by The Advantages of Electronic Scooters
Electronic scooters provide a convenient, affordable and environmentally-friendly way of traveling short to medium distances within cities. With no need for gasoline and very low emissions, electric scooters don’t contribute to air pollution like motor vehicles. They are also much more energy efficient – the equivalent of over 100 miles per gallon. For individuals, electronic scooters can save thousands in transportation costs each year compared to owning and operating a car. With electric motors that offer silent yet zippy acceleration, riding an e-scooter is also a very enjoyable experience.
The Rapid Growth of Scooter Sharing Programs
Dockless Electric Scooter sharing programs first emerged in 2017 and have since taken major cities by storm. Scooter companies like Lime, Bird, Spin and others dropped thousands of scooters overnight onto sidewalks through geo-fencing technology. Users locate and unlock scooters using a smartphone app, then pay by the minute to ride. This provided a convenient alternative to walking, biking or driving for many short trips. The scooter sharing market grew explosively with over 20 million rides taken in the U.S. in 2018 alone. However, this explosive growth also created new challenges for cities to manage.
Managing the Scooter Boom
While scooter sharing expanded mobility options, it also caused issues like improperly parked scooters blocking sidewalks. As the main equipment rental actors, scooter companies faced criticism over difficulties in enforcing proper parking. Some cities took action by imposing fines, suspending programs or reducing the number of allowed scooters until companies proved they could effectively manage operations. Both cities and companies are continuing to adapt regulations and tech like geofenced parking zones to balance the benefits of scooters with the needs of pedestrians, businesses and other road users.
Making Scooters Safe for All Users
Safety remains a major concern, especially for inexperienced riders. Many scooter related injuries involve head trauma from falls due to speeding, potholes or objects on roads and sidewalks. Helmet use is low, partly due to the lack of helmets provided by rental companies. Some places have made helmets mandatory while others require companies to at least offer helmets. Other efforts to promote safety best practices include capping speeds, age restrictions and educational programs. With sustained efforts, micromobility can continue developing safely alongside better infrastructure for alternative modes of transportation.
The Future of Electric Scooter Programs
As scooter sharing becomes more established, its long term role in urban mobility remains unclear. Scooters have successfully changed travel habits for many short trips previously made by car. However, use declines in winter months raising questions on whether scooters can become a year-round solution.
In Summary, companies and cities are testing various measures like swappable or extended range batteries to address seasonal demand changes. Overall, most experts agree that when properly regulated, electric scooter programs can provide valuable first-and-last mile connections to public transit and reduce car trips for improved sustainability. As technologies evolve, electric scooters are sure to play a growing role in cities worldwide.
