HoopDreams said:
One thing a lot of people don't realize is how dangerous shooters are. A emergency room doctor said the number one reason people were in the emergency room was because of shooters, and that was before the rent-a-electric shooter was the thing
I've skated and used large wheel scooters extensively and the thought that all these 'amateurs' are using motorized scooters (sometimes for the first time) on sidewalks and streets sound like a bad combo.
A few problems with them to be aware of. A rock, uneven sidewalk, etc can easily create a problem as the wheels are small. You need to hit them at the right angle (or better yet) 'hop' over them. When you turn you have to be aware of surface and angle because a scooter can slide from under you.
When people fall they often go straight over the handle bars. I don't know what types of breaks these have, but they should have both a front wheel break and a back wheel break and they need to be used appropriately in the right situation.
People naturally stick out their hands to break their fall, and this is the number one injury (to hands, arms, including broken wrists. Instead you should tuck and roll or fall like a judo athlete. Neither are easy to do without practice and good technique
Shooters? WHERE??? Yes, shooters are dangerous and should be banned everywhere!
j/k
I think you're referring to the Razor scooters from the craze of 15 years ago. These popular kids scooters hit the market like fire. And you're right, they do have small wheels that can be caught up by sidewalk cracks, potholes, driveway transitions, etc. In fact, the CEO (or other top exec) of Walmart.com died on one as he flew down his driveway and into the path of a passing car.
I find it hilarious that Berkeley, of all cities, has prevented their implementation. They could have gotten their act together and welcomed them.
Anyway, the new electric scooters have significantly larger wheels. They're also pneumatic, and not hard plastic like in the Razors. I've found they handle sidewalks, driveways and some potholes without a problem. But you still have to avoid the big road hazards in your path.
That said, they still take skill and balance to ride. A spill on one could be disastrous. My son crashed on one turning through gravel while racing a friend. A short lesson in road rash for him!
I love these scooters. They're a great "last-mile" transportation solution. Far more efficient way to move an individual than an Uber or Lyft ride. And a whole lot of fun.
If they take hold (and they should), they have the potential to reduce congestion and pollution in urban areas. It would be nice if these new scooter riders could navigate bike lanes with a little better skill. But it will take some work and a little regulation to reduce the mayhem we've seen during their introduction. And stay off the sidewalks - or ride at a responsible speed and avoid conflict at the very least.
