Electric scooters have become increasingly prominent in urban mobility in recent years in France. They are found absolutely everywhere in large cities as well as in small towns. Their popularity is explained by the many advantages they offer: light, fast, practical, economical, and ecological. With the increase in the number of electric scooters on the road, a sharp rise in accidents has been observed. In this article, Weebot presents how to avoid accidents on electric scooters and ensure your safety.
The main causes of electric scooter accidents
Non-compliance with electric scooter regulations
A large part of electric scooter accidents is explained by negligence of traffic rules. For example, users can be seen running a red light, ignoring the right-of-way rule, or using a lane that is not suitable for electric scooters. These irresponsible behaviors can cause collisions resulting in serious harm to the electric scooter user but also to other road users.
Excessive speed
The maximum authorized speed on an electric scooter is 25 km/h both in the city and outside urban areas. This limit was set to address the increasing number of accidents. It is known that many users decide to unlock their electric scooters. With models that can reach speeds of 100 km/h once unlocked, the risk of serious accidents is multiplied.
Lack of vigilance
Many users lack vigilance during their trips on electric scooters. They are sometimes distracted by music, for example, and therefore do not pay attention to the environment around them. Thus, with so little vigilance, they may not see a car coming towards them, for example, or ignore an obstacle on the road. However, it is known that vigilance is essential on the road and drastically reduces the risk of accidents.
Electric scooter accident against car
With very dense traffic in big cities, electric scooter accidents often involve cars. It is important to know how to react in case of an accident and to be informed about insurance regulations.
What to do in case of an accident involving an electric scooter and a car?
- Get to safety to avoid a secondary accident.
- Check if you are injured and ask the driver if he is okay.
- Call emergency services if necessary.
- Notify your insurer.
- Keep in contact with the car driver to discuss the accident and assert your rights.
Is insurance mandatory for electric scooter?
Yes, to ride an electric scooter, you must be insured at least for civil liability. In case of accident, this allows you to avoid having to pay the costs for the third party involved in the accident. Electric scooter insurance allows you to comply with the regulations and thus avoid a fine of €3750.
Safety rules on electric scooter
Choose the right model of electric scooter
To reduce the risk of accident, you can choose a electric scooter 25 km/h. These electric scooters are not unlockable and offer safety adapted to the city. Moreover, you will never be tempted to reach speeds that are too high and thus put yourself in danger.
Wear appropriate equipment
The practice of electric scooter can be dangerous. Indeed, users may take roads with vehicles going much faster than them. And they are absolutely not protected in case of collision (unlike a car which has a body). For these reasons, it is essential to wear the appropriate safety equipment. The indispensable accessory that should accompany you on all your trips is the helmet. It protects your skull and prevents serious injuries. Then, we recommend wearing gloves, knee pads, and elbow pads to avoid fractures during falls or accidents.
Know and respect the regulations
The regulations for 2024 on electric scooters was recently published. We encourage you to consult it to know all the traffic rules applicable to your practice. This allows you to anticipate dangers and avoid being surprised during your trips. Since the regulations are regularly updated, we recommend that you stay informed to always comply with the highway code.
Being attentive to your environment
Not paying attention to your environment is a common mistake that can cause accidents. You must always remain as vigilant as possible, watch the cars and pedestrians around you, and anticipate potential dangers. If you are not attentive, you expose yourself more to the risks of accidents and dangerous situations for yourself and for other users sharing the road.
Common mistakes to avoid during your electric scooter trips
- Use bike lanes as soon as they are available
- Regularly perform maintenance and servicing of your electric scooter
- Avoid riding in the rain
- Do not take passengers behind you
- Respect safety distances
- Equip your electric scooter with a powerful lighting system to always be visible
- Stay attentive to your environment and avoid distractions (headphones, smartphone, etc.)
How many accidents involving electric scooters occur each year?
In France, during the year 2023, the number of injured on electric scooters can be estimated at around 3000. This number continues to increase year after year. The number of serious injuries is 640 and the number of deaths is raised to 42.
These rising numbers are alarming especially since the number of road accidents (all types of vehicles combined) decreases year after year.
You must therefore be as vigilant as possible to avoid accidents on an electric scooter.
FAQ
Can I carry a passenger on my electric scooter?
No, carrying a passenger on your electric scooter is strictly prohibited, regardless of their age. Once again, ignoring this traffic rule exposes you to a fine of €135.
You must always be alone on your vehicle. This allows you to avoid distractions and adopt the safest possible driving.
How to be visible by day and night on an electric scooter?
Being visible to all road users when riding an electric scooter helps you avoid dangerous collisions. For this, you must equip your electric scooter with a powerful and functional lighting system. Remember to regularly check the condition of your front and rear lights. Also, you can wear reflective clothing for maximum visibility. Finally, you can stick reflective stickers on your electric scooter or your helmet, for example.