Electric Scooter Guidelines: 6 Etiquette Rules to Keep in Mind

Electric scooters have become a popular mode of transportation in recent years, especially in cities. They offer a convenient, eco-friendly, and fun way to travel short distances. However, with the increase in popularity, there has been an increase in accidents and injuries related to electric scooters. This is why it’s crucial to follow proper electric scooter guidelines and etiquette to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover six guidelines for proper electric scooter etiquette that you should follow every time you ride.

Wear a Helmet

The first and most important electric scooter etiquette rule is wearing a helmet. A helmet is the best way to protect yourself from serious head injuries in case of an accident. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 4% of electric scooter riders wear helmets.

Many cities have laws requiring electric scooter riders to wear helmets. Even if your city doesn’t have such laws, wearing a helmet every time you ride is essential. It’s important to choose a helmet that fits properly and has a safety certification, such as a DOT (Department of Transportation) or Snell certification.

Follow Traffic Laws

Electric scooters are considered vehicles, and therefore, you must follow traffic laws. This means stopping at stop signs and traffic lights, using hand signals when turning, and riding in the bike lane. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and follow the flow of traffic.

Many electric scooter riders need to avoid riding on the sidewalk, which is not only against the law in most cities but also dangerous for pedestrians. Riding on the sidewalk increases the risk of accidents and injuries to both the rider and pedestrians. Always ride in the bike lane, and if there isn’t one, ride on the right side of the road.

Read more: Electric scooters Guide

Respect Pedestrians

Pedestrians always have the right of way, so it’s crucial to respect them. Slow down when you approach a pedestrian and give them plenty of space. Never ride your electric scooter on the sidewalk, and always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.

It’s also essential to be aware of your surroundings and watch out for pedestrians, especially in crowded areas. Always be prepared to stop or slow down if necessary, and never assume that pedestrians will see you or hear you coming.

Park Responsibly

When you’re done riding your electric scooter, park it responsibly. This means not blocking pedestrian walkways, bike lanes, or driveways. Always park your scooter in a designated area or rack.

Many cities have designated areas for electric scooter parking, and it’s important to use them. If there isn’t a designated area, park your scooter in a place where it will only obstruct pedestrian traffic or block any driveways.

Be Visible

Electric scooters can be hard to see, especially at night. To ensure your safety, wear reflective clothing and use lights on your electric scooter. This will make you more visible to drivers and other riders.

Many electric scooters come with built-in lights, but it’s important to check them before every ride to ensure they’re working correctly. If your electric scooter doesn’t have lights, you can easily attach them yourself.

Ride Solo

Electric scooters are designed for one person, so it’s important to ride solo. Riding with a passenger is not only unsafe but also against the law in most places. Adding a passenger to an electric scooter can affect its balance and stability, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.

Read more: KAABO SCOOTERS USAGE

Conclusion

Electric scooters have become a popular and convenient mode of transportation, but it’s important to follow proper etiquette to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. By wearing a helmet, following traffic laws, respecting pedestrians, parking responsibly, being visible, and riding solo, you can enjoy your electric scooter while also being a responsible rider.

We hope this comprehensive guide on electric scooter etiquette has been helpful. Remember always to ride safely and responsibly.