Are Electric Scooters Dangerous? The Risks and Rewards

Are electric scooters dangerous? The question is simple, yet the answer requires an understanding of statistics, riding habits, and safety precautions. In this article, we’ve distilled the facts to give you an unbiased look at e-scooter safety and actionable tips to stay safe on the road.

Read further to find the answer to the question: Are electric scooters dangerous?

Key Takeaways

• E-scooters, while eco-friendly and convenient, pose significant injury risks with an estimated 14 injuries per 100,000 trips and can lead to severe injuries including cuts, fractures, and head injuries.
• Safety measures for e-scooter riders are critical and include wearing a helmet and protective gear, understanding and following traffic laws, and conducting pre-ride inspections to manage risks effectively.
• Regular maintenance and the use of professional repair services are necessary to ensure electric scooters remain safe and reliable, with tasks such as checking the battery, tire pressure, and brakes being paramount for preventing accidents.

E-Scooter Hazards and Potential Dangers

While electric scooters are convenient and eco-friendly, they’re not without their hazards. With the ability to reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour, they can be a bit daunting for the inexperienced rider. For every 100,000 e-scooter trips, there are roughly 14 injuries, leading to a significant increase in emergency room visits.

Accident Causes

Many injuries stemming from e-scooter usage can be traced back to poor control of the scooter. Riding in crowded areas or on uneven terrain without proper control can lead to accidents. The responsible course of action in such situations is to dismount and walk the scooter.

Adding to the complexity, e-scooter accidents often happen alongside motor vehicles. Roads shared with faster and larger vehicles pose a significant risk to e-scooter riders. For this reason, many areas have prohibited e-scooter usage on highways to decrease such incidents.

Severity of Injuries

When accidents do occur, the injuries can be severe, including cuts, fractures, and head injuries. In 2021 alone, e-scooter related accidents resulted in 42,200 emergency room visits.

The severity of these accidents shouldn’t be overlooked. From 2017 to 2021, there were 68 deaths attributed to e-scooter accidents. These figures underscore the importance of treating e-scooter safety as a priority.

Essential Safety Measures for E-Scooter Riders

Considering the potential hazards, taking safety measures when using an e-scooter is of utmost importance. Protecting yourself isn’t limited to wearing a helmet, though that’s certainly a lifesaver. It extends to:

• wearing elbow pads and gloves
• using eye protection
• following traffic laws
• performing pre-ride inspections.

Helmet Usage and Importance

When it comes to e-scooter safety, it is indispensable for riders to wear helmets. The risk of head injury for e-scooter riders is comparable to that of e bike riders, emphasizing the critical role helmets play.

But not all helmets are created equal. It’s important to select a helmet that meets certified safety standards. For speeds under 20 mph, a bicycle or half-face helmet suffices, while speeds over 25 mph necessitate a full-face helmet with chin protection.

Proper Riding Techniques

Mastering the proper e-scooter riding techniques also contributes significantly to your safety. Before hitting the road, you should familiarize yourself with the scooter’s controls and features. Both hands should always be on the handlebars to maintain balance and stability.

Moreover, managing your speed by applying even throttle pressure, leaning into turns at the appropriate speed, and using both brakes evenly can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.

Legal Aspects of E-Scooter Usage

Despite their fun and efficiency, e-scooters carry legal implications that users should bear in mind. Age restrictions exist to ensure safe usage, but these can be bypassed, allowing underage riders to access e-scooters without proper checks. This could lead to serious legal implications for the minors and their guardians.

Age Restrictions and Parental Responsibility

Age restrictions are in place for a reason. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against children under 16 operating or riding on motorized or electric scooters. These rules are set to keep riders kids safe and ensure they have the physical capabilities and judgement needed to operate these devices safely.

However, when these rules are violated by minors under 16, they may find themselves in court, and their parents or guardians can face legal repercussions such as fines. This underlines the importance of parental supervision and consent in the use of e-scooters.

Electric Scooter Maintenance and Repair

As with any vehicle, regular maintenance and repair of e-scooters are necessary for their safe and smooth operation. They contain intricate mechanisms that function best when all components are well maintained. Following a regular maintenance schedule can help prevent potential issues from escalating and ensure the scooter remains in peak performance.

Regular Checkups and Inspections

E-scooter maintenance heavily relies on regular checkups and inspections. They should cover the following areas:

• The scooter’s battery
• Tire pressure
• Brakes
• Suspension
• Electrical systems
• Cleanliness and lubrication

Maintaining your e-scooter includes the following:

• Keeping the correct tire pressure as per the manufacturer’s recommendations for the best riding experience and battery efficiency
• Regular brake inspections and adjustments for safety
• Ensuring battery health for e-scooter longevity and safe usage
• Lubricating moving parts to prevent energy waste and enhance overall performance.

Checking the scooter’s folding mechanism, tires, brakes, battery charge, and throttle response before a ride is essential to ensure immediate readiness.

Professional Repair Services

While regular inspections and maintenance can be performed by the user, some tasks require the expertise of professional repair services. Changing the hydraulic suspension fluid on an electric scooter is one such complex task.

Reputable service providers like Ebike Surgery in Baldwin Park, a part of the Los Angeles area, offer professional assistance for maintenance and repairs. Their expertise ensures that electric scooters operate safely and reliably, providing peace of mind for e-scooter owners.

Alternatives to Electric Scooters

Despite their popularity, e-scooters and e bikes may not suit everyone’s needs. For children and individuals with limited mobility, all-terrain knee scooters and steerable knee walkers are safer alternative mobility options than electric bikes.

These alternatives provide improved stability and comfort in the lowest position, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.

All-Terrain Knee Scooters

All-terrain knee scooters are designed with the following features:

• 12-inch pneumatic tires to handle various types of terrain such as grass, gravel, and dirt
• Automotive-style tie-rod steering mechanism for enhanced stability and control
• Adjustable locking handbrake

These features make all-terrain knee scooters suitable for navigating different outdoor surfaces.

Some models, like the All Terrain KneeRover knee walker, even come equipped with a stabilizer training wheel for increased steadiness. These robust scooters can support up to 350 lbs and accommodate individuals between 5’6” and 6’6” in height.

Steerable Knee Walkers

Steerable knee walkers offer a unique advantage over traditional crutches. They provide improved maneuverability through specialized steering mechanisms, making them an excellent choice for those with limited mobility. With a steerable knee walker, users can easily navigate their surroundings and maintain a more active lifestyle.

These walkers enhance user comfort with contoured knee and ankle pads and tool-free adjustability. The adjustable locking handbrake adds to the user’s control and comfort compared to crutches, and their foldable design makes transport and storage a breeze.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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