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{"id":5274,"date":"2020-09-03T16:20:21","date_gmt":"2020-09-03T20:20:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trafficsafetystore.com\/blog\/?p=5274"},"modified":"2023-06-12T18:48:38","modified_gmt":"2023-06-12T18:48:38","slug":"understanding-the-4-major-points-in-the-debate-over-electric-scooters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.trafficsafetystore.com\/blog\/understanding-the-4-major-points-in-the-debate-over-electric-scooters\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding The 4 Major Points In The Debate Over Electric Scooters"},"content":{"rendered":"Electric scooters are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uberscuuter.com\/blogs\/news\/the-rise-of-electric-scooter-popularity\">growing in popularity in cities across the United States<\/a> due to their convenience and ease of use to get around crowded downtown areas.\r\n\r\nSimilar to electric cars, electric scooters are powered by a rechargeable battery and can reach top speeds around 20MPH. This means that business people, tourists, and everyday commuters can travel from home to work on an electric scooter efficiently throughout the day.\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"Why Scooter Startups Are Worth Billions\" width=\"840\" height=\"473\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_M_d7EIaXV4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-load-mode=\"1\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nThese scooters have grown in popularity because they are functional and convenient, but there are several issues surrounding the use of electric scooters that have caused city officials and local citizens to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.citylab.com\/perspective\/2019\/06\/electric-scooters-dockless-regulations-liability-helmet-laws\/592861\/\">put the future of these scooters into question<\/a>.\r\n\r\nParties on both sides have concerns about the personal safety of riders, local law enforcement, and the safety of other vehicles on the roads that could be impacted by electric scooters on public roads.\r\n\r\nLet\u2019s take a look at these issues to see how city officials and public lawmakers can come together to create a future that will allow electric scooters to help citizens travel around city limits safely and efficiently!\r\n<h2>1. Roadway Safety &amp; Road Accidents<\/h2>\r\nThe first issue to consider is the issue of personal injuries for riders and pedestrians that are caused by the use of electric scooters.\r\n\r\nScooters have grown in popularity because they can travel up to 20 MPH. This means that riders can from their home and work with ease, and in much less time than it would take to walk or bike.\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"E-Scooters: A Dangerous Craze?\" width=\"840\" height=\"473\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/QOMqDyVMYY0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-load-mode=\"1\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nThe main advantage that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/how-to\/electric-scooter-safety-how-to-avoid-injuries-when-you-ride\/\">electric scooters have over other methods of transportation<\/a> is that they are small and easy to maneuver. Riders can take their scooter in alleyways, and travel on roadways and sidewalks with a high degree of maneuverability.\r\n\r\nThe dangerous side of electric scooters reveals itself due to the speed and small profile of the scooter\u2019s build. Since the scooter does not take up much room, drivers and bicyclists may not see the scooter or the rider in time to prevent an accident.\r\n\r\nIf you\u2019re hit by one of these scooters, then there is a high chance you will get knocked over and seriously harm yourself and those around you. In fact, there have been <a href=\"https:\/\/www.consumerreports.org\/product-safety\/deaths-tied-to-e-scooters\/\">eight recent deaths tied to the use of electric scooters<\/a>, and this trend is expected to continue as more electric scooters hit public roads.\r\n<h2>2. Inconsistent Laws &amp; Regulations<\/h2>\r\n<figure id=\"attachment_5280\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5280\" style=\"width: 960px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-5280 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/staging.trafficsafetystore.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/20190204_Scooter_Accidents.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"960\" height=\"684\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/staging.trafficsafetystore.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/20190204_Scooter_Accidents.jpg 960w, https:\/\/staging.trafficsafetystore.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/20190204_Scooter_Accidents-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/staging.trafficsafetystore.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/20190204_Scooter_Accidents-768x547.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 709px) 85vw, (max-width: 909px) 67vw, (max-width: 1362px) 62vw, 840px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 960px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 960\/684;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5280\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Source: https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/niallmccarthy\/2019\/02\/04\/how-dangerous-are-electric-scooters-infographic\/#12cc6f27469c<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\nOne factor that contributes to scooter accidents is that local laws have not evolved quickly enough to accommodate the rise in popularity for this mode of transportation. Many times <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/news\/electric-scooter-backlash-leads-to-new-laws-and-scooter-rage-july-2019\/\">riders do not know where they can ride scooters<\/a> because some cities allow scooters to be used on sidewalks, while others require scooters to stay on roadways.\r\n\r\nThe real problem here is that they are too large, fast, and bulky for sidewalk use \u2013 but also too small, flimsy, and slow to be suitable for road use. Riders may choose to operate a scooter on the sidewalk due to concerns about being hit by a car, and using the scooter on a path can lead to accidents with pedestrians.\r\n\r\nDue to concerns about accidents involving pedestrians, many cities and states are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/cities\/2019\/jun\/18\/welcome-watch-or-ban-how-should-cities-deal-with-electric-scooters\">banning the use of electric scooters on sidewalks and roads<\/a> \u2013 in some cases entirely.\r\n\r\nA Consumer Reports survey recently confirmed that over 3,000 adult scooter users don\u2019t know which traffic laws they should follow or where they\u2019re permitted to ride!\r\n\r\nApparently, of those people who have ridden an e-scooter, 51% will ride on the sidewalk, 26% in bike lanes, and 18% on the road.\r\n<h2>3. Personal Injuries<\/h2>\r\nEven ignoring the potential for collisions with pedestrians and other vehicles, it\u2019s also important to acknowledge that scooters can be dangerous for their riders.\r\n\r\nSince riders are standing up, they are more susceptible to injuring their legs and head if they fall off of the scooter while traveling at high speeds.\r\n\r\nScooters only have two wheels which makes them prone to tipping over. Their high speed and uneven weight distribution also mean that coming to a sudden stop can be difficult.