Safety tips for riding electric scooters in the UK

Safety tips for riding electric scooters in the UK
With the acceleration of urbanization and the enhancement of environmental awareness, electric scooters, as a new type of micro-travel tool, have gradually become popular in the UK. However, due to its special design and use environment, the safety issues of electric scooters have also attracted widespread attention. This article will detail the safety tips that need to be followed when riding electric scooters in the UK to ensure the safety and legality of riders.

1. Understand the regulations for the use of electric scooters in the UK
In the UK, the use of electric scooters is subject to strict legal restrictions. According to the Highway Act of 1835, it is illegal for individuals to ride private electric scooters in public places, and violators will face a fine of £300 and a penalty of 6 points on their driver's license. However, since June 2020, the UK Department of Transport has approved a pilot project for renting electric scooters, with more than 40 towns participating. In these pilot cities, rented electric scooters are allowed to be used on roads and cycle lanes, but the following conditions must be followed:
Use scenario restrictions: Electric scooters are only allowed to be driven on motor vehicle lanes or cycle lanes, and are prohibited from riding on sidewalks.
Age limit: Riders must be at least 16 years old
Driving license requirements: Riders must hold a full or temporary UK driving license.
Speed ​​limit: The speed of electric scooters must be limited to 15.5 mph.
Driving on motorways is prohibited.
Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited.
Helmet advice: Although wearing a helmet is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended that riders wear one.
Understanding and complying with these regulations is the first step to ensure the safe use of electric scooters.

2. Preparation before riding
(i) Check the condition of the vehicle
Before each ride, the rider should carefully check whether the various components of the electric scooter are working properly. This includes:
Braking system: Ensure that the front and rear brakes are sensitive and effective, and can stop in time when needed.
Tire condition: Check whether the tires are worn, cracked or under-inflated to ensure stability during riding.
Screws and connecting parts: Confirm that all screws and connecting parts are tightened and there is no risk of loosening or falling off to prevent accidents caused by parts falling off during riding.
Lighting system: If you ride at night or in low light conditions, you need to check whether the headlights and taillights are working properly to improve visibility and ensure your own safety.
(II) Wear safety equipment
In order to reduce the risk of accidental injuries that may occur during riding, riders should wear appropriate safety equipment:
Helmet: Choose a helmet that meets safety standards and wear it correctly to protect the head from impact injuries. The helmet should fit the head and the straps should be tight, which can effectively disperse the impact force in the event of a collision.
Knee pads and elbow pads: When riding, the knees and elbows are prone to impact. Wearing knee pads and elbow pads can provide additional protection.
Gloves: Gloves can not only improve the grip of the hands and prevent slipping, but also reduce the possibility of hand injuries when falling.
(III) Plan the riding route
Before setting off, riders should plan the riding route in advance and choose a safe and legal route. This includes:
Avoid sidewalks: According to British law, electric scooters are prohibited from riding on sidewalks, so motor vehicle lanes or bicycle lanes should be selected.
Understand traffic rules: Be familiar with the traffic signals, signs and lane rules of the road sections you pass through to ensure safe driving in complex traffic environments.
Consider weather conditions: Avoid riding in bad weather conditions, such as heavy rain, strong winds, etc. These weather conditions will increase the danger of riding.

3. Safety precautions during riding
(I) Comply with traffic rules
When riding an electric scooter on the road, the rider must strictly abide by the traffic rules of the United Kingdom:
Obey traffic lights: stop at red lights, go at green lights, and do not run red lights to ensure traffic safety.
Correct use of lanes: On roads with motor vehicle lanes and bicycle lanes, the appropriate lane should be selected according to the type of electric scooter. Generally, electric scooters should use bicycle lanes. If there are no bicycle lanes, they should drive on the right and do not hinder the passage of motor vehicles.
Pay attention to the rules of giving way: When turning or merging at an intersection, follow the rules of giving way, give way to other vehicles and pedestrians, and avoid collision accidents.
(II) Keep a safe distance
Keep a sufficient safe distance from the vehicle in front so that there is enough time and space to respond in an emergency. At the same time, you should also pay attention to keep a proper distance from pedestrians and other vehicles on the roadside to avoid scratches or collisions.
(III) Pay attention to road conditions
Electric scooters have relatively poor stability, so riders need to pay special attention to road conditions:
Avoid slippery roads: When it rains or when the road is flooded, the road surface is slippery and the braking distance will increase. You should try to avoid driving at high speed on such roads to prevent loss of control.
Avoid obstacles: Pay attention to potholes, stones, branches and other obstacles on the road, slow down and detour in advance to prevent falling due to failure to avoid.
Be careful when passing speed bumps: When encountering speed bumps, you should slow down and keep the body balanced to avoid bouncing or losing control of the vehicle due to excessive speed.
(IV) Control riding speed
Although the speed limit of electric scooters is 15.5 miles per hour, riders still need to reasonably control the speed according to the actual road conditions and their own abilities. In sections with many people, many cars or complex road conditions, the speed should be appropriately reduced to ensure safety.

4. Vehicle maintenance and care
(I) Daily cleaning
After each use, the electric scooter should be cleaned simply:
Wipe the body: Use a soft cloth dipped in a small amount of clean water to wipe the dust and stains on the surface of the body to keep the appearance of the vehicle clean and tidy.
Avoid water gun washing: It is forbidden to use a high-pressure water gun to directly wash the electric scooter to prevent water from entering the internal components of the vehicle and causing short circuits or other damage.
(II) Battery maintenance
The battery is the core component of the electric scooter. Proper maintenance can extend its service life:
Avoid overcharging: Do not charge the battery after it is completely exhausted, and do not overcharge it for a long time, which will damage the battery performance.
Use the original charger: Using a non-original charger or charging cable may cause battery damage and even cause safety accidents.
Check the battery status regularly: Observe whether the battery has abnormal conditions such as bulging, leakage, etc. If there is a problem, it should be replaced in time.
(III) Regular inspection and maintenance
Perform a comprehensive inspection and necessary maintenance of the electric scooter regularly:
Check key components such as brakes, tires, screws, etc.: Ensure that these components are always in good condition. If they are worn or loose, they should be replaced or tightened in time.
Lubricate moving parts: Properly lubricate moving parts such as axles and steering rods to reduce friction and improve handling flexibility.
Professional maintenance: When encountering complex problems, such as circuit failures and motor abnormalities, you should seek help from professional maintenance personnel. Do not disassemble and repair them by yourself to avoid causing greater damage or safety hazards.

5 Summary
When riding an electric scooter in the UK, it is a prerequisite to understand and comply with relevant regulations. Doing a good job of preparation before riding, including checking the vehicle, wearing safety equipment and planning routes, is the basis for ensuring safety. During the ride, strictly abide by traffic rules, keep a safe distance, pay attention to road conditions and reasonably control speed, which can effectively reduce the risk of accidents. At the same time, regular maintenance and care of the vehicle can ensure the good performance of the electric scooter and further improve riding safety. Only by incorporating these safety suggestions into your daily riding habits can you truly enjoy the convenience and fun brought by electric scooters while ensuring the safety of yourself and others.
I hope the above content can help you! If you have other questions or experiences when using electric scooters in the UK, please share them in the comment area.