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I'm all for anything that can reduce the number of cars in European cities. That said, whether they're explicitly forbidden in your country, or in a legal grey
by hocuspocus 8y ago
I'm all for anything that can reduce the number of cars in European cities.
That said, whether they're explicitly forbidden in your country, or in a legal grey area, I think anyone riding these scooters is asking for trouble. If you do cause an accident, your personal liability insurance will not cover anything. Even if you aren't at fault, you are on a vehicle that has no legal category, no insurance, and is not supposed to be used on public roads. Given that some models go up to 50 km/h, this kind of risk sounds pretty insane.
We definitely need legislators to work things out before SV startups put them in the hands of unaware people.
- jdminhbg 8y agoWhich part of this isn't applicable to bicycles as well?
- noobermin 8y agoGoing at 50 km/h is a feat for many cyclists. It also requires a bit of effort or a hill. When you can turn a dial or press a lever and move fast, you become much less conscious of moving fast and this attitude can lead to causing much more harm.
- jdminhbg 8y agoHave you ridden a Bird/Lime/etc.? You don't accidentally go 50 km/h on one. If anything, I'm more likely to go too fast on my bike because they pick up speed going downhill much more easily.
- sb8244 8y agoI hit 22mph really hauling it on a downhill on my Lime scooter the other day. I don't see 31mph (50 km/h) happening on them. However, they are definitely too fast for sidewalks and they're not even safe unless the sidewalk is free of imperfections such as holes and bumps.
- hocuspocus 8y agoAll of them? Bicycles belong in a category that is properly defined by the law. Riding a bicycle is explicitly covered by your personal liability insurance. 45 km/h e-bikes have their own special category and need license, plate, registration and specific insurance.
- deleted 8y ago[deleted]
- tonyedgecombe 8y agopersonal liability insurance How many people do you think have personal liability insurance in Europe?
- detaro 8y agoI'd suspect that varies a lot between countries. In Germany it's >80%, I can easily see it being quite uncommon in other places.
- hocuspocus 8y ago>90% in my country. I wouldn't be able to rent an apartment without one. But that is beyond the point. If you use a bike on public roads and want to be insured, you can. A scooter, your insurer will tell you they cannot do anything.
- tinus_hn 8y agoAlmost everyone so it is very cheap, about $3.50 a month with no deductible.
- DanBC 8y agoCycling associations in the UK offer insurance coverage.