Increasing the speed of scooter travel minimizes the odds of sustaining an injury.
High-Speed E-Scooter Travel: The Risks and Safety Measures
The increased popularity of electric scooters (e-scooters) has brought both convenience and concerns, with the most common causes of injuries attributed to high-speed travel and the lack of protective gear.
Falling off e-scooters poses significant risks, particularly to the head, resulting in injuries such as facial and head soft tissue contusions, knocked-out teeth, and traumatic brain injuries. In addition, severe injuries to the hands, feet, head, and spine are reported by orthopedists.
The degree of injuries suffered is often linked to the e-scooter's speed. It is strongly recommended to not exceed 25 km/h to minimize the risks.
To ensure safety, it is essential to wear a helmet and other protective gear, adhere to traffic rules, refrain from using headphones while riding, and abstain from consuming alcohol.
- Protective Gear: A full-face helmet is ideal for head protection, and additional items such as knee pads, elbow pads, and gloves may be beneficial when traveling at speeds above 20 mph.
- Riding Techniques: Keep both hands on the handlebars for optimal control, avoid distractions like texting or listening to loud music, and maintain a safe distance from other road users.
- Scooter Maintenance: Regularly check the scooter's brakes, tires, and battery levels before each ride to ensure the scooter's condition.
- Speed and Lane Usage: Comply with local speed limits and ride in designated bike lanes or streets to lower the likelihood of collisions with cars or pedestrians.
- Awareness and Etiquette: Practice mindfulness around pedestrians and other road users, yielding to pedestrians and announcing your presence when required.
High-speed accidents can lead to severe injuries, including head injuries like concussions, fractures, and even herniated discs or spinal fractures. Knees, elbows, and hands are also at risk during high-speed impacts, emphasizing the significance of protective gear and safe riding practices.
To minimize the potential risks, riders should always follow safety guidelines, use protective gear, and maintain scooter maintenance regularly. Awareness and proper etiquette are key to reducing the chances of accidents on the road.
- Finance and Insurance: In the event of an accident, having appropriate insurance coverage is essential to ensure costs related to medical treatment and vehicle repair are covered.
- Safety in the Health-and-Wellness Industry: Regular health check-ups for riders are crucial to monitor any potential injuries or long-term health complications caused by e-scooter use.
- Transportation and Science Collaboration: In the transportation industry, ongoing research collaborations with the science community can help develop innovative e-scooter designs, incorporating features for enhanced safety, mobility, and user experience.
