Trystan Casey
Electric scooters are a fun and convenient way to get around, but they can also be dangerous if you don't know how to signal properly. Signalling is important to communicate your intentions to other road users, allowing them to react accordingly and make safe decisions. While some scooters have built-in turn signals and brake lights, others require you to use hand signals. Removing your hand from the handlebar can be unsafe, so products like WingLights have been developed to fit into the handlebars and allow you to signal with a tap of your finger. In this article, we will discuss the different ways to signal on an electric scooter, including hand signals, built-in signals, and accessories like WingLights, to ensure you can ride safely and confidently.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Signalling on an electric scooter | Use hand signals or add-on lights |
| Hand signals | Extend arm straight out to the left or right to indicate a turn in that direction; extend and bend arm at a 90-degree angle to indicate stopping or slowing down |
| Add-on lights | WingLights: fit into handlebars, flash bright amber to indicate direction; LED position and turning lights; front and rear safety warning lights |
| Other safety measures | Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) with optical sensors; proper lighting, reflectors, and turn signals; bright headlights and tail lights; helmet-mounted lights |
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What You'll Learn
Use hand signals
Signalling on an electric scooter is important to inform others of your intentions, allowing them to react accordingly. This is especially important when turning or changing lanes in traffic, but it also helps pedestrians and other road users to make safe decisions around you.
Using hand signals on an electric scooter can significantly improve communication with other road users, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride. It is best practice to signal your intentions to drivers and pedestrians with your hands, just as you would when biking.
To signal a left turn, extend your arm straight out to the left, and do the same to the right to signal a right turn. You can also signal a right turn by extending your right arm and bending it up at the elbow. Before using hand signals, it is important to practice operating your electric scooter with one hand.
To signal that you are slowing down or stopping, fully extend either your left or right arm (depending on local traffic regulations) and bend it at a 90-degree angle at the elbow, pointing your hand downward.
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Use indicators or lights
Electric scooters are a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transport. However, one issue that arises with their use is how to safely signal your direction intentions to other road users. A study by the Smart Mobility Lab in France found that one of the key issues cited against the use of electric scooters was the lack of turn signals or clear direction indicating capability.
One option to address this issue is to use WingLights by CYCL. These are turn signals that fit into the hollows of handlebars and with one tap, flash a bright amber light, mimicking the signalling method of cars. They are made from aluminium and are robust, shockproof and waterproof. The position of the indicator lights at the end of the handlebars offers optimum visibility. To install WingLights, you will need to remove the end caps or cut off the rubber grips from the handlebars.
Another option is to install a battery-operated bicycle turn signal. These are not as bright or well-made as other options but are easy to install and require no external wiring. They run on two AA batteries located inside the turn signal housing.
If you are confident with electronics, you could also consider 3D printing your own light mounts and integrating the necessary electronic components. You should ensure that you comply with the laws of your country when doing so.
Finally, it is important to test your electrical setup for each important wiring step. You can use a multimeter to investigate and measure voltages at various points on your scooter's electronics, which will help you develop your electrical diagram.
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Know your local traffic laws
Electric scooters have become increasingly popular, and as a result, cities and states are fine-tuning their e-scooter laws to balance accessibility and safety. Before riding your electric scooter, it is important to understand the local traffic laws and regulations specific to your city and state. Here are some key points to consider:
Riding Requirements
Age and licensing requirements vary across different regions. In Alabama, for example, adults aged 19 and above can rent electric scooters, and 18-year-olds can use them with parental consent. In Michigan, the minimum age to operate an electric scooter is 12, and no license or registration is required. It is important to check your local laws to ensure you meet the necessary age and licensing requirements.
Riding Locations
The permitted riding areas for electric scooters differ depending on the region. In some places, electric scooters are allowed on roadways, bicycle paths, and sidewalks. However, they may be prohibited on highways or streets with high speed limits. For instance, in California, riding electric scooters on sidewalks is strictly prohibited, and they are permitted on roads with speed limits of 25 mph or less. Always check your local laws to determine where you can legally ride your electric scooter.
Speed Limits
Maximum speed limits for electric scooters vary by region. Generally, they have a top speed of 15-20 mph, but it is important to adhere to the specific speed limit in your area. For example, in California, the maximum speed limit for electric scooters is set at 15 mph, regardless of the riding location.
Safety Equipment
The requirements for safety equipment, such as helmets, lighting, and reflectors, can vary across regions. In Michigan, riders under 18 are required to wear protective headgear. In California, wearing a high-quality bicycle or motorcycle helmet is recommended for added safety. Additionally, consider wearing gloves, knee pads, and elbow guards to minimize the risk of injuries in the event of an accident. Check your local laws to ensure you comply with the necessary safety equipment requirements.
