Otis Singleton
Electric scooters are a relatively new mode of transport, and their safety compared to bicycles is a topic of much debate. While some studies suggest that electric scooters are five times safer than bicycles, with lower collision rates, others argue that electric scooters are more dangerous due to factors such as low helmet usage, careless riding, and lack of safety features. The performance of the tires and brakes of electric scooters is also questioned, with pneumatic tires and caliper brakes found on bicycles offering better safety. The electric motor of scooters can also accelerate faster than muscle-powered bicycles, making them unsafe for inexperienced users.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Serious injuries | E-scooter riders are more likely to sustain serious injuries than cyclists due to low helmet usage, age, and riding while intoxicated. |
| Hospital admissions | A study conducted in LA found that 249 people were admitted for e-scooter injuries, compared to 195 for bicycle injuries. |
| Collision rates | Data shows that e-scooter collision rates are lower than bicycles, with 0.66 incidents per million miles traveled, while bicycles were involved in 3.33 collisions per million miles traveled. |
| Visibility | The rear light of a scooter is placed lower, making it harder for automobiles to notice, especially at night. |
| Brakes | Many electric scooters come with only an electronic or foot brake, which are the worst-performing braking solutions. |
| Tires | Electric scooters have airless (solid) or air-filled (pneumatic) tires, while bicycles only have pneumatic tires that perform better in cornering or slippery conditions. |
| Helmet usage | A Portland study found that only 10% of scooter-sharing riders wore a helmet, while a Seattle report stated that 20% of bike-share riders wore one. |
| Standardized regulations | E-scooters are a new mode of transport, leading to a lack of standardized laws and regulations, causing confusion and difficulty in enforcing safety laws. |
| Public perception | E-scooters are often perceived as more dangerous than other modes of transport, leading to bans in some cities. |
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What You'll Learn
E-scooter riders are more likely to sustain serious injuries
Electric scooters have been the subject of much debate regarding their safety, particularly when compared to traditional bicycles. While some studies suggest that e-scooters are safer than bicycles in terms of lower collision rates, there is also evidence to suggest that e-scooter riders are more likely to sustain serious injuries in the event of an accident.
One study conducted in England and Wales in 2021 found that while the overall number of significant injuries to cyclists was nearly nine times higher than for e-scooter riders, this could be attributed to the fact that there are nine times more cyclists in the UK. Furthermore, the study also revealed that e-scooter riders were more likely to sustain severe head injuries and that low helmet usage, age, and riding while intoxicated were contributing factors to the severity of injuries.
The design of electric scooters may also play a role in the severity of injuries sustained by riders. For example, electric scooters typically have smaller rear tail lights that are positioned lower to the ground, making them less visible to other vehicles. Additionally, many lower- to mid-tier electric scooters are equipped with less effective braking systems, such as electronic or foot brakes, which may not provide sufficient stopping power in emergency situations.
The performance characteristics of electric scooters can also contribute to the risk of injury. The electric motor can provide rapid acceleration, which may be challenging for inexperienced users to control. At higher speeds, some models of electric scooters can feel unstable, increasing the risk of losing control.
Furthermore, there are concerns about the lack of standardized regulations and safety buffers for e-scooter riders. The newness of this mode of transportation has led to confusion and challenges in enforcing laws, and e-scooter riders do not benefit from the same safety features found in cars, trucks, and buses, such as seatbelts and airbags.
In conclusion, while the data on the relative safety of e-scooters and bicycles is mixed, it is evident that e-scooter riders are more likely to sustain serious injuries, particularly head injuries, when involved in accidents. To enhance the safety of e-scooter riders, it is essential to address issues such as low helmet usage, unsafe riding behaviors, and the lack of standardized regulations and infrastructure. By promoting safe riding practices and implementing appropriate safety measures, the risk of severe injuries associated with e-scooter use can potentially be mitigated.
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E-scooters have worse brakes than bicycles
While some reports suggest that e-scooters are five times safer than bicycles, with lower collision rates, e-scooter riders are more likely to sustain serious injuries when they are involved in accidents. This could be due to the fact that e-scooters often have worse brakes than bicycles, which can increase the risk of accidents and the severity of injuries.
E-scooters typically have two types of brakes: mechanical and electronic. Mechanical brakes include disc, drum, and foot brakes, while electronic brakes include regenerative and electronic brakes. Disc brakes are considered the best type of brake for e-scooters as they provide strong braking power in both wet and dry conditions and are lightweight, reliable, and easy to adjust. They are also commonly found on e-scooters across various price ranges. However, some lower- to mid-tier e-scooters come with only electronic or foot brakes, which are the worst-performing braking solutions. These types of brakes have longer stopping distances, which can increase the risk of accidents.
Foot brakes, for example, require an awkward riding position and perform poorly, especially in wet conditions. They are also less effective than disc or drum brakes. Electronic brakes, on the other hand, should be viewed as supplementary to a proper braking system rather than the primary means of stopping. They have a longer stopping distance than disc brakes and are not as reliable.
In contrast, bicycles typically have caliper brakes or better as standard equipment. Caliper brakes are a type of disc brake that uses a hand lever to activate a component called a caliper, which surrounds part of the rotor (a metal disc attached to the wheel) and creates friction to slow the wheel. This type of brake provides strong braking power and is commonly found on bicycles, offering better stopping power than many e-scooter brakes.
