E-scooter safety tips

Proceed with caution: Worker safety tips for dockless motorized scooters

Dockless motorized scooters have become hot across the country and in Colorado. In just a few years, 65,000 have flooded the United States, including more than 1,500 in Denver.

Like all forms of transportation, these rides carry some risk. Over 1,500 people suffered injuries or died in electric scooter accidents in the U.S. last year.

Colorado lawmakers are scrambling to update safety guidelines to keep up with the scooter boom — Denver, for instance, outlawed riding on sidewalks following pedestrian complaints.

Employers may need to make adjustments, too. If one of your employees gets injured while using a motorized scooter for a work-related purpose, a workers’ compensation claim could result. Employers located in urban areas where scooters are available should update their policies to include workers who choose this mode of transportation.

You also can share these scooter safety tips with your employees:

  • Pre-plan trips to determine the shortest route and to avoid construction/detours
  • Follow local traffic laws
  • Do not ride on sidewalks
  • Stay in bicycle lanes
  • Ride on roadways only when speed limits are 30 mph or less
  • Do not ride in icy or snowy conditions
  • Allow only one rider per scooter
  • Avoid tricks and stunts
  • Do not use mobile devices while riding
  • Carry personal items in a backpack or messenger bag

Additionally, advise employees always to wear proper personal protective equipment, such as:

  • Helmet, preferably rated by DOT, SNELL, CPSC or ASTM
  • Eye protection rated with ANSI Z87.1+
  • Gloves
  • High-visibility garments
  • Closed-toed, durable footwear

Questions? Contact us at safetyoncall@pinnacol.com.