Electric micro-mobility is revolutionizing the way we get around cities, offering sustainable solutions that promise to reduce traffic and improve air quality. However, the safety of users of e-bikes, electric scooters and other micro-mobility devices remains a growing concern. This article explores best practice and the key role of local authorities in ensuring roads are safe for everyone.

Security Strategies for Users:

• Protective Equipment: The adoption of personal protective equipment is recommended to minimize the risk of injury. 
• Regular Maintenance: Keeping devices in optimal condition through periodic checks ensures their reliability and safety.
• Training and Education: User training programs can significantly increase awareness of safe and responsible driving practices.

Safe Integration into Urban Traffic:

Micro-mobility users must adhere to traffic rules and take advantage of dedicated infrastructure, such as cycle paths and low-speed zones, to reduce potential conflicts with vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.

The Role of Local Authorities:

Local authorities play a crucial role in encouraging the safe use of electric micro-mobility. Investing in dedicated infrastructure, such as protected cycle lanes, safe parking areas for e-bikes and scooters, and adequate signage, can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. The implementation of low traffic zones and the promotion of urban policies that favor sustainable mobility are key strategies to create a safer and more welcoming urban environment.

Furthermore, authorities can play an active role in educating the population on the importance of safety in micro-mobility by organizing information campaigns and practical workshops. Collaborations between cities, micromobility device manufacturers, and civic organizations can accelerate the adoption of good safety practices and help model responsible behavior.

Some examples of cities that have adopted successful policies to improve safety in micro-mobility are:

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is renowned for its cycling culture and has extended this passion to electric micro-mobility, integrating electric vehicles into its urban fabric. The city has implemented an extensive network of well-marked and safe cycle paths, low-speed zones in the historic center and ample bicycle parking, thus reducing the risk of accidents and encouraging the use of sustainable means of transport.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen, like Amsterdam, has invested significantly in infrastructure dedicated to bicycles and electric micro-mobility. The city has introduced cyclist-specific traffic lights, dedicated bicycle bridges spanning canals, and easily accessible e-bike rental systems. These initiatives have made micro-mobility a pillar of urban transport, maintaining high safety standards.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona has adopted an innovative approach to micro-mobility safety through the creation of "superblocks", areas where vehicular traffic is severely limited, allowing pedestrians and micro-mobility users to move freely and safely . Furthermore, the city has expanded its network of cycle paths and introduced stringent regulations for the rental of electric scooters.

General consideration

While it is clear that these cities have seen improvements in road safety with the introduction of pro-cycling and micro-mobility measures, it is important to consider that data collection and crash analysis are complex and influenced by many factors. Annual variations, changes in reporting habits and other external factors can affect crash data. However, the general trend in cities investing in safe infrastructure and supportive policies for micro-mobility shows a positive impact on reducing accidents and improving safety for all road users.

The expansion of electric micro-mobility presents a unique opportunity for cities to promote a more sustainable and dynamic lifestyle. However, the success of this transition largely depends on the ability to ensure user safety. Local authorities' commitment to creating adequate infrastructure and promoting safety education is crucial to realizing the full potential of micro-mobility, making our cities safer and more pleasant places to live and move.