ESSENTIAL SAFTEY TIPS FOR ELECTRIC SCOOTERS
Gear Up for Safety
Helmets aren't just an accessory; they're a necessity. Wearing a helmet is a non-negotiable safety measure regardless of how short your journey is. It's your safety net that significantly reduces the risk of head injuries and its also required by law. Pick a helmet that's comfortable, fits well, and has the proper AS/NZS 2063:2008 safety certifications.
Additional Protection
Don't stop at helmets—knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and gloves can add an extra layer of safety, cushioning the blow from falls and scrapes.
Visibility is Key
Bright, reflective clothing can make you stand out, especially during night rides.
Safety Tips
1. Pre-ride check
Before you kick off, take a moment for a pre-ride check. It's like giving your scooter a quick health check-up. Ensure the brakes are responsive, the tires are adequately inflated, and the battery has enough juice for your trip. A well-maintained scooter promises a smoother ride and sidesteps unexpected hiccups along the way. Make it a habit and keep both you and your ride happy!
Here's your pre-ride checklist:
2. Slow roll, master control
Ease into your ride with a gentle start. Familiarize yourself with the throttle and brake responses to understand how your electric scooter behaves. Taking it slowly initially helps you gain confidence and ensures you're in control, reducing the risk of future accidents. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the ride safely, not to set speed records on city streets. Accelerating quickly can also deplete your battery more quickly.
3. Practice makes perfect
Before hitting the busy streets, take your scooter for a spin in a safe, open area. Practice turning, stopping quickly, and circumventing small obstacles. It's a great way to build your riding skills in a controlled environment, making you a more confident and safe rider when you're out and about.
4. Obey the rules of the road
Always obey and check the local road rules and other applicable laws in your area for where you can ride. E-scooters share the road with cars, bikes, and other vehicles, which means the same rules apply. Stop at red lights, yield to pedestrians, and signal your turns. Being predictable and respectful on the road keeps you safe and fosters a positive environment for all road users.
Remember if you are riding on a footpath that electric scooters are designed to be silent, pedestrians may not expect you unless they can see you. You may need to alert pedestrians of your upcoming approach.
Electric Mobility Devices and Rideables refers to ALL Electric Scooters, Electric Skateboards, Hoverboards and Electric Bikes
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and other protective gear when riding your E-Scooter, E-board or E-Bike.
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Always obey and check the local road rules and other applicable laws in your area for where you can ride.
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Ride in a safe and respectful manner, especially around pedestrians.
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Electric mobility devices are designed to be silent, pedestrians may not expect you unless they can see you. You may need to alert pedestrians of your upcoming approach. A bell is fitted most rideables.
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Rideables are designed for use by a single person only.
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Keep left and give way to pedestrians, oncoming bicycles and other personal mobility devices.
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Be aware of your surroundings, barriers, bumps, potholes, or cracks may increase your risk of an accident.
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Always travel at a speed and safe distance that allows you to stop safely to avoid collision.
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Do not ride your electric mobility device if you are fatigued, unwell or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
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Do not ride your electric mobility device in adverse weather conditions. Keep to a low speed when you have to ride on wet or slippery surfaces
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Do not ride your personal mobility device and use your phone. Rideables require the same concentration as driving a car.
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Never ride your electric scooter, bike or skateboard during a lightning storm.
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Make yourself visible at night. You must have have a working flashing or steady white light on the front, and a red light and reflector at the rear when travelling at night or in hazardous conditions.
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Animals may behave unexpectedly, so please give them extra space when passing. Dogs have been known to chase electric rideables, so be prepared to stop and wait for the owner's assistance.
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Whenever you ride a personal mobility device, you are at risk of serious injury or even death from loss of control, collisions, and falls. Failure to exercise due care, skill and diligence may put you at risk of serious injury or death should you lose control, suffer a collision or fall off your rideable. You must read ALL instructions, safety messages and warnings in the product manuals.
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Your e-skateboard can lose brakes and power during your ride at any time due to low battery on the skateboard or remote, or due to electrical or other interference with the wireless connection. For this reason, you should only ride your board at speeds which allow you to safely stop the board without power or brakes. This means, getting comfortable with slowing down by using one foot sliding along the ground.
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Please note that personal electric mobility devices such as electric scooters, skateboards and bikes are speed limited to a maximum of 25kms per hour in Queensland. Speeds over 25km per hour are prohibited unless you are on private property with no public access. Here are links to more information relevant to QLD Legislation: