Electric scooters have become a popular mode of transportation for many people around the world. With the rise of e-scooters, it's important to consider the safety features that come with them. One of the most crucial safety features on an electric scooter is lighting. In this post, we'll discuss the importance of lighting on electric scooters and why visibility is compromised by poor lighting.
The Dangers of Poor Lighting
Electric scooters are often used in urban areas where there is a lot of traffic, both pedestrian and automotive. Poor lighting on an electric scooter can lead to accidents and injuries.
Without proper lighting, an e-scooter rider can be difficult to see, especially at night or in low-light conditions. This can cause a dangerous situation for both the rider and other people on the road. Additionally, a lack of visibility can make it difficult for the rider to see obstacles on the road, such as potholes or debris.
Some electric scooter manufacturers skimp on safety features like built in lights and reflectors to bring down costs, and many cheaper scooters have poor lighting, with some even lacking LED lights altogether, or at least lacking rear lights and brake lights. If this describes your electric scooter, it's time to look into your options for additional lights.
How Scooters are Different
Electric scooters are very low to the ground and even harder for drivers to spot that bicycles. This makes visibility incredibly important as a safety consideration. A complete lighting system should be considered essential safety equipment, especially for riding at night or in low light conditions, such as fog or overcast days.
Electric scooters lights should always include not only bright LED headlights but also rear lights and a brake light. Additional lights, reflectors, and reflective clothing will only help us be more visible to others. While swag lights are fun and can aid in visibility, they should never be thought of as primary safety features for electric scooters.
Caption: The GOTRAX GXL commuter scooter has a reflective sticker in place of a tail light and brake lights
Most electric scooters have poor lighting because their lights are either placed low on the deck, where they can't be seen by drivers in tall vehicles. Additionally, many electric scooter lights are not bright enough to be seen during night rides.
Aftermarket Lights
Aftermarket lights are a great way to increase visibility. You can add bike lights to electric scooters, clamping them onto the stem or handlebars. It's also possible to purchase turn signals for electric scooters that do not have them, and many helmets these days are made with built in lights or optional lighting attachments that add more visible light overall to your gear.
Since electric scooter lights draw on the scooter's battery to power them, bright lighting can drain a smaller scooter's battery life quickly. This is why larger scooters with more powerful, high capacity batteries generally have brighter, more powerful lights. When riding a smaller scooter with less powerful electric scooter lights, look for ways you can supplement them with brighter aftermarket lights and other visibility enhancing features.
The Benefits of Proper Lighting
Proper lighting on an electric scooter can greatly increase visibility and safety for the rider and others on the road. A well-lit e-scooter can help the rider see obstacles on the road and avoid accidents. can also make the rider more visible to other people on the road, which can help prevent collisions. Proper lighting can also increase the rider's confidence, allowing them to ride in a safer manner.
When you know others can see you, you can ride safely and confidently, knowing that you stand out. When you have poor visibility (and no protective gear), it's easy to feel exposed and unsafe on an electric scooter. Brake lights and turn signals give you the confidence of knowing that those around know what you're doing when you come to an intersection.
That said, you can't only rely on lighting to get the attention of others, especially drivers in large vehicles who might be potentially distracted by their phones, kids, or other cars. Make sure you also ride safely and defensively. Reliable electric scooter lights are key, but they can't replace safe riding practices.
Legal Requirements
In many countries, there are legal requirements for electric scooters to have proper lighting. For example, in the United States, electric scooters must have a white front light and a red rear light that are visible from at least 500 feet away. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in fines or other penalties. It's important for e-scooter riders to be aware of the legal requirements in their area and ensure that their scooter is properly equipped with lighting.
Conclusion
The importance of lighting on electric scooters really cannot be overstated. Poor lighting can lead to accidents and injuries, while proper lighting can greatly increase visibility and safety. It's important for e-scooter riders to understand the benefits of proper lighting and comply with legal requirements in their area. By doing so, they can help ensure a safe and enjoyable ride for themselves and others on the road.
