E-scooter safety tips to know this holiday season

Adults and children will once again be receiving E-scooters this holiday season.

E-scooters are a fun and efficient way to travel, but they can be dangerous. Unsafe riding and collisions can cause serious injury or death.

CPSC recommends the following safety tips when riding an e-scooter:

WEAR A HELMET. Knee and elbow pads can also help to prevent injury from falls and collisions.

CHECK FOR DAMAGE. Before riding, ensure the handlebars, brakes, throttle, bell, lights, tires, cables, and frame are in good condition. Damage to the e-scooter can cause you to lose control and crash.

TEST THE BRAKES. Make sure you know how to use the brakes and how long it takes to stop the e-scooter so you’re prepared for an emergency stop. Stopping distance can vary significantly from scooter to scooter.

ALERT OTHERS AND BE SEEN. E-scooters are small, quick, and silent, making it difficult for others to spot you, especially in parking lots and structures.

• Expect vehicles and pedestrians to not see you; slow down, and plan ahead of time.

• Use the bell/horn to alert others.

• Do not make abrupt, unpredictable movements.

WATCH OUT FOR OBSTACLES. Uneven surfaces, cracks, and small objects on your pathway can stop the e-scooter suddenly, throwing you off.

HANDS ON. Always keep both hands on the handlebars and keep items off the handlebars.

SLOW AND STEADY. Slow down and lean back when you have to ride over bumps.

ALCOHOL OR DRUGS. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

RIDE SOLO. Only one person per e-scooter; additional riders can increase the risk and severity of collisions.

AVOID DISTRACTIONS WHILE RIDING. Listening to music while riding is distracting and prevents you from hearing your environment. Same goes for talking on your phone, even with a hands-free device, because it can result in distracted operation of the scooter

NO STUNTS. Jumps and bumps can damage the e-scooter and make it unstable. This can pose a risk not only to yourself but also to people around you and to the next rider.

FOLLOW ALL MANUFACTURER DIRECTIONS. Check the e-scooter’s safety information, such as weight and age limits. Many e-scooters are designed specifically for adults because of the size and and speed of the scooter.

PARK CORRECTLY. The e-scooter should be parked upright and away from pedestrian and motorist traffic so that it’s not a tripping hazard.

REPORT PROBLEMS. Use the service’s app to report any issues, such as signs of damage.