The difference in braking systems between e-scooters and bicycles can contribute to the increased risk of accidents and injuries associated with e-scooter use. While e-scooters may have other advantages in terms of mobility and convenience, the worse brakes on some models can be a safety concern. To improve safety, it is recommended that e-scooter users opt for models with dual braking systems and higher-quality brakes, such as disc brakes, to ensure better stopping power and reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
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E-scooters have less visible rear lights
Electric scooters have been shown to be more dangerous than bicycles. A study published in JAMA Network Open found that e-scooters send more people to the hospital than bicycles. This is due to a multitude of factors, one of which is the lack of visible rear lights on e-scooters.
The placement and size of the rear light on e-scooters are restricted by the limited space available on the scooter's frame. The light is usually positioned just a few inches above the ground, which is much lower than the hip-level placement of a bicycle's rear light. This lower placement can make it challenging for automobiles to spot the light, especially when there is oncoming traffic or obstacles blocking the view.
To compensate for the less visible rear lights, e-scooter riders should take extra precautions when riding at night or in low-visibility conditions. This may include wearing reflective clothing, attaching additional lights to their scooter, or using hand signals to indicate their presence to other drivers. It is also important for e-scooter riders to be aware of their surroundings and ride defensively to reduce the risk of accidents.
While e-scooter companies have prioritized cost-effectiveness and convenience, the lack of visible rear lights is a safety concern that needs to be addressed. Improving the visibility of e-scooters, especially from the rear, can help reduce the risk of accidents and make the riding experience safer for both e-scooter users and other motorists on the road.
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E-scooter riders are less likely to wear helmets
While e-scooters have been deemed safer than bicycles in terms of collision rates, e-scooter riders are more prone to sustaining serious injuries due to low helmet usage. In fact, e-scooter riders are less likely to wear helmets than bicycle riders.
A study by Queen Mary University found that serious injuries among e-scooter users were correlated with low helmet usage, age, and riding while intoxicated. The study also found that e-scooter riders sustained more severe head injuries. The true impact of e-scooter injuries could be even greater, as the study only looked at patients admitted to hospitals in England and Wales in 2021.
The Portland Electric Scooter Pilot Study further highlights the disparity in helmet usage between e-scooter and bicycle riders. It found that only 10% of scooter-sharing riders wore helmets, compared to 20% of bike-share riders in Seattle. Similarly, in Brisbane, Australia, helmet non-use was more prevalent among riders of shared e-scooters.
Several factors may contribute to the lower helmet usage among e-scooter riders. One study found that riders who were concerned about collisions with vehicles and pedestrians were more likely to wear helmets, but concerns about the safety of the riding environment did not influence helmet use. Rider characteristics, such as demographics, frequency of riding, and engagement in risky behaviors, can also play a role in helmet usage. For example, a German observational study showed that users who wore less protective equipment were more likely to engage in risky behaviors like using phones or headphones and violating traffic rules.
Additionally, the perception of risk and support for helmet laws can influence helmet usage. A study found that riders who supported or strongly supported helmet laws were less likely to have ridden without a helmet in the previous 30 days, indicating that situational factors may contribute to non-use.
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E-scooters are perceived as more dangerous
Despite some studies suggesting that e-scooters are safer than bicycles, they are often perceived as more dangerous. This perception is influenced by several factors, including safety concerns, higher injury risks, and a lack of standardized regulations.
Firstly, e-scooters are relatively new, and there is a lack of standardized laws and regulations governing their use. This regulatory vacuum can create confusion and challenges in enforcing safety standards, giving rise to perceptions of heightened danger.
Secondly, safety concerns surrounding e-scooters contribute to their perceived riskiness. E-scooters lack the safety buffers found in cars, such as seatbelts and airbags, leaving riders more vulnerable in accidents. The small size and lower light placement of e-scooters can make them less visible to other vehicles, especially at night, exacerbating safety concerns.
Additionally, anecdotal evidence suggests that many e-scooter riders engage in careless or reckless behaviour, such as swerving through traffic, riding on sidewalks, and ignoring traffic rules. This perception of careless riding contributes to the belief that e-scooters are more dangerous.
Furthermore, e-scooter riders are frequently associated with a lower rate of helmet usage compared to cyclists. The JAMA study found that 94.3% of observed e-scooter riders were not wearing helmets, which can lead to more severe head injuries in the event of an accident.
The performance characteristics of e-scooters also play a role in their perceived danger. The electric motor can accelerate much faster than a muscle-powered bicycle, making it challenging for inexperienced users to control. The structure of the kickboard and the feeling of instability at higher speeds can further contribute to the perception of e-scooters as being more dangerous.
While data suggests that e-scooters have lower collision rates than bicycles, the severity of injuries sustained by e-scooter riders is often higher. This discrepancy has led to a perception that e-scooters are more dangerous, prompting cities like Paris, New Orleans, and Las Vegas to ban shared e-scooters while still allowing private use.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric scooters are perceived as more dangerous than bicycles, and there is some evidence to support this. A study published in JAMA Network Open found that e-scooter riders were more likely to be admitted to the hospital than bicycle riders. Another study found that e-scooter riders who were involved in accidents were more likely to sustain serious injuries than cyclists. This may be due to the lack of safety features on e-scooters, such as airbags and seatbelts, as well as low helmet usage among riders.
There are several factors that contribute to the danger of electric scooters. Firstly, they often have inferior brakes compared to bicycles, which can make it difficult to stop suddenly. Secondly, electric scooters, particularly those with solid tires, can perform poorly when cornering or in slippery conditions. Additionally, the rear tail light on scooters is often smaller and placed lower, making it harder for other vehicles to see.
To improve the safety of electric scooters, it is recommended that riders wear helmets and follow traffic laws. Additionally, investing in better brakes and tires can make a significant difference. From a regulatory perspective, standardized laws and infrastructure improvements, such as segregated lanes, can also enhance safety for e-scooter riders.
