Shared e-scooters have quickly become a popular way for people to get to where they need to go. However, injury rates of riders in cities where they are deployed have raised flags for regulators, media, healthcare professionals, researchers, and operators alike.

The popularity and rapid adoption of shared e-scooters in communities across North America speaks to the positive impacts that they can offer as a mobility option– low cost, low carbon, first/last mile connection, and more. And, this mode is still new for riders, operators, and regulators. Because so many people and communities are affected by this innovation in the way we move through cities, the safety of the vehicles and the places where they are ridden is paramount.

As detailed in the NABSA Code of Conduct, the association is dedicated to Safety, Cooperation, and Transparency in the bikeshare and shared micromobility industry. With this in mind, NABSA offers the following information to encourage safety as shared e-scooters are piloted and adopted in communities across North America.

• Shared e-scooters as a mobility mode are new, and only just beginning to produce the data we need to draw concrete conclusions. Preliminary research has been conducted by the Austin Public Health with support from the CDC, UCLA, and the City of Baltimore that provide early insights, but more study is needed to create truly data-informed policies and recommendations.
• All vehicles should be purpose built for heavy use, rigorously tested and well- maintained. Models in operation should be fleet or industrial grade to withstand frequent shared use by the public. Equipment recalls and safety deficiencies should be disclosed swiftly and publicly. This includes all components of shared micromobility vehicles, including batteries. Staff should be well-trained on equipment maintenance.
• Separate, protected infrastructure is the safest place for e-scooter riders. Ensuring that riders have access to safe facilities is paramount to encouraging healthy, safe use. Whenever possible, separated infrastructure should be added to accommodate all vulnerable users of the roadway, regardless of mode.
• E-scooters should not be parked blocking the public right of way. Improperly parked e-scooters can be a hazard, especially to people with impaired vision or other disabilities. Scooter trips must begin and end with the scooters safely parked.
• Government-, private-, and non-profit-sector partners must work together to provide more safety education to e-scooter riders, potential riders, and the general public to build familiarity with new vehicles operating in the public way and build a culture of safety in shared e-scooter use.
• Authority to regulate and manage shared e-scooters and other shared micromobility devices must remain at the local level. It is local authorities who know their communities best and are positioned to create standards for system implementation that meet community needs, including safety. More information on NABSA’s micromobility policy recommendations can be found here.

Resources:

The following is a compilation of current e-scooter safety information and resources available.

NABSA Webinar Recording and Slide Deck: Shared E-Scooter Safety, from June 2019, featuring speakers from the CDC, Austin Public Health, UCLA, and Remix.

Dockless Electric Scooter-related Injuries Study. Published April 2019, Austin Public Health with assistance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Injuries Associated With Standing Electric Scooter Use. Published January 2019 by UCLA Researchers

Dockless Vehicle Pilot Program Evaluation Report. Published March 2019 by the Baltimore City Department of Transportation

E-Scooter Pilot Findings Report Published January 2019 by the Portland Bureau of Transportation. Findings of the Multnomah County Health Department on page 22.

Electric Scooters: Before you hop on, know the rules of the road. Published by the Portland Bureau of Transportation

PBOT E-Scooter Infographic (English). Original design created by the Portland Bureau of Transportation.

PBOT E-Scooter Infographic (Multiple Translations). Original design created by the Portland Bureau of Transportation.

Scooter Safety Infographic (English and Spanish). Published June 2019 by the City of Chicago based on design by the Portland Bureau of Transportation