Electric scooters are a lot like electric bikes in that they are highly recommended, make getting from point A to point B very simple, and can often be a smart alternative to riding. However, the two share a drawback that deals with helmets. Let's face it, the humble hard hat may be a huge proven life-saving invention, but it's not exactly practical to wear.
Fast forward to Nottingham, UK, where TechRadar was recently invited to test drive the Superpedestrian electric scooter service being tested and benefit from a Scoot Fit safety training session. We even got a collapsible helmet, which certainly helps with comfort.
Superpedestrian is a technology company that started at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in XNUMX. Since then, it has established a shared mobility infrastructure program, the primary focus of which is electric scooters.
To date, Superpedestrian has incorporated carpooling programs in ten countries. At the center of the project is the scooter itself, which in this case is the LINK. It's a robust machine that makes most commercially free scooters dwarf by comparison, particularly since the platform you put your feet on is up to twenty percent wider than average. The LINK was clearly built to last, and that's just as well when it's used a lot in a busy city.
It also has an incredible range (up to sixty miles), but perhaps its most interesting feature is its Pedestrian Defense System, which dynamically warns and corrects dangerous driving behavior. For example, if you drive the LINK where it shouldn't go, the software will automatically stop you taking precautionary measures.
Could this be an obstacle for people who want to take them where and when they want? Clearly, Superpedestrian doesn't think so, and that may also help to reassure doubters about the safety drawbacks associated with riding an electric scooter. It certainly sounds like a great idea, both for runners and for other road users. Although LINK is limited to fifteen mph (or eight mph for new drivers), it could pose a potential threat if used carelessly.
building trust
Superpedestrian also organizes free sessions for people who want to learn to walk on an electric scooter, but do not feel safe and confident on the roads. Now, the average scooter racer seems to be on the younger end of the spectrum. However, this could change if runner awareness courses become commonplace and those already underway seem to engage a much more diverse set of people.
Sessions are informal, and while they're fairly intensive (just take twenty minute practice sessions to get used to), they're not as strenuous as a driving test. Ours was led by James Rodger, lead instructor at Scoot Fit, who was called in by Superpedestrian to attend. We got a great introduction to LINK and how to take full advantage of its basic commands. The scooter is very similar to other rental models, since it is fast and simple to use, but the training is a great introduction to take advantage of the experience a little more.
To be frank, there is not much to using an electric scooter. It's easy to imagine certain seasoned runners scoffing at these informal practice sessions. However, if you've never ridden one before, the advice is invaluable, as we discovered after chatting with a bunch of old e-scooter converts. They were not only much more confident and understanding of the LINK after one session, but also seemed completely transformed to the e-scooter cause.
It is also simple to see the call. The LINK is limited to fifteen mph, which doesn't seem that fast, but it's actually better than strolling. In truth, you can get around Nottingham in no time using the scheme. Being a rowdy college town, students seem to use the scooter frequently, but that may change soon.
Based on what we've seen in our training sessions, the age range of users has the potential to be much wider, with the slightly older people who have come forward showing a lot of interest.
Develop skills
Rodger's advice discovered the best way to get around the potholes and ruts found in the city. Slightly bending your knees while in motion can partially absorb shock, while keeping your feet parallel on the scooter's long deck helps support your posture.
More importantly, Rodger provided insights into how to perceive potential security threats. A large part of the training deals with awareness. Some might say it's just feet on the ground, but the sessions are really helpful. At the end of your training, everything makes a little more sense.
The controls themselves are very simple to master with a throttle control to the right of the handlebars, a bell to the left, and brake levers on two sides. And you also get this folding helmet at no cost.
"Our goal is to create safe streets for all and we recognize that more work is needed to improve driver behavior now, as well as educate the next generation of electric scooter users. We partnered with Scoot Fit in XNUMX and ever since So far we have helped deliver training programs to over XNUMX students and teachers in XNUMX schools across England,” says Haya Verwoord Douidri, Vice President EMEA at Superpedestrian.
“Building a safer and healthier environment is a key priority for Superpedestrain and working with Scoot Fit to provide free safety training will build the skills of current riders and encourage new riders to embrace a new way of choosing for the community.
Our data has already proven that in the first month of the year alone, our shared electric scooters have replaced more than XNUMX miles of short car journeys in Nottingham, bringing benefits in terms of better air quality and reduced congestion for all residents.
And then
Whether or not the I Drive Nottingham project transforms into an e-scooter sharing scheme in the long run is complicated and involves decision-making by local and central government. It will also require an auxiliary investment from Superpedestrian. Exactly the same factors could also determine whether such schemes will be incorporated in other UK cities (and potentially beyond).
Still, knowing that pilots are somewhat more aware of potential risks and have the ability to take precautionary measures using smart technology on board can't hurt in the meantime.