The smaller e-scooters purchased for private use are often lightweight and foldable, something that appeals to consumers. But from a safety perspective, the bigger ones that we rent in our cities are better, according to the study. Among other things, they have better steering and braking capabilities, which can make them safer to handle to avoid accidents.
“When you want to avoid an accident, you brake, and if you can’t brake enough, you cause an accident,” he says Marco Dozza, professor of vehicle safety at Chalmers University of Technology and one of the authors of the study.
“That’s why it’s important to know that the smaller electric scooters can have a significantly longer braking distance than the larger ones,” he continues.
Experience matters
According to Marco Dozza, one third of all electric scooter accidents occur during the first ride. Experience therefore matters. But since there is a difference between different electric scooters, a seasoned driver can be deceived by his own habit.
— If you have your own electric scooter and are used to it and then rent one, you expect them to brake the same, but they don’t, he says.
So in order to avoid accidents when speeding along the cycle paths, there is one thing above all that is important, according to Marco Dozza. Regardless of whether you are an experienced rider on a new electric scooter or a beginner.
— Train before you drive, he says.
— Find a quiet, uncrowded place and practice braking and evasive maneuvers.