I was never ashamed My support for electric scooters and e-bikes as an important part of the alternative transportation puzzle. As the number of high-risk accidents increases, it is time for us to take the importance of rider safety seriously.

The latest incident to make headlines is Rihanna’s electric scooter breakdown.

Recording Artist Seen with black eyes and a wounded face Following an accident on an electric scooter this weekend.

It is not known what kind of electric scooter Rihanna drove or wore a helmet.

Of high profile cases Celebrities get hurt Electric scooters and e-bikes make flash news, which is the trend we hear. But Similar to many other people and unnecessarily injured, They are not reported.

Although many riders are lucky enough to walk with knee and injured egos, one of the leading causes of serious injury is a heart attack that can be prevented by wearing a helmet.

Revel’s shared electric scooter program It recently reopened in New York City after three deaths in two months. Hearing again about high cases like Death of local NYC news reporter Nina Kapoor, Killed as a passenger on a Revel scooter while driving without wearing a helmet. But these accidents happen very often and rarely attract attention without a famous name.

I do not choose a service or scooter company. Revel performed as part of it Strict new security restrictions “Helmet selfies” that allow the scooter to be unlocked are required only if the rider is wearing a helmet. Each scooter includes two helmets in the cargo box, which contain the teardow hygiene liners.

Shared electric scooter companies Lemon and bird Offer free helmets to riders, however riders must request a helmet in advance.

Such safety measures by companies are helpful, but the only way to make this type of two-wheeler electric vehicle safer is if we as riders prioritize safety.

I.e. wear a helmet. This means riding on the right bike paths instead of weaving around pedestrians. This means getting acquainted with electric scooters or e-bikes before getting out of the busy road for the first ride.

Using electric bicycles and e-scooters, like any type of transportation, has inherent risks. An electric scooter is more statistical than a car, it is more statistical than a bus, it is more dangerous than a train, and so on.

But at a time More and more riders are turning to e-bikes Compared to shared cars, buses, and trains due to COVID-19 concerns, it is more important than ever for riders to take steps to mitigate the risks of micromobility. Wear a helmet. Ride within your limits. Know your local traffic rules. Yield for cars. Of course, you may have the right path. That’s good, your grave will be inscribed, “Behold dear reader; He had the right way. ”

But most importantly, take the time to master the vehicle you are using. Although almost everyone knows how to ride a bike, an electric scooter can be tricky. It follows the same principles as the bicycle or e-bike, but requires special consideration due to its smaller wheels and inherent stability. If you are new to riding scooters, first consider borrowing from a friend and practicing in a parking lot. Make donuts, learn how the steering wheel responds, push your weight further back on the scooter and practice braking slowly so you don’t fly over the handlebars. Keep in mind that your small wheels cannot handle obstacles similar to bicycle wheels. If in doubt, stop and go around.

Training does not make you better, but it makes you more experienced and better at dealing with the surprises that inevitably arise in the real world.

To repeat, I strongly support the role of electric scooters and other micromobility. They help reduce CO2 emissions, avoid road congestion, and allow passengers to enjoy fresh air. Heck, I don’t even drive a car – I get everywhere I need to go in my city In various forms electric two-wheelers (Or four-wheelers, if you count electric skateboards).

But as far as I can argue for the increased use of micromobility vehicles, I don’t see the world through rose-colored ride goggles. We must all acknowledge that these types of vehicles require more safety considerations and attention to operate safely. It starts with introducing yourself to how to safely and confidently drive such vehicles while wearing a helmet. But it continues from there. Each ride is an opportunity to practice those skills and improve our awareness.

Each is responsible for our own safety. If you enjoy the ride, do it safely, accurately and responsibly to ensure it continues in the years to come. I’m glad to join you for a ride!

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