Are electric scooters safe? 7 rules you should know

Electric scooters have stormed into Polish cities. You can see them everywhere – in front of offices, in parks, on bike paths. Fast, quiet and eco-friendly, they have become a symbol of 21st-century mobility. But along with their popularity came a question: are electric scooters really safe? The answer is not black and white. Because safety does not depend solely on the equipment – it is also a matter of awareness, riding style and a few simple habits.
Here are 7 rules worth knowing before you press the throttle again.

1. Get to know your scooter – technology is your ally

Modern scooters are packed with systems that a few years ago sounded like science fiction.
Traction control (TCS), electronic ABS, energy recovery (KERS), dual suspension – these are not marketing extras but real support for safety.

➡️ Why is this important?
Each of these systems helps maintain stability in situations where an ordinary scooter would have failed long ago – e.g. on wet asphalt, gravel or uneven cobblestones.

💡 Pro tip: before you set off, spend 10 minutes reading the manual.
You will learn how the braking system works, what the speed modes are and what the icons on the display mean. This knowledge really can protect you.

2. Do not underestimate speed – the city is not a racetrack

25 km/h sounds harmless, right?
In reality, at this speed a collision with an obstacle is comparable to a fall from the height of the second floor.

Many scooter accidents do not result from equipment failure but from overestimating one's own skills.
A curb, a wet leaf, a pedestrian stepping out from behind a corner – in such situations reflexes are often not enough.

➡️ How to maintain control?

• Never ride faster than you are able to react.

• Use “standard” mode in the city and leave “sport” for empty lanes.

• In the rain or after dark – slow down by half. Literally.

🚦 Rule number one: safety is not a limitation – it is the freedom that good decisions give you.

3. Efficient brakes are your life in numbers

Brakes are the most important element of any scooter.
Yet many users have no idea what brakes their equipment has – drum, disc or electronic.

Disc brakes are stronger but require regular servicing.
Drum ones are less effective but more durable and resistant to dirt.
The safest scooters often combine both types – mechanical + electronic eABS.

➡️ Remember:

• Check the brakes once a week.

• If you hear a metallic sound – that is not music, it is a warning.

• At each inspection tighten the cables and test the lever response.

🧰 Tip: before your first ride after rain, carry out a braking test on an empty stretch – water always lengthens the stopping distance.

4. Tyres – the only contact with reality

You can have the best motor and lighting, but if the tyres are poor, the risk increases exponentially.
It is the tyres that determine grip, stability and comfort.

➡️ Which tyres are safe?

• Tubeless (pneumatic): they damp vibrations better and grip the surface more.

• Solid (full): you will never get a flat, but you lose cushioning.

If your scooter has inflatable tyres, check the pressure every 2–3 weeks.
Too low causes poorer handling, too high – less grip.

💬 “The tyre is your first line of contact with the road – let it always be ready.”

5. Lights and visibility – be seen before they notice you

Many drivers say they “didn't see” the scooter.
This is not their excuse – the low profile and quiet drive make it really easy to overlook you.

➡️ How to increase visibility?

• Always use front and rear lights (even during the day).

• Stick reflectors on the handlebar or helmet.

• If you ride after dark, consider an LED vest.

The point is not to dazzle others but not to disappear from their field of vision.

💡 Good to know: in premium scooters light sensors automatically switch on the headlights after dark – a simple feature that saves lives.

A helmet is not an exaggeration – it is common sense

The statistics are brutal: over 60% of injuries in scooter accidents are head injuries.
And yet many users still prefer “not to look silly”.

Meanwhile, a helmet is the smartest item of clothing you can have.
It does not have to be big and heavy – light urban or bicycle helmets are perfect for scooters.

➡️ What to pay attention to:

• Choose a helmet with EN1078 certification.

• It is good if it has a visor and ventilation openings.

• On colder days you can put a thin cap underneath.

🪖 Fact: even at a speed of 20 km/h an impact without a helmet can be fatal.
With a helmet – it ends with a bruise.

7. Maintenance and common sense – the duo that protects the most

A safe scooter is one that works just as well today as it did a month ago.
Regular maintenance is not an obligation, it is an investment in peace of mind.

➡️ What is worth doing:

• Once a week check the bolts, brakes and tyres.

• Once a month clean the bearings and the chain (if there is one).

• Update the software – these are not just gimmicks but safety fixes.

Do not ignore the small things either – a slight play in the handlebar, a strange noise from the motor or delayed throttle response are warning signs.

⚙️ Rule 7/7:
Seven minutes a week devoted to checking your scooter means seven times more safety.

Bonus: technology that really helps

Modern scooters – especially models from renowned brands such as Xiaomi – are no longer ordinary vehicles.
They are equipped with systems that take care of the user's safety on their own:

• engine lock when starting off too quickly,

• speed limitation depending on the conditions,

• battery temperature monitoring,

• and even automatic shut-off in the event of a fall.

All this makes the modern scooter one of the safest means of personal transport, provided you use it wisely. For example, the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 5 Max has a powerful motor, long range and spring suspension that significantly increases grip. For beginners, a lighter model such as the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 4 Lite, equipped with effective eABS, may be ideal.

New regulations – what has changed and what you need to know

Recently, facilitation and restrictions related to electric scooters have been introduced into Polish traffic law. According to the changes, scooters are classified as light electric vehicles (PEL), which means that they must move on cycle paths or in bicycle spaces, and on roadways – only where there is no cycle path or it is inaccessible. The maximum speed for scooters has also been reduced to 20 km/h in residential zones, and the obligation to use lights and reflective elements has been extended to riding during the day as well. A novelty is also the requirement of third-party liability insurance for scooters above a specified power and the obligation to register the vehicle in some municipalities in order to monitor safety and possible traffic damage. These regulations are intended to make traffic more predictable and safe for scooter users as well as pedestrians and drivers.

In conclusion: safety is a riding style, not a coincidence

You cannot program common sense.
Even the best technology will not help if the user does not follow the rules.

An electric scooter can be safe — if you treat it not as a toy but as a vehicle.
If you know when to slow down, how to take care of the equipment and how to be visible, it will become your ally, not a threat.

🌍 True freedom is riding with a sense of safety.
Not because nothing will happen, but because you have done everything for things to go well.