Wiktor Wise
Electric scooters are not classified as bikes, despite being an affordable and environmentally friendly mode of transport. Electric scooters are less visible to drivers than cyclists, and riders are more likely to be injured by potholes, pavement cracks, lampposts and signposts. They are also at a higher risk of sustaining head injuries, as the standing position of an e-scooter is unstable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Electric scooter riders are more likely to sustain head injuries than cyclists, according to the Danish Transport Authority. They are also less visible to drivers. |
| Maintenance | Electric bikes require more maintenance than electric scooters, which may only need a battery replacement every few years. |
| Legality | It is illegal to ride a privately-owned electric scooter on public roads in the UK. |
What You'll Learn
- Electric scooter riders are less visible to drivers than cyclists
- Electric scooter riders are more likely to be injured by potholes, pavement cracks, lampposts and signposts
- Electric scooter riders are more likely to sustain head injuries
- Electric bikes are more affordable
- Electric bikes require more maintenance
Electric scooter riders are less visible to drivers than cyclists
However, recent studies in the United States found that riding a scooter does not carry more risk than other modes of transport in terms of serious injury or death. Electric bikes (EAPC’s) are an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative means of transport for drivers who are disqualified from driving. They are also known as ‘electrically assisted pedal cycles’. Electric bikes that meet certain specific technical requirements do not need to be registered, insured, taxed and no licence is required to ride them.
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Electric scooter riders are more likely to be injured by potholes, pavement cracks, lampposts and signposts
Electric scooters are not classified as bikes because they are considered to be more dangerous. Electric scooter riders are twice as likely to be injured by potholes, pavement cracks, lampposts and signposts than cyclists. This is because scooter tyres are much smaller than bicycle tyres, making it harder to go over obstacles. In addition, the standing position of an e-scooter is unstable, putting riders in danger of being thrown forward more quickly and with more force than a cyclist. This leads to much higher rates of head injury – eight times higher than a cyclist according to the Danish Transport Authority.
Scooter riders are also less visible to drivers than cyclists, and are therefore more likely to be hit by a motor vehicle. However, some studies have found that scooters are no more dangerous in terms of risk of serious injury or death than other modes of transport. Electric bikes are also more affordable and environmentally friendly than electric scooters. They require more maintenance, but this may be no more than a battery replacement every few years.
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Electric scooter riders are more likely to sustain head injuries
Electric scooters are not classified as bikes because they are considered more dangerous. Electric scooter riders are eight times more likely to sustain head injuries than cyclists, according to the Danish Transport Authority. This is due to the standing position of an e-scooter, which is unstable and can cause riders to be thrown forward more quickly and with more force.
E-scooter riders are also twice as likely to be injured because of potholes, pavement cracks, lampposts, and signposts. This is because they are less visible to drivers than cyclists. In addition, serious injuries in e-scooter users have been correlated with low helmet usage, age, and riding while intoxicated.
A study by Queen Mary University found that, while the overall number of significant injuries to cyclists was nearly nine times higher than it was for e-scooter riders, there are at least nine times more cyclists in the UK. This suggests that e-scooter riders are more likely to be injured per mile travelled.
The high rate of head injuries among e-scooter riders is particularly alarming to federal health officials. Studies have shown that approximately 40% of electric scooter accident victims admitted to hospitals suffer head injuries. This is compared to 15% of bicycle riders who experience traumatic brain injuries.
To mitigate these risks, it is crucial to implement safety measures and improve safety systems and equipment. This includes encouraging helmet use, which has been shown to reduce the risk of head and brain injuries in the event of a crash.
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Electric bikes are more affordable
Electric bikes also require far more maintenance than well-made e-scooters. When it comes to riding safely, an electric bike can be a better option on the road than an electric scooter. Scooter riders are also less visible to drivers than cyclists are. The standing position of an e-scooter is unstable, putting riders in danger of being thrown forward more quickly and with more force than a cyclist. This leads to much higher rates of head injury – eight times higher than a cyclist according to the Danish Transport Authority. IIHS researchers found that e-scooter riders sustained more injuries per mile than bicyclists and were twice as likely to be injured because of potholes, pavement cracks, lampposts, and signposts.
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Electric bikes require more maintenance
Electric bikes require far more maintenance than well-made e-scooters, which may only need a battery replacement every few years. Electric bikes, on the other hand, are known as 'electrically assisted pedal cycles' (EAPCs) and require regular maintenance to keep them in good working order. This includes tasks such as charging the battery, replacing worn-out parts, and adjusting the brakes and gears.
The standing position of an e-scooter is also more unstable than that of an electric bike, putting riders at risk of being thrown forward more quickly and with more force. This leads to higher rates of head injury – eight times higher than a cyclist, according to the Danish Transport Authority. Scooter riders are also less visible to drivers than cyclists, which can increase the risk of accidents.
Despite these risks, electric scooters are still a great option compared to petrol models, and their batteries and other components can last for years with proper care. In terms of safety, electric bikes may be a better option on the road than electric scooters. However, electric bikes that meet certain specific technical requirements do not need to be registered, insured, taxed, or licensed, making them a more affordable and environmentally friendly alternative for drivers who are disqualified from driving.
Overall, while electric scooters may have some advantages over electric bikes in terms of maintenance and cost, electric bikes offer a safer and more sustainable option for those looking for an alternative means of transport.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric scooters are not classified as bikes because they are less visible to drivers than cyclists, and riders are more likely to sustain injuries per mile than bicyclists.
Electric scooters are more dangerous than bikes. According to the Danish Transport Authority, e-scooter riders are eight times more likely to suffer a head injury than cyclists.
No, bicyclists are three times more likely to be hit by a motor vehicle than e-scooter riders. However, e-scooter riders are twice as likely to be injured because of potholes, pavement cracks, lampposts, and signposts.
Electric bikes require more maintenance than well-made e-scooters, which may only need a battery replacement every few years.
