Should electric scooters be banned from America’s streets, sidewalks?
Aug 14, 2019
Last year, shared scooters accounted for more than 38 million trips by Americans in more than 100 towns, according to the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), a nonprofit association. Those excursions accounted for almost 50% of the 84 million trips – which more than doubled from 2017 – taken on “shared micro-mobility” alternatives that also included both station-based and dockless bikes. As people look for ways to move around within congested cities quicker, scooters have grown in demand. However, their appearance has drawn rebuke that the scooters are dangerous both for riders and walkers.
Chicago, for example, has launched pilot programs for sharing scooters in June, eyeing the potential to reduce gridlock and pollution brought by automobiles. Portland, Oregon began a 120-day pilot program last year and a one-year plan this year that began in April. Additionally, New York State passed a bill in June to authorize the vehicle, although it is still illegal to rent one in Manhattan– you have to own one to drive one.
Still, some cities responded no, or at least not now. Last month, Chattanooga, Tennessee, proclaimed a six-month prohibition of scooters. Cities in California have taken similar methods. Nashville's Mayor David Briley ended the pilot period and banned e-scooters from Nashville's city streets.
Why do people love electric scooters so much?
One can comfortably ride a scooter, topping speeds of 15-30 miles per hour, to the nearest transportation stop a mile away and travel quicker than automobiles during congested construction safety zones or busy rush hours. Unlike bicycles, scooters can keep you from perspiring before you arrive at work or to gathering to meet friends. Various people have ridden scooters in their childhoods, which makes scooters well-known and appealing for passengers.
What are the safety and parking hazards of scooters?
City leaders opposing e-scooters indicated passenger safety as their significant concern and worry they would block paths if they were stored inappropriately, impeding walkers and people with disabilities.
After electric scooters were introduced, many hospitals at numerous locations saw an increase in scooter-related injuries within their emergency rooms. Since the fall of 2017, at least eight deaths have been attributed to scooters and over 1,500 riders have reported serious inuries, according to Consumer Reports. Emily Hartridge, a TV host and YouTube star, died after her electric scooter crashed into a truck.
Despite the news, specialists said there were restrictions in existing data, which may not adequately justify scooter prohibitions. Most research into scooter-related injuries didn’t accommodate the complete number of rides.
Read the source article at MSN.com
Scooters used to be toys only for children. Their motorized descendants, however, are now popular among adults.
Last year, Americans took 38.5 million trips on shared scooters in more than 100 cities, according to the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), a nonprofit organization. Those trips accounted for almost half of the 84 million trips – more than doubled from 2017 – taken on “shared micro-mobility” options that also include station-based bikes and dockless bikes.
As people look for ways to get around congested cities faster, scooters have gained in popularity. But their emergence has drawn criticism that the vehicles are risky both for riders and pedestrians.
