Brits Unsure on E-Scooters Due to Danger Concerns: Here’s How to Ride One Safely

If you have visited a UK city within the past few months you will have most likely seen people driving e-scooters within pedestrian areas. The controversial form of transport remains illegal for much of the UK and their use in public areas is only permitted as part of a government backed trial in certain areas.

Although the law states that a driving license is needed to participate in a rental scheme, the use of electric scooters, especially by the teen population, has led to many concerns from the public. A new report by The Compensation Experts reveals the UK’s true perception of this new mode of transport.

Electric scooter unease: Brits don’t feel safe

The average electric scooter can travel at a max speed of between 15-22mph[1] – a speed high enough to easily cause injury.

The report revealed that 64% of Brits agreed there should be a test before you can ride an e-scooter, alongside 70% who think there should be a speed limit for this new form of transport.

60% of respondents agreed that e-scooters will cause more accidents, whilst 38% of Brits think they will lead to an increase in crime.

While e-scooters rented legally as part of a trial can currently only be used in cycle lanes and roads, fearful Brits do not want this to change. 74% of respondents think e-scooters should stay off pedestrian paths, and over half (55%) said they would not feel safe walking down the high street with e-scooters.

Top tips for staying safe on e-scooters
Whether you’re using a public trial e-scooter or a privately-owned e-scooter on private property, you should always follow some basic safety tips. Here’s how to make sure you stay safe when riding an e-scooter.

1. Keep both hands on the handlebars at all times

It’s easy to get overconfident on an e-scooter. If you get a notification, it’s tempting to take a hand off the wheel and glance at your phone screen – but taking a hand off the handlebars can change your balance point, and easily lead to accidents!

2. Always wear protective equipment

It’s easy to think that because public trial e-scooters don’t go above 15mph, you won’t need protective equipment. But you can’t control other drivers, or account for human error on busy roads. You should always wear a helmet at the very least – it could be the difference between life and death.

3. Inspect your scooter before you ride

You should always check the battery, tire pressure, and brakes every time you hop on an e-scooter. Running out of charge at a busy intersection or riding on underinflated tires could cause a serious accident.

4. Don’t double up on an e-scooter

E-scooters are made for one person – there’s not enough room on standard electric scooters for two people, but that doesn’t stop people from riding tandem. E-scooters have a set weight limit, so if you’re over that limit and crash, you’re likely to be liable!