Road traffic has always been a tricky business, and there is no way at present to make it 100% safe for everyone. However, I'd like to believe we can avoid receiving a Darwin Award for doing something inane on an e-scooter. To do that, you need two things: some common sense, and a reliable e-scooter. We can't do anything about the former but read on to learn something about the latter.
Is it dangerous to ride electric scooters?
The answer to that question is multilayered and depends mainly on what type of road user you are. If you're a careful and defensive driver, you'll be fine most of the time, but I don't see that ending well if you're a rule-breaking, speed-obsessed maniac. So, play by the book and enjoy the freedom electric scooters give without limiting the freedom of others.
While certain situations are beyond our control, we can minimize their impact. Invest in a reliable, durable, and high-quality electric scooter that takes unexpected malfunctions out of the equation. Apollo Scooters tests their electric scooters extensively to provide you with a machine you can rely on every step of the way.
The most common causes of accidents
Electric scooters aren't toys anymore. They are vehicles in their own rights and should be treated as such, no matter how much fun they bring. To ride them safely, use common sense and follow the rules. According to GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024, here are some of the most common types of accidents that happen to electric scooter riders.
Falls: Falls make up 80% of electric scooter accidents. They can happen for various reasons, such as hitting a pothole, curb, or other obstacle or losing control of the scooter. This happens due to our own recklessness like speeding or inattentiveness.
Collisions with motor vehicles: Electric scooters are small, making them difficult for drivers of cars and trucks to see. This can lead to collisions with other vehicles (9% of all accidents involving e-scooters), especially if the scooter rider is not following the rules of the road.
Dooring accidents: Dooring accidents happen when a car door is opened into the path of an electric scooter rider. These accidents can be serious, as scooter riders often don't have time to react. In 11% of all cases, scooter riders clash with an object, be it doors or other obstacles.
Scooter malfunctions: While not super common, electric scooters can malfunction, leading to accidents. This is why it's important to rent or buy scooters from reputable companies and always inspect the scooter before you take off.
Some food for thought:
Just a reminder of why it is prudent always to wear a helmet when riding an electric scooter:
- 60% of all injuries are head traumas
- 26% of accidents are severe, 54% moderate, and 19% mild
- 95% of e-scooter riders don't wear a helmet
Here are some tips for staying safe while riding an electric scooter
- Always wear a helmet.
- Follow the rules of the road. This means riding in the bike lane or on the shoulder of the road whenever possible, obeying traffic signals, and yielding to pedestrians.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Watch out for cars, pedestrians, and other obstacles.
- Don't ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Start slow and go at a safe speed.
- Don't carry passengers.
- Use hand signals or turn lights to indicate turns.
- Be aware of weather conditions. Don't ride in the rain or snow if you can avoid it.
- Park your scooter in a safe place that won't block pedestrians or traffic.
Read this article for more tips on how to stay safe on your e-scooter.
Why Electric Scooters Are Still Safe
Let's break down why e-scooters are still safe options for zipping around, despite all those scary statistics from earlier.
- The Rider Factor: Just like with bicycles, most accidents happen because of a rider's error, not the scooter itself. Inexperience, not following traffic rules, or distractions play a big role.
- It's a Numbers Game: Statistically, the risk of serious injury on an e-scooter is similar to biking. Of course, every mode of transport comes with risks, and sometimes we can't do anything about it.
- Smart Design: Many modern electric scooters have improved features like bigger wheels, better brakes, and lights for visibility. These advancements make for a much safer ride.
- It's Up to Us: Electric scooter safety is a two-way street. Companies are improving designs, but riders need to use helmets and other safety equipment like knee pads, stay aware, and follow the rules of the road.
What does Apollo do to make scooting safe?
Apollo Scooters clearly prioritize safety with a thoughtful approach that goes beyond the basics. Here are our key safety features:
Advanced Braking Systems: Apollo scooters often feature multiple braking mechanisms for superior stopping power. This may include drum brakes for reliable performance, disc brakes for exceptional modulation, and regenerative braking, which harnesses the motor to slow the scooter while conserving energy. These systems work in tandem to provide exceptional control and responsiveness, even in emergency braking situations.
