Micromobility Safety

Micromobility Safety: E-Scooters, E-Bikes, and Hoverboards

Micromobility refers to small, manually or electrically powered vehicles used to travel short distances. Examples include bicycles, e-bicycles, scooters, e-scooters, one-wheels, and skateboards.

Rising micromobility transportation usage on the UC Berkeley campus means new safety challenges for everyone. To avoid injury and to practice safe riding, follow these tips.

Be a Champion of Safety While on the Move

  • Wear a helmet. Knee and elbow pads can also help to prevent injury from falls and collisions.
  • Check for damage and test the brakes.
  • Skip the music while riding. It’s a safety distraction.
  • Avoid stunts. You don’t want to land in the hospital.
  • Watch out for obstacles in your pathway.
  • Follow all manufacturer instructions.

The Importance of Helmets

Accidents happen independently of how safely you ride and the best thing you can do to protect yourself from an unexpected accident is to wear a helmet. 

Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of death or injury. It can also reduce the severity of the injury in a crash. When bike helmets fit and are used correctly, they can lower the risk of head injury by at least 45%. 

2021 Estimated Injuries: 69,400 bicycle and accessory-related head injuries, separate from sports, were treated in emergency departments for all ages (excluding powered bikes).

Tips for Wearing a Helmet

  • Wear it properly - 1) Sit it evenly between your ears and flat on your head, 2) Wear it low on your forehead: Two finger widths above your eyebrows. 3) Tighten the chin strap* and adjust the pads inside for a snug and secure helmet. (*Specific to bicycle helmets.)  
  • Get the right helmet type - There are different helmets for different activities. Each type of helmet is made to protect your head from injuries related to specific activities.
  • Check the label - Does your helmet have a label inside showing it meets CPSC’s federal safety standard? If not, don’t use it. Report the helmet to CPSC at SaferProducts.gov. 
  • Replace When Needed - Replace the helmet after any impact to the helmet, including dropping. Helmets are one-time-use products and impacts can generally decrease the maximum effectiveness that a particular helmet can provide. You may not see damage. Cracks in the shell, work straps, and missing pads or other parts are also reasons to replace a helmet.

Slow down around pedestrians:

  • Fast-moving scooters are an extreme danger to pedestrians.
  • It is the rider’s responsibility to ensure the safety of themselves and others.
  • When around pedestrians, scooters should be going at a walking pace of 3-5 mph.

More information

Micro-mobility Rules, Regulations, and References