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Medics have warned of the dangers of electric scooters

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
 
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29 January 2019, 09:00

Electric scooters: this new form of transport is becoming increasingly popular, especially in big cities. However, doctors are sounding the alarm. According to them, such means of transport pose a danger to both health and life.

Traffic hustle and bustle and traffic congestion are the main reasons why electric scooters have quickly gained popularity. They are comfortable, relatively inexpensive, take up little space and make life much easier for city dwellers. And in some towns and villages, there are even establishments where you can rent such transport and travel around the city without traffic jams and delays. By the way, renting a scooter does not cost much more than renting a bicycle, and the level of comfort is many times greater.

And while electric scooters are not yet common on our roads, they are everywhere in America and Europe. Doctors are worried about this: according to the report published by the emergency department at Cedars-Sinai Hospital (Los Angeles), the incidence of scooter-related injuries has increased sharply in just a couple of months.

Ultra-fashionable electric vehicles easily accelerate to 25 km/h, they are available to everyone, and do not require a license to drive. Almost completely free of responsibility, "daredevils" contribute to a sharp increase in accidents on the roads. Unfortunately, most users do not have even basic knowledge of traffic rules, they do not know the terms "obstacle on the right" and "priority in traffic". As a result, a huge number of people are admitted to clinics with craniocerebral injuries, with limb damage. Often, innocent passers-by suffer from the wrong actions of electric transport drivers.

Many experts are sure that absolutely all electric scooters are no less dangerous than powerful gasoline mopeds and motorcycles.

"A car driver simply cannot notice a scooter in time due to its small size and "low height". Scooters literally slip between other vehicles, regardless of obstacles and obstacles. In addition to everything, they do not make noise, so they become an unpleasant surprise for drivers," explains orthopedic surgeon Barbara Bergin. The specialist adds that the vast majority of users treat an electric scooter not as a vehicle, but as a small, fun toy. However, such carelessness on the road leads to rather sad consequences.

It is not uncommon to see teenagers "riding" scooters without a driver's license, without a helmet or other protective equipment, and even with headphones. As a result of such carelessness - craniocerebral injuries, fractures, etc. Experts have made an official statement: when riding an electric scooter, it is necessary to wear a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads. Using headphones while riding is strictly prohibited. And, before getting behind the wheel of a scooter, you must at least once, but carefully, read the traffic rules.

Information is presented on the pages of medbe.ru

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