Are E-scooters a hazard to drivers? Here’s how to keep everyone safe…

How can you protect e-scooter users?

For a start, drivers should apply the same principles as those put in place to protect the most vulnerable road users... For example, giving a 1.5-2 metre gap when passing. Road users must stay alert at all times and anticipate meeting e-scooter users. You know when you get that gut feeling that you’re going to meet a huge lorry down the most awkward of roads… listen to that instinct and always be prepared for the worst-case scenario.

Did you know, all you need to ride a public e-scooter is a provisional drivers licence? This means you’ll need to be prepared for a rider to not have the same understanding and experience of the road as yourself.

E-scooters users are often quite young, with 1 in 4 parents buying their kids one for presents, and so riders often have little to no experience of the road - some even without a full-licence. For example, don’t expect them to give way to the right at a roundabout or to look behind their shoulder before they turn into a junction. If you meet an e-scooter, imagine and behave like they have a big “L” plate written on them.

We’ve pulled together some important safety tips to take on-board, before you get on-board:

• Ride in the centre of your lane: This will make you more visible to other road users and also make it harder for vehicles to dangerously overtake you. Just as you would with a motorbike, it’s about riding defensively.
• Wear a high-vis at night: It’s really important to ensure you’re easily seen when riding in the dark. Without any reflective clothing, it’s likely that a car's headlights might not be able to spot you.
• Stick to legal e-scooters: Legal e-scooters are capped at the maximum speed limit of the road you’re on. They are also unable to go in “out-of-bounds" areas, which are dangerous to users - for example, motorways. These restrictions make public e-scooters much safer. Illegal, privately purchased e-scooters are unrestricted and therefore can be dangerous. When you’re not familiar with speed limits and road signs, it can be easy to accidentally speed or end up in areas that aren’t safe for you to ride in. Find out more on the difference between legal and illegal e-scooters.
• Always wear a helmet: It’s not currently a legal requirement to wear a helmet on an e-scooter in the UK, but it provides a vital amount of protection. Now they’ve never been “cool”, but they can be the difference between a minor injury and a serious or even fatal injury in the event of an incident.
• Obey traffic laws: Before you get on the road, you should have a good understanding of how it works. Have a read of The Highway Code and get familiar with the rules of the road. It may seem a little confusing at first, but it will make you a safer rider.
• Use bike lanes: If there’s an option to, use one - bike lanes are there to reduce the risk of a collision with motor traffic. E-scooters are allowed in bike lanes, and they’ll protect you from other vehicles by keeping you separate.
• Don’t use headphones: When being on the road, it’s important that you can hear what’s happening around you - whether that’s the warning sound of a train crossing gate closing or another car's horn. So don’t wear headphones and keep an ear out for danger or other road users trying to warn you.