Can You Use A Mobile Phone When Riding An E-Scooter?

Electric scooters offer an environmentally friendly way to travel and commute, so it's no surprise they've rocketed in popularity, but are you allowed to use a mobile phone when riding one?

As governments worldwide pledge their commitment to preserving the planet and lowering our carbon footprint, e scooters are becoming a revolutionary form of electronic transport.

While these ingenious devices offer so much convenience and sustainability, there will always be some safety issues. However, these safety issues aren't with the electric scooters themselves, but the way e-scooter riders use them.

One of the most significant issues with electric scooter safety is using mobile phones, as many people believe they're not dangerous when riding.

How true is this? Are you allowed to use your cell phone when riding an electric scooter?

Mobile phones: Just how dangerous are they?

As electric scooters are relatively new, there isn't much data available to evaluate how dangerous mobile phones are for riders. However, we can look at other modes of transportation to get an idea of cell phone-related incidents.

Driving and using a mobile

The NHTSA shows the actual dangers of driving while using a mobile phone, with their research showing that distracted driving resulted in 3,142 deaths in 2020 alone.

While some states restrict the use of mobile phones when driving, some limit the restrictions to younger drivers, meaning that the laws are ambiguous.

As each state sets its laws regarding mobile phones, some have higher accident statistics than others. While some states, such as California, have low fatality rates, New Mexico, Kentucky and Louisiana are among the worst states for distracted driving incidents (Money Geek).

Careless and dangerous cycling statistics

Cyclists need both hands to operate their bikes, but that doesn't mean people always prioritize safety. The Netherlands is the biggest cycling country in the world, with many people choosing bicycles over cars.

A study in Groningen showed that around 2.2% of cyclists talked on their phones while cycling, and 0.6% texted. However, only 0.5% admitted they used their mobile phone when an accident occurred (NCBI).

These statistics show that even though mobile phones are dangerous and can result in accidents, people still use them, and when they do, they're more likely to have an accident.

The facts about e-scooters and their safety

Since the introduction of ride-sharing initiatives in 2017, e-scooters have gone from a small start-up in Santa Monica to appearing on the streets of every major city. There's no denying that these scooters have caused some controversy, but statistics reveal some enlightening facts about how safe scooters are.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention released a study in 2019 detailing the number of incidents involving electric scooters. While accidents among e-scooter riders happen, the study shows that the issue isn't with the scooter itself but with users.

One of the participants in the study was the University of San Diego Medical Center, where doctors treated 42 electric scooter users in one year.

Let's take a look at the stats:

• 98% of people treated for injuries weren't wearing a helmet
• 48% measured above the limit when their blood alcohol was tested
• 52% were under the influence of illicit substances

Some other statistics showed that other injuries were caused by potholes and a lack of attention from riders.

It's not the scooters, but the lack of responsibility

These statistics show the e scooters aren't to blame, it's more about riders not taking responsibility. The study showed that around 1% of people wear helmets, which is shocking - considering that most e scooter-related injuries are traumatic head injuries.

While many people know that using a mobile phone can result in distracted riding, there seems to be an air of nonchalance among e-scooter users.

Let's look at some of the risks of mobile phone use.

You'll put vulnerable road users at risk

E-scooter and bike riders need to take responsibility as their actions can impact other road users. As electronically assisted bikes and e-scooters travel at higher speeds than pedestrians, protecting vulnerable road users is the rider's duty.

You become distracted when you speak or text on a mobile phone, which can result in accidents. Bike lanes are also an issue because if you don't look where you're going, you could crash into a cyclist, resulting in severe injuries for both parties.

Lack of control

When you use a handheld mobile phone, you won't correctly control your scooter. Not only are e-scooters heavier than traditional scooters, but they also require two hands to operate, and using one hand will inevitability restrict your control.

If you go over a pothole or are riding on a bumpy road, a slight obstruction could knock you off the scooter, causing a severe head injury.

You could also crash into a pedestrian or another road user, so it's always important to protect yourself and keep a firm grasp on both handlebars.

You could face a prison sentence

Imagine if you lose attention while riding, resulting in another person's severe injury. The consequences of those actions could result in hefty fines and prison terms - especially as the laws surrounding e-scooters continue to evolve.

In Singapore, an e-scooter rider was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison for his involvement in the death of a cyclist, and electric scooters fall under the DUI and DWI laws in the USA (Safer America).

As the laws continue to evolve, we might see more updates to mobile phone laws for cyclists and e-scooter riders. However, there will probably need to be more research into the long-term risks of mobile phone use when operating electric transportation.

The steps e-scooter riders can take to stay safe

There's no doubt that electric scooters are safe in their design and should be promoted as sustainable and convenient modes of transportation. However, brands that design and make e-scooters must warn users of the potential dangers of distracted riding.

At Unagi, we designed our Model One scooter to be the ultimate mode of transportation for city riding and commuters. The lightweight model makes for a superior ride, and it's a highly portable scooter with excellent features, including a range of 15.5 miles per charge and a maximum speed of up to 20 miles per hour.

Our scooters are designed to serve as a long-term alternative to cars and public transport - the new scooter subscription package means anyone can enjoy their Model One for a low monthly price.

Our advice for how to ride safely? Respect other road users and leave the mobile phone in your bag.

There will always be negative press about electric scooters, as they're a new mode of transportation. However, if everyone contributes to maintaining road safety, we can look forward to a better future, with more opportunities to travel cheaply, sustainably and safely.