Superior Lighting: Visibility is critical for safe riding. Apollo scooters are equipped with powerful front and rear LED lights, ensuring riders can see and be seen at all times. Some models even include integrated turn signals, further enhancing communication with other road users, especially in low-light environments.
Robust Build Quality and Materials: The overall construction of Apollo scooters reflects an emphasis on durability and stability. High-strength materials like aluminum alloys create frames that resist damage and maintain structural integrity. They're designed to withstand the rigors of everyday use, inspiring riders' confidence.
Speed control: Apollo also offers a way to keep your inner speed demon in check by allowing you to set a maximum speed cap your e-scooter can reach. To do that and many other things in the app, it's enough to watch the video.
Weight capacity: Apollo also offers scooters with a higher weight capacity for heavier riders. It may seem a small matter, but it greatly impacts your safety. So, pick a durable scooter that can handle your weight. (link do scooters for heavy riders)
Safety Certifications
Apollo Scooters take the extra step by adhering to safety regulations and seeking relevant electric scooter certifications. This demonstrates a commitment to meeting industry standards, ensuring their scooters undergo rigorous testing to verify they are safe for public roads.
- UL Certification: UL (Underwriters Laboratories) is a globally recognized safety standards organization. UL certifications cover the entire e-scooter, including electrical components, batteries, and overall construction, to reduce fire and electrical shock hazards.
- IP Ratings: Ingress Protection (IP) ratings measure the degree of protection against dust and water intrusion. Look for higher IP ratings (e.g., IP54 or above) for better resistance against the elements.
- CE Marking: This indicates conformity with European Union safety, health, and environmental protection standards. It's mandatory for selling e-scooters in the EU.
- FCC (Federal Communications Commission): Ensures that the e-scooter's wireless technologies (Bluetooth, etc.) don't cause harmful electromagnetic interference with other devices. This is a requirement for electronics sold in the US.
- DOT (Department of Transportation): While not directly an e-scooter certification, DOT sets regulations for vehicles used on public roads. Some e-scooters might need to comply with DOT standards regarding lighting, braking, etc., if they are powerful enough to be classified beyond simple personal mobility devices.
- ETL (Edison Testing Laboratories): An alternative to UL certification, signifying that a product meets recognized safety standards. ETL is another Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) in the US.
- CSA (Canadian Standards Association): Similar to UL, but focused on Canadian safety standards. A CSA mark shows a product is suitable for the Canadian market.
- IC (Industry Canada): Canadian certification specifically focused on the radio frequency spectrum and ensuring the device doesn't cause harmful interference.
These certifications position Apollo Scooters as a safety-conscious brand, empowering riders to focus on enjoying the journey ahead. Take a look at our selection of the best electric scooters.
Quality control
Here's Apollo's quality control process broken down into steps:
- Parts Inspection — Individual components are checked for scratches, defects, and any other imperfections before assembly begins.
- Stage-by-Stage Quality Checks — During each phase of assembly, trained personnel carefully inspect the scooter's functionality, adherence to safety requirements, and cosmetic appearance.
- Specialized Task Focus — Staff are dedicated to perfecting specific tasks (like folding mechanisms), ensuring consistency and expertise across product lines.
- Rigorous Final Inspection — Each scooter undergoes a comprehensive inspection lasting up to 10 minutes, where major, minor, and critical defects are identified and addressed.
- Customer Feedback & Continuous Improvement — Apollo actively gathers customer feedback to identify areas for improvement, constantly refining their quality control processes.
And here you can watch a video to see yourself how it looks like:
Extensive testing
If you're curious about the durability and toughness of Apollo e-scooters, you NEED to see this video!
Here's why it's worth watching:
- Witness these scooters get pushed to their limits with insane drop tests, water resistance challenges, and heavy load simulations.
- Get an inside look at the rigorous testing Apollo uses to ensure their scooters can handle the wear and tear of daily use.
- This video will show you why Apollo scooters are built to last, giving you that extra boost of confidence before you ride.
Finishing up
Electric scooters are like any other vehicle – they're as safe as the person riding them. With a focus on responsible use and awareness, you can make sure e-scooters remain a fun and reliable way to get around.
With Apollo Scooters, you can be certain your e-scooter will pass all the challenges you throw at, and that it won’t break the trust you placed in it. Happy scooting!
