers.
How fast can an e-scooter go?
Scooters are limited to 15mph to reduce safety hazards. It is possible to make a scooter go fast by tampering with the delimiter. However, it is illegal in some states and will void the warranty.
STAT: A recent study found that only 4.4% of electric scooter riders were wearing a helmet when their accident occurred. (source)
