Electric scooters have been in the headlines recently as trials are underway to consider legalising their use on the roads permanently. Eco-friendly, affordable and lots of fun, electric scooters have attracted lots of attention from potential new riders.
If you’re thinking about getting one yourself, we have some electric scooter safety tips that will help. From electric scooter safety gear to e-scooter riding tips, you’ll find all you need to know below.
How Do I Make My Electric Scooter Safe?
Let’s be clear: there’s no way to make an electric scooter completely safe. There’s always an outside chance that an accident might occur, so the focus should be on minimising the risk and protecting yourself against any injuries.
Visibility is one of the biggest problems that riders face, so you should ensure that you have bright lights fixed to the front and back of your scooter. You can also add them to your helmet to provide rear illumination at eye level.
A bell or horn can be invaluable in warning people of your presence. Many e-scooters come with one already fitted, but they are cheap to buy and install if not.
Electric scooters may not have the same tough laws as motorbikes around apparel, but you’d be well-advised to protect yourself at all times. You don’t need to be travelling fast to sustain a very nasty injury if you fall off. A helmet, gloves, full-length sleeves, and covered legs are the minimum you should wear while riding a scooter. You can also consider knee and elbow pads if you are low in confidence or likely to be riding in tricky conditions.
What Should You Not Do on an Electric Scooter?
Although wearing the right safety equipment is vital, it won’t protect you if you engage in dangerous behaviour while on your electric scooter.
An e-scooter is a vehicle and capable of moving at speed, so you need to treat it with respect. This means staying vigilant at all times, and not trying to multitask such as texting on your phone while you ride.
You should also never use your scooter while you’re under the influence of drink or drugs. You could easily have an accident and hurt both yourself and others.
And speaking of others…while there might seem like a lot of room on your e-scooter for a passenger, it was designed to carry one person only. Don’t be tempted to give a ride on your scooter to someone else. A second person throws the balance of the scooter off and can make it much harder to control, even if you’re an excellent rider.
Finally, although some electric scooters are described as waterproof, you should avoid going out in the rain whenever possible. If the ground is soaking wet, your scooter will handle differently, and it’s very easy to slip. There are some e-scooters which are waterproof, but they still prefer to be used in dry conditions!
Is Riding an Electric Scooter Safe?
Provided you follow the recommendations, riding an e-scooter is very low risk. However, it’s important that you understand how to operate the scooter and are confident in your handling before you start to use it in traffic or crowded spaces.
It’s a good idea to give your e-scooter a quick check over before leaving home. This can help to identify any problems which could compromise your safety. Periodically, you should carry out more in-depth checks and routine maintenance to keep your scooter in prime condition.
Can You Fall Off an Electric Scooter?
There are no guarantees that you will never fall off your electric scooter - it’s always possible in theory! However, if you are riding carefully and are paying attention, there’s no reason for you to fall off. Electric scooters are very easy to operate with simple controls. Have a practice in a quiet area to get the hang of manoeuvring the scooter around before you hit the roads, and in next to no time you’ll feel as if you’ve been riding forever!
