E-Scooters- Environmental Saviour or Highway to Hell?

Have we found the new way forward for the commuter?

A lightweight, eco-friendly way to get around to some, a lethal weapon to others. Intrigued? We’re not talking about some stealth weapon but electric scooters. Whilst not exactly ground-breaking technology, the electric scooter raises some of the issues that other alternatives to driving are raising right now. And, in our quick to comment, social media world, like every new trend, it’s sparked a debate. The electric scooter requires a driving licence and is currently available to rent in 10 London Boroughs and other pilot’s areas across the UK. Outside these trials riding a privately owned electric scooter is illegal and could result in a fine or penalty points on your licence. But do the benefits outweigh the risks? Will the electric scooter become the new way to travel? Let’s hop on and give it a spin.

They offer great value for money, right?

For most of us the all-important deciding factor of financing your new toy is the cost. Electric scooters can range between £100 to £600. The battery makes up the largest part of the price. So, if faster speed and a longer battery life is something you require, it’s going to cost you more.

And they’re easy to charge?

Charging your scooter only takes between 2-4 hours and couldn’t be easier. You simply plug it in to a normal socket and wait until it’s fully charged. It’s advised to avoid letting your battery run too low.

So, what’s not to love?

The chief selling points of an electric scooter are its agility and fuel efficiency. Ditching your car and choosing to zip from A to B on a scooter saves time, energy, and money. Picture this: you’re in a rush and you’ve left the morning commute to the last minute, only to find out the traffic on the main road is stationary. Sound frustrating? An electric scooter allows you to travel quickly and avoid congestion. Another advantage is the apparent environmental benefit, as an electric scooter emits zero emissions. It’s quiet too and helps with cleaner air, reduced lung damaging pollution, and a less disruptive experience for everyone. Compared to the internal combustion engine, a scooter certainly boasts a cleaner, greener approach to travel. The scooter also provides a healthy step forward for someone with a sedentary lifestyle. It certainly isn’t a substitute for exercise yet using a scooter can improve core strength and allow you to get a breath of fresh air during your day. Sounds like a green, healthy option? The relatively recent adoption of electric scooters means the law has still to catch up. Many places do not permit the use of electric scooters. As for transporting on public transport and storage the size and weight of some models mean they can be difficult to transport. Expensive models are heavy to carry, and some scooters don’t fold or may not fit on trains or in the boot of your car. Finally, whilst it’s not pumping out diesel fumes you have to remember that most electricity is still made by burning something. Batteries require minerals to be mined and remember the most likely alternatives to an electric scooter are the greenest transport of all. Walking or cycling!

How safe is it?

Every method of transport comes with risks. Scooters are seasonal. It is advised you avoid riding your scooter during the winter, where ice, heavy rain, puddles, and snow can make your scooter a safety hazard.
In theory you can simply hop off if you see a potential hazard that may lead to an accident. But that could mean hopping into traffic or pedestrians with no protection but your skin and bones. The Office View The office is definitely split on the idea, particularly of an unrestricted green light to e-scooting! Instead, a kind of consensus arose around a bit of regulation. E-scooters should:

• have a driving licence
• wear a helmet
• observe the highway code – certainly not use pavements
• be over 17. It was 50 / 50 on whether they should be required to be insured. With every change in mobility there are advantages and disadvantages. As the price of petrol and diesel continues to skyrocket and the world focuses increasingly on environmentally friendly advances it is likely the e-scooter is a useful alternative. In that context a safely regulated world of E-scooters seems a sensible option.

JudgeService would love to know what you think?

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