Hand Signals
While some electric scooters may have electric turn signals, it is important to familiarize yourself with accepted hand signals to indicate stopping or turning. To signal a left turn, extend your arm straight out to the left, and do the same to the right to signal a right turn. Alternatively, you can signal a right turn by extending your right arm and bending it up at the elbow. Hand signals help communicate your intentions to other drivers and pedestrians, ensuring a safer riding experience.
Additional Regulations
Other regulations to be aware of include parking restrictions, prohibitions on attaching your scooter to moving vehicles, and bans on the use of headphones or earbuds while riding. For example, in California, electric scooters cannot be parked in areas that block essential operations, emergency exits, or pathways. Always stay informed about the specific regulations in your area to ensure safe and legal riding.
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Be aware of your surroundings
Electric scooters are a fun and eco-friendly way to get around, but safety should always be a priority. To signal safely on an e-scooter, it is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
Maintain a 360-Degree Awareness: Stay alert and be mindful of potential hazards all around you. Keep an eye out for pedestrians, vehicles, obstacles, and uneven surfaces. Be extra cautious at intersections, where various paths converge, and always give way to pedestrians.
Check Your Blind Spots: Before making any turns or lane changes, glance over your shoulder to ensure there are no vehicles or cyclists in your blind spot. Get into the habit of regularly checking behind you, especially when riding in busy areas or changing directions.
Understand Traffic Patterns: Develop an awareness of the flow of traffic, including the movement of vehicles, cyclists, and other scooters. Anticipate their actions and be prepared to react to sudden movements or changes in traffic flow. This skill comes with experience, so the more you ride, the better you'll become at predicting and responding to your surroundings.
Use Your Senses: Make use of all your senses to gather information about your surroundings. Listen for the sounds of approaching vehicles, the ringing of bicycle bells, or the honking of horns. Be vigilant and keep an eye out for potential hazards, such as potholes, pavement cracks, lampposts, and signposts, which could cause an accident if not navigated safely.
Avoid Distractions: Stay focused and avoid distractions such as phone calls, texting, or listening to music through headphones. These activities can impair your awareness and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents. Keep your eyes and ears open, and give your full attention to the task of scooting safely.
By following these guidelines and staying aware of your surroundings, you can significantly enhance your safety on an electric scooter. Remember, defensive riding is key to avoiding accidents and ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.
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Consider investing in accessories
Electric scooters are a fun and eco-friendly way to get around, and there are a number of accessories you can invest in to enhance your riding experience and improve safety.
One of the most important accessories you should consider is a helmet. Protecting your head in the event of a fall or collision is crucial, and a good helmet is an essential piece of safety equipment. You may also want to consider a full-face helmet, especially if your scooter can reach high speeds.
To improve your visibility to other road users, you should also invest in some high-visibility clothing. A safety vest or jacket with reflective patches or fluorescent colours will make you more visible, especially when riding at night, in low-light conditions, or on busy roads. This is an inexpensive way to significantly improve your safety.
Another way to increase your visibility is to add lights to your scooter. Most electric scooters have low-mounted rear lights, which may not be bright enough for proper visibility in the dark. You can attach a red light to your helmet, backpack, or any other high-mounted position to increase your visibility. Front headlights can also help you see better and make you more visible to other road users.
To signal your intentions to other road users, you can use hand signals, but this may be unsafe as it requires removing your hand from the handlebar. Instead, you can invest in electric turn signals such as WingLights, which fit into your handlebars and allow you to signal direction with bright amber LED lights. This way, you can keep both hands on the handlebars and maintain your balance while clearly indicating your intentions.
Other accessories that can improve your safety include electric bells or horns, gloves, eye protection, phone holders, and locks to secure your scooter when parked in public spaces.
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Frequently asked questions
Signalling on an electric scooter can be tricky, as removing a hand or arm to signal a turn can cause the rider to lose balance. To signal safely, you can use hand signals, but only if you have practiced and can do so without losing control of the scooter. Alternatively, you can use add-on lights such as WingLights, which fit into the handlebars and allow you to signal direction with a tap of a button.
To signal a left turn, extend your left arm straight out to the side. To signal a right turn, you can either extend your right arm straight out or bend it up at the elbow. To signal that you are slowing down or stopping, extend either arm and bend it at a 90-degree angle at the elbow, pointing your hand downward.
Yes, there are various lighting accessories available to enhance visibility and safety on your electric scooter. These include bright headlights, tail lights, handlebar-mounted turn signals, and helmet-mounted lights. Reflectors are also a great addition, as they can make you more visible in low-light conditions.
