As fun as it can be to ride an electric scooter, these small vehicles present serious risks of injury or even death. Different factors can contribute to an e-scooter crash. Some riders do not know that their scooter is not safe to ride or they do not understand how to operate it in the correct manner.
Checking your e-scooter for possible defects, operational limitations and relevant documents may help you avoid a bad outcome from riding. The CPSC describes what to look for as you look over your e-scooter.
Damage to the scooter
Whether your e-scooter has been in a prior accident or is brand new, you should check to see that the scooter has no damage. Any defective component could cause a crash. Examples include the handlebars, the throttle, bell, tires or lights. Give your scooter a thorough check before riding it.
The brakes on the scooter
Slowing down your e-scooter could mean the difference between stopping and getting into an accident. Even if the brakes work as intended, be sure that you know how to employ them for a sudden stop. Also, learn how long it takes to stop the scooter. E-scooters have varying stopping distances, so do not assume your scooter will slow down as quickly as another model.
Directions and safety information
Your e-scooter should come with directions included by the manufacturer. Check for any papers and diagrams that tell you who should not use the scooter, such as riders below a certain age or riders who exceed weight limits. An e-scooter that lacks safety information may result in injury and implicate the manufacturer for not including the information with the scooter.
Even if you have done your part to stay safe, an irresponsible motorist, cyclist or pedestrian may cause you to get into a crash. You may have a case for damages in this event.