Are electric scooters dangerous?

This is in any case the conclusion of a report commissioned by the National Academy of Medicine, which highlights that their use has become a major public health issue.

They are rampant in our city centers, annoy many residents, but it must be acknowledged that scooters are popular among young people and tourists, who prefer their “free” use, despite a certain cost, rather than squeezing into crowded public transport.

A respect for an ultimatum?

However, the City Hall of Paris convened the three operators of free-floating scooter rentals (Dott, Lime and Tier) in September, to inform them that user safety and parking were problematic and to set an ultimatum with a threat of non-renewal of their concessions in 2023 if no solution was found.

The various stakeholders responded by agreeing to install license plates, but also to conduct identity checks during registration, to confirm that users are of legal age. However, while it is now easier to trace clients and file complaints following an incident, serious accidents involving electric scooters are unlikely to decrease anytime soon.

A mass casualty in 2021

The National Academy of Medicine even studied the issue and concluded that these new devices are risk factors due to rider behavior, road conditions, and public space sharing. Thus, in 2019, a total of 10 accidental deaths from electric scooters nationwide were reported, a figure that rose to 22 deaths and 20,000 injuries in 2021!

In a sample of the general population, 22% are electric scooter users, and half of them are regular users. Nearly three-quarters of users are between 18 and 30 years old, and 26% of “scooterists” are former drivers who switched. 75% of those using the free-floating service have less than a year of practice.

Several recommendations have been issued by the National Academy of Medicine.

1. The device:

• Require standards for the width of the platform, wheel diameter and width to ensure real stability for the rider.
• Enhance equipment with turn signal indicators located on the handlebars or integrated into the rider’s equipment, and include a rear brake light.
• Align the actual power of the devices with the permissible power to comply with existing regulations.
• Control rental devices via GPS platform according to urban zones.

• 2. The rider:

• Raise the minimum age to 16 years old.
• Implement basic training in schools.
• Require, for minors, a certificate of aptitude to operate a rental electric scooter.
• Make wearing gloves and especially a suitable helmet mandatory.
• Protective gear for limbs (elbows, wrists, knees) is also recommended.
• Organize awareness campaigns on the risks of e-scooter use and insurance conditions.

Hopefully, these recommendations will not remain on paper…

Read also: Scooter in Paris: city hall launches a new blow to free-floating services