Electric two-wheelers are an increasingly common sight on the streets of cities. Safe driving of an electric scooter requires remembering a few rules that determine whether we create a threat to ourselves or other road users. By following the five rules that you will learn in a moment, you will surely move more safely.
Contents
Is it a serious challenge to safely ride an electric scooter?
Electric scooters are vehicles that cannot deny numerous advantages. With favorable weather conditions, they allow you to move around a large city in a relatively comfortable way and get to your destination faster than by car or bus, which can get stuck in traffic jams. In addition, e-scooters are quite cheap (prices comparable to bicycles), and if someone, for example, does not have a place to store a vehicle, he can use the services of popular scooter rental companies.
Unfortunately, there are also some risks associated with the use of electric scooters. Since the beginning of the year, there have been several dozen accidents involving these vehicles. Some of these incidents have fatalities. Apart from accidents, there are numerous collisions, incl. with pedestrians. There is no doubt that such events should be prevented. It’s best to start by following a few simple rules.
Drive on a road that is designed for it
Observing many users of electric scooters, you can come to the conclusion that these vehicles can be used almost everywhere. Meanwhile, it is precisely regulated by the regulations. The first choice for e-scooter drivers should be a bike path . If there is no such road, you can choose the road on which the cars will travel, as long as it is limited to 30 km / h or to an even lower speed. Driving on the sidewalk is a last resort and is allowed when there are no bicycle paths and cars can travel faster than 30 km / h on the road. On the sidewalk, however, pedestrians have priority and you need to pay special attention to them.
At this point, it is also worth reminding about the speed limits for e-scooter users. On roads and bicycle paths, they are 20 km / h . The sidewalk should be driven at a speed similar to that of pedestrians. Avoiding high-speed walking people can have fatal consequences.
Consider using a helmet and pads
Many people associate helmets and protectors with people who do not know how to ride a bike, rollerblades or just a scooter. However, this is definitely wrong thinking. Even if we do not have any problems using the given means of transport, we may be hit and roll over through no fault of ours. It is worth bearing in mind your safety. If we move in heavy city traffic, having a helmet and pads will certainly not hurt, and may even save our health.
Never ride an Electric scooter after drinking alcohol
Alcohol increases our reaction time to certain events and makes us perceive reality unnaturally. We may think that we are able to drive a vehicle, but the blood alcohol content may, for example, prevent us from reacting to a nearby child or we will start braking too late before a pedestrian crossing. The consequences can be fatal . If only financial arguments appeal to someone, also drinking and driving should be forgotten. It is threatened with a fine of up to $500 minimum . It is cheaper to buy a tram, bus or taxi ticket.
Park the scooter in the right places
It is best to leave the electric scooter in the designated areas. In some cities you will find special stands or zones marked with appropriate signs. Unfortunately, we cannot usually count on such comfort, but it is still not a reason to put the vehicle in the middle of the pavement . Remember to leave a place for pedestrians. It is best to place the scooter at the edge of the pavement as far away from the road as possible, e.g. against a building wall. Also, do not place scooters next to each other, but one behind the other.
Take care of the technical condition of the vehicle
Check the most important elements of the electric scooter, e.g. by checking the condition of the brakes. In case of disturbing signals, go to the website. Also, ensure that the vehicle is properly illuminated . If you don’t have your own electric scooter and use vehicle rental services, you obviously have much less influence on the condition of your equipment. Nevertheless, pay attention to whether anything disturbing is happening while driving – if any element of the scooter is not working properly, report it to the operator.
Read Also: Tech Tips For Establishing A Software Development Company
Safe driving of an electric scooter – summary
Electric two-wheelers make it easy to quickly move around the city. The most important thing, however, is to ride the electric scooter safely . Keeping in mind a few of the most important rules mentioned in this text, we will greatly increase the chance that the ride will pass without any unpleasant adventures.
photos: Unsplash