The Future of Getting Around: E-Scooters and Safety
It’s becoming clear that electric scooters, along with other electric transportation options, are important parts of the future of how people travel. To make these personal electric devices safer for everyone, especially those walking by, efforts are being made to improve them.
Safety First
Safety is the most important thing when it comes to e-scooters. This applies to both the person riding the scooter and those around them – pedestrians, other drivers, and cyclists. This is a big concern because many people today are constantly connected and moving around. Because e-scooters are often used near pedestrians, it’s not surprising to see an increase in accidents. Cities like Paris have experienced this.
Developing a Universal Alert Sound
Several companies in the European e-scooter industry are working together to create a standard sound that e-scooters can make to warn others when they are approaching. A Dutch company called Dott, along with researchers from the University of Salford in the UK and the Italian Union of the Blind and Visually Impaired (UICI), are collaborating on this project.
Project Goals
While the exact details are still being worked out, the group plans to develop at least three warning sounds. The aim is to make people aware of e-scooters in areas with lots of foot traffic. Ultimately, they want to create a global standard so all e-scooter makers will use the same sounds, making them recognizable everywhere.
Testing the Sounds
They are currently testing different sounds to find ones that won’t cause noise pollution but will effectively alert road users. People involved in the tests include pedestrians, e-scooter riders, and individuals with visual impairments. Participants are using virtual reality headsets to experience simulated environments.
What Kind of Sound Should E-Scooters Make?
It might be helpful to have different sounds for different situations. For example, when riding in busy pedestrian areas, a ticking sound could alert people. On designated paths where speeds are higher, a whirring sound like a spaceship might be more appropriate. What sound do you think e-scooters should make?
I’m Rohan Mehta, the voice behind KhelRe—a trusted and steadily growing blog dedicated to electric vehicles (EVs) in India. With over five years of experience as a tech and automotive blogger, I turned my frustrations with owning an EV into a mission: to help others make more intelligent choices in this fast-evolving world of electric mobility.
I’ve been an early adopter of EV technology—I repurchased my first electric scooter in 2019. That experience opened my eyes to both the promises and the pitfalls of this new mode of transport. From slow charging times and range anxiety to misleading specs and hidden costs, I’ve faced it all. But instead of walking away, I decided to write about it.
That’s how KhelRe was born—a no-nonsense, hands-on blog where I share practical, real-world reviews of EV cars, bikes, and scooters. I break down features, range, performance, and pricing from a user-first perspective. I take pride in simplifying complex tech into clear, valuable insights—offering tips, ownership stories, and advice you won’t find in flashy press releases or sales brochures.
Whether you’re a first-time EV buyer or just a curious auto enthusiast, my goal is to help you navigate the EV landscape with confidence. My motto: “EV knowledge should come from experience, not just brochures.”
When I’m not test-driving the latest e-scooter or comparing charging networks, you’ll probably find me tinkering with my garage EV setup, chatting with fellow enthusiasts online, or sipping chai while writing my next blog post from a cosy local café.
