E-bikes and e-scooters are fun. They are also cost-effective and easy to access. There are rental fleets operating in Chicago that make on-demand transportation relatively quick to access. People often rent e-bikes and e-scooters with little consideration of the risk involved.
Unfortunately, with more small vehicles on the road, crash rates involving rented scooters and bicycles have increased substantially. People need to consider the safety implications of riding a scooter or bicycle on public roads and take appropriate steps to protect themselves.
Bikes and scooters offer little protection in a wreck
Enclosed motor vehicles are subject to many safety regulations. From requirements related to turn signals and safety restraints to crash testing, there are standards in place that help ensure the vehicle can protect its occupants when a crash occurs.
There is no such protection available in a collision involving an e-bike or e-scooter. Instead, the rider is likely to experience the full force of impact. It is also relatively common for people using a short-term rental for transportation not to carry helmets and other safety gear with them. People may end up sustaining severe injuries because drivers don’t watch for bikes and scooters in traffic.
Riders also need to consider that they don’t know the condition of the device. A lack of maintenance and hard use by prior riders could lead to unexpected issues while riding. People can get hurt when their bikes or scooters malfunction.
Riders can also injure others
The risk related to e-bikes and scooters doesn’t stop with car crash concerns. There’s also reason for riders to worry about their personal liability. They might collide with pedestrians or other people riding small vehicles. An e-bike rider could knock a pedestrian down and break their arm. Someone on a scooter might swerve in and out of traffic and onto sidewalks, resulting in other people getting hurt. Those riders may then face personal injury claims brought by other people.
Those renting small vehicles need to be aware of their own safety risks and the safety hazards they pose to others. Those involved in e-bike collisions may need help seeking compensation from others, and that is understandable. Recognizing and accounting for the safety concerns related to rented e-bikes and e-scooters can help people make better choices as they travel the greater Chicago area.