Safe Micromobility

This report suggests a modal shift from motor vehicles towards electric bicycles and scooters would improve road safety in urban areas.Published by the International Transport Forum (ITF), the report examines the safety aspects associated with the increasing use of e-scooters and other forms of micromobility in cities.

The report found a trip by a car or motorcycle in dense urban areas is much more likely to result in the death of a road user than a light micro-vehicle, such as an e-scooter.

It also concludes that riding an e-scooter is no more dangerous than riding a bike, with similar levels of risks involved.

However, the report goes on to say that a shift from walking towards light micro-vehicles would have a negative effect on road safety.

The report sets out a list of safety improvements for micromobility, relating to issues such as infrastructure, vehicle design and training.

It calls on authorities to create a protected and connected network, while also allowing micro-vehicles to be used on dedicated bike lanes.

However, the report says use of micro-vehicles on pavements should be banned – or subject to a low, enforced speed limit.

The authors say that authorities should also ensure that car, bus and truck drivers are trained to avoid crashes with micro-vehicle riders – with relevant training mandatory for obtaining a driving license.

Training to provide children with the skills to safely operate a micro-vehicle should be part of the school curriculum, while all adults should also have access to affordable safety training.