Tips for Making an Electric Scooter Ride Fun and Safe
In recent years, electric scooters have grown in popularity as a convenient alternate mode of transportation, with several rental services making them available in urban spaces across Maryland. However, as with any other vehicle, there are a few important things to remember to ensure a smooth ride.
Rider Responsibilities:
- The rider assumes full responsibility when agreeing to the Terms of Service for the e-scooter
- Read the user manual – learn to operate the e-scooter (practice)
- Assure proper functioning of the e-scooter prior to starting
- Wear safety gear (helmet, knee, and elbow pads, high visibility jacket)
- Ride solo; e-scooters are designed for single riders under 220 lbs.
- Never carry anything that can obstruct vision or cause a loss of control of the e-scooter
- Follow the local traffic rules, and ride only in designated spaces, following the same rules that would apply to any vehicle
- Do not attach the e-scooter to another vehicle
- Do not perform stunts; the scooter is not a toy
Injury Prevention Tips When Riding an Electric Scooter:
- Wear a helmet geared for e-scooters
- Wear high visibility clothing
- Single rider only (no children)
- The rider must be 18-years-old to ride (per popular companies)
- Do not attach or be pulled by another vehicle
- Ride with two hands; no cellular phone use or beverage use while riding
- Follow traffic laws
- Ride in bike lanes when available, and stay off sidewalks at all times
- Avoid bumpy surfaces and obstacles such as potholes, grass, gravel, uneven pavements, etc.
- Avoid sewers and grates (small tires will fall through)
- The rider must be a licensed driver
- Park respectfully, out of the way of pedestrians (park at edge of sidewalk)
- Check that tires aren’t flat before driving, and ensure brakes work
- Use hand signals for turning
- Do not use headphones; the rider needs to hear the surroundings
- Do not ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Keep both feet on the deck for stability
- Do not ride in wet weather (rain or snow)
Wherever your destination, following these simple rules will help you arrive there safely!
Carole Mays RN, MS
Director, Trauma & Injury Specialty Program
MIEMSS
