Organisation: European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) and Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS)
Date of Publication: February 2023
Uploaded to Knowledge Centre: 22 March 2023
A 20 km/h factory-set speed limit, the compulsory use of helmets and a ban on pavement riding are some of the key recommendations set out in this new report on e-scooter safety.
The report has been published by the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) in partnership with PACTS, in response to the rapid growth of e-scooter usage over the last five years, and an associated increase in deaths and serious injuries.
The report takes into account a wide body of available data, hospital studies, vehicle safety testing and research from across Europe and beyond. It notes how the regulatory picture for e-scooters is currently mixed, with considerable variations across Europe, in relation to rules on minimum age, maximum power, speed and the use of helmets.
The report authors would like to see common technical standards for e-scooters and recommendations for their use harmonised as far as possible, including:
- A minimum rider age of 16, or an age limit aligned with the minimum age for riding a moped
- Mandatory helmets, aligned with current rules in Denmark, Finland, Greece and Spain (seven other European countries require children to wear helmets)
- A ban on riding with passengers, on pavements, while using a handheld mobile phone and under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- A factory-set speed limit of 20 km/h (approx 12.5mph), aligned with current rules in Denmark, Germany, Italy, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland – as well as a 250W power limit
- Anti-tampering measures to prevent use at unsafe speeds
- A minimum wheel size of 30.5 cm
- Independent front and rear brakes, lights, indicators, and an audible warning device
Click the link below to access the full report:
https://etsc.eu/recommendations-on-safety-of-e-scooters/