SCOOTERS-THE NEW CITY CARS OF 2020
Sustainable urban mobility has changed the medium of transportation in the past a few years and interestingly, electric scooters have entered the market. The use of electric scooters was getting common in the US, but now in Spain, it has set a new hype in the populous cities including Barcelona, Madrid, and Malaga. The main reason behind this rising demand is that it covers the last mile in just a few minutes.
Previously, this last mile was covered running and rushing to the bus stops but now, electric scooters have made it far convenient to reach safely avoiding traffic jams and just on time. Additionally, consumer preferences are changing with time and they are shifting to this mode of transportation to cover short distances within the city. As a result, electric scooters are a blessing to either get to the work in the morning or ride back home after a hectic working routine. Apart from this, people love to move around the city on this latest technology.
Concerns Of The Pedestrians:
A few years back, electric scooters were launched in different cities in Spain. The riders enjoyed riding electric scooters on pavements but it disturbed the walking pedestrians who were not safer anymore. In 2018, around 300 accidents were reported by the pedestrians and the numbers kept on increasing. Ultimately, it became the concern of pedestrian-friendly streets. So, the DGT had no other option to make laws for electric scooters.
Laws For Electric Scooter Riders:
The latest mode of traveling- electric scooters are either purchased by the riders or they get the rental services available in their home town. In both cases, these laws are applicable to electric scooter riders.
One of the main reasons for increasing incidents on pedestrians was the speed limit of this tool. Therefore, the DGT considers personal transportation as a vehicle that has a speed limit within 6-25 km/h, has two or more wheels and is specially designed for one person. Accordingly, electric scooters are now considered as a vehicle and the riders need to obey speed limits set by the authority.
Secondly, the pedestrians’ concerns are taken into account and the riders cannot ride on electric scooters on the pavements. If any rider is caught doing this, they will be charged €200. So, pavements and pedestrian zones are again safe for the people to walk freely and the riders need to use roads made specifically for motorcycles/bikes/cycles.
Thirdly, the DGT found out that many accidents were caused when the rider was drunk. Well, this led DGT making another law. Accordingly, the rider would need to undergo alcohol and drug test and in case of exceeding alcohol rates or in the presence of drugs, the rider would be charged between €500 and €1,000.
Fourthly, the rider needs to maintain their focus while riding and avoid any type of distractions. For the purpose, the rider should avoid using mobile phones and earplugs, else wise, they would be charged €200.
Fifthly, the rider has to wear a reflecting vest or a lighting system at night and the vehicle should carry only one person at a time. If anyone disobeyed the rule, they would face even more punishable offenses.
What if the minor is fined? Well, the minors are free from any offenses but their parents/ guardians are not. The parents/ guardians would be liable for the violation of laws made by under 18 years riders.
Some sources suggest that wearing a helmet should be mandatory for the rider because according to the law, the electric scooter comes under the definition of a vehicle but currently, there is not any law announced by the authorities.
Electric Scooters Available To Buy/ Get On Rent:
Currently, there are 29 approved parking zones for the electric scooters and several rental services for the riders operated by Spanish and international service providers. In Malaga, Lime, Tier, Ufo, Wind, Movo, Uber (Jump) and Helbiz have gained the attention of many riders and they find these services convenient.
Following are the links for getting electric scooters on rent:
Apart from this, there are some brands that manufacture a series of electric scooters. One of them is Zeeclo. It has 5 products under electric scooter category; the K series is specially designed for little riders, the M series is for beginners, the P series is assisted scooters, the U series is the best to cover medium and long distances and the X series have speed power allowing the user ride at 55km/h.
According to some experts, the best electric scooters in the town are Vankus Rocket, Xiaomi Mijia 360, Dualtron Spider, Joyor Y10, and Joyor X5S. These electric scooters are having excellent performance. Other than these, E1 E-Motion Advance 350W, E1 Dynamic and E1 ICE Q5 respectively have 350W, 500W and 200W. So, the rider has a choice to choose according to their preferences because every model has separate features.
Following are the links of the best electric scooter manufacturers:
Advantages of Electric Scooters:
No doubt, electric scooters have disturbed the pedestrians but we need to admit the fact that electric scooters are a need for the coming times. There are several advantages of using these E-scooters and due to these advantages, the population cannot resist itself using this trendy tool.
- Eco-Friendly: Electric scooters do not emit harmful gases as the fuel vehicles do. So, it is safe for our environment and people living around us.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: It is another example of cutting-edge technology that has connected the users with their mobiles. The rider has to unlock the electric scooter near them and the app can easily trace the rider too.
- Cost-Effective: This tool consumes less power and the rider only has to charge the electric scooter via a plug. On the other hand, diesel and gasoline vehicles are expensive to purchase, maintain and ride on.
- Independence: It has made the rider independent to cover the distance in less time. For example, Malaga is a medium-sized city in Spain where distances rarely exceed 5km. Therefore, the riders have got a great alternative to urban transport.
- Safer: Electric scooters are safer to ride as compared to cars and motorcycles. It is due to its speed limit.
- Easy to Assemble: Electric scooters are available in many designs. The rider can fold the scooter and easily carry it with themselves until they again need it.
If you are living in Malaga or want to travel here someday, then do not miss riding on these electric scooters. You will definitely enjoy the experience!!
