Scooters And One Wheels

Half of the British need e-scooter restrictions

More than half of UK respondents are calling for electric scooter licenses to be introduced when public use of the vehicles is legalized.

This reflects public safety concerns, according to JMW Solicitors who conducted the survey.

One respondent stated that an e-scooter license would “regulate its use and importance” [users] can be fined for being unsafe to drive “while another suggested that since an e-scooter is a motorized mode of transport,” drivers should “pass an exam, get a driver’s license and be insured as they use their scooter can use more responsibly ”.

In addition, 85% of the 1,000 participants believe that the use of e-scooters should be subject to age restrictions, while 82% believe that use should only be allowed for those over 16 years of age. A quarter of the listed uses should be restricted by the time a person is 18 years of age.

Richard Powell, Head of Personal Injury at JMW Solicitors, said: “Until August 1, 2020, e-scooters were illegal to drive on UK roads unless they were used on private land with the landowner’s permission. However, the increasing popularity of this mode of transport has resulted in e-scooter rentals becoming legal to ease pressure on public transport amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The increasing popularity of e-scooters as a means of transport for tech-savvy drivers who want to get from A to B more efficiently creates unique safety problems. In 2019, YouTuber Emily Hartridge was killed in an e-scooter collision after losing control due to an underinflated tire, an incident that showed how dangerous e-scooters can be. “

The survey also revealed a lack of knowledge about the rules for using e-scooters, as 52% said they were not aware of the relevant laws. More than a quarter believe that a private e-scooter can be used in public and 16% believe that e-scooters can be used on the sidewalk, even though both scenarios have been banned by the Department of Transportation.

“Although the Ministry of Transport has published guidelines for e-scooter rental companies that put a speed limit of 25 km / h, drivers are not sufficiently sensitized and it is still uncertain how safe e-scooters are compared to other forms.” of modes of transport like cars and bicycles, ”Powell adds.

Elsewhere in the survey, respondents believe that drivers should receive the same safety information as cyclists (93%), with e-scooter users having to wear a helmet (88%) and high-visibility clothing (74%).

To avoid accidents, JMW believes that e-scooter drivers should consider wearing a helmet to protect against a variety of head injuries and avoid injuries from collisions.

In addition, you should refrain from using an e-scooter under the influence of alcohol and carry out safety checks such as a visual inspection for damage as well as an examination of the brakes and throttle before starting your journey.

The company advises that childhood driving a scooter does not mean users can control an e-scooter.

According to JMW, this means of transport can be more difficult to use due to its small wheels, which means that practicing before driving is a must for novice drivers.

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