\r\n\r\nThis poses additional concerns for local policymakers since e-scooters can cause significant harm to people and property since riders are not able to react to situations in a timely manner.\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"Rise of electric scooters also contributing to injuries\" width=\"840\" height=\"473\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ThfboKCsAY8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-load-mode=\"1\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nCity officials can require the use of protective headgear and even high visibility safety vests when operating an electric scooter. Using a helmet can help reduce life-threatening injuries if a rider falls off of a scooter during operation, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trafficsafetystore.com\/safety-vests\">high visibility vests<\/a> can improve the chances that motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians will see the rider as they travel on their scooter.\r\n\r\nSeveral of the eight deaths caused by scooters were the result of riders falling off without a helmet, that can lead to brain injuries.\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"Man Suffers Traumatic Brain Injury After Crash On Electric Scooter\" width=\"840\" height=\"473\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/GGauiGb2CCs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-load-mode=\"1\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nThese can be prevented by implementing standard laws throughout cities and require riders to wear helmets and other protective equipment while operating an e-scooter.\r\n<h2>4. Dangerous Electric Scooter Design<\/h2>\r\nThere are other concerns about the use of scooters on public roads that stem from the practical use of the scooters in daily traffic. The first issue is that while scooters can hit speeds up to 20 MPH, this speed is slow compared to how fast a car can travel.\r\n\r\nThis means that electric scooters will block traffic patters while on public roads, and their speed limits their operation on roadways with higher speed limits.\r\n\r\nAt the same time, driving at 20 MPH on a sidewalk near shops and other locations with high foot traffic can lead to confusion and injuries for pedestrians in the area.\r\n\r\nWhile electric scooters are convenient for the person operating the vehicle, they can prevent people from enjoying walking at a leisurely pace, can potentially barge through crowds, and will generally be a source of irritation in many cases.\r\n\r\nCity officials will need to think about how e-scooters work in public roadways if they want to integrate this mode of transportation safely into everyday use.\r\n<h2>What Can We Do To Make Electric Scooters Safer On Public Roads?<\/h2>\r\nWhat is the best course of action to take after considering the dangers posed by a scooter for the rider and concerns for pedestrians and motorists? What can be done to ensure the health of citizens while promoting reliable forms of transportation around cities?\r\n\r\nMany transportation experts agree that it would be unfortunate and short-sighted to ban the use of electric scooters in cities. After all, electric scooters are in many ways a future proof and desirable option for commuting.\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"Inside The Electric Scooter Divide In San Francisco | Sunday TODAY\" width=\"840\" height=\"473\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/YGVX-yDGKjk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-load-mode=\"1\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nE-scooters are a fast transport option that is sustainable, and that helps reduce pollution and congestion on public roads. The problem isn\u2019t so much with scooters\u2026 it\u2019s more with all the other vehicles and pedestrians.\r\n\r\nCity officials will need to develop regulations that are more strict for operators of scooters, similar to the approach taken with bicyclists.\r\n\r\nThese regulations should not be overreaching, but they can require operators always to wear a helmet and other protective gear while riding on an e-scooter.\r\n\r\nEven at slower speeds, riders need to pay attention to their surroundings and use protective wear since they pose a threat to pedestrians in the area.\r\n\r\nLikewise, riders need to be conscientious and responsible when it comes to the way they interact with other users of the roads and sidewalks. Research the laws in your area, and make sure to ride in a way that causes minimal disruption to anyone else\r\n\r\nFinally, there is also an onus on both city councils and electric scooter manufacturers. Scooters should be designed to reduce accidents, while cities should learn to accommodate alternative modes of transport.\r\n\r\nCitizens will need to work with local city officials and lawmakers to find a way to ensure the safety of riders and drivers on public roads while continuing to promote electric scooters as an efficient transportation option for years to come!","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Electric scooters are growing in popularity in cities across the United States due to their convenience and ease of use to get around crowded downtown areas. Similar to electric cars, electric scooters are powered by a rechargeable battery and can reach top speeds around 20MPH. This means that business people, tourists, and everyday commuters can travel from home to work &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/staging.trafficsafetystore.com\/blog\/understanding-the-4-major-points-in-the-debate-over-electric-scooters\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Understanding The 4 Major Points In The Debate Over Electric Scooters&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":5283,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[60],"tags":[15,16,17,19,26],"class_list":["post-5274","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-new-technology","tag-traffic-managment","tag-accident-reduction","tag-roadway-innovations","tag-driver-safety-facts","tag-distracted-drivers"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.trafficsafetystore.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5274","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.trafficsafetystore.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.trafficsafetystore.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.trafficsafetystore.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.trafficsafetystore.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5274"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/staging.trafficsafetystore.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5274\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6596,"href":"https:\/\/staging.trafficsafetystore.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5274\/revisions\/6596"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.trafficsafetystore.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5283"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.trafficsafetystore.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5274"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.trafficsafetystore.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5274"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.trafficsafetystore.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5274"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}