Can Electric Scooters Become a Safer Way to Travel?

• July 19, 2022

 

Electric vehicles are proving themselves to be the most viable alternative to classic mobility options. The people are supporting and willing to take a leap forward and switch to electric two-wheelers. The main reasons for this switch are the threat of active climate change by fuel operated vehicles, diminishing fossil fuels, and increasing fuel prices on everyday basis. 

While considering the purchase, buyers also tend to think about the safety of the electric scooters. The buyers make an obvious comparison of ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles with electric rides. The factors considered are the scope of accidents/hazards, robust physical construct, vehicle life/warranty, etc. Therefore, every electric scooter manufacturer gives ample forethought to delivering a safe and standardized ride to every buyer. 

Given the recent fire incidents of electric two-wheelers, people are reconsidering their purchase options once again. The probable reasons for the accidents can be inadequate battery testing, wrong charging method/equipment, and attitude of getting to the market prompt and cheap. Nevertheless, manufacturers are closely looking into their battery designs and testing more proficiently now. 

Let’s talk about the fundamental question - can electric scooters become a safer way to travel? Absolutely yes. The concept and technology are in the phase of evolution. Every player in this market is progressively investing in Research and Development to produce a safe vehicle. But till the time we evolve into an era of creating and adopting electrical mobility, what are the solutions to make electric scooters a safer travel alternative? Let’s explore the measures one can take at an individual, company, and authority level. 

1. Stringent regulatory and safety norms: The government and regulatory authorities are incessantly working on regulatory guidelines for manufacturing electric vehicles. Post the recent fire accidents, the authorities will soon tighten the AIS 156 norms for safer EVs. Strikeco adopts comparatively stricter standards for manufacturing, testing, and ensuring the reliability of our scooters. We safely design our scooter batteries to control the initiation and propagation of the thermal runway. 
2. Chalking out efficient plans for battery production and recycling: The global population is accepting electric modes of transportation. Whereas, the concerns of getting a reliable battery, efficient battery disposals (at the end of its life cycle), higher vehicle mileage/range, excellent aerodynamics, and advanced technology pose a question on its purchase. With rigorous work on the factors of production, recycling (battery), and manufacturing process, the electric two-wheelers can become an eco-friendly and safer option. 
3. Public charging facilities: To provide an appropriate and scalable infrastructure for electric vehicles is more important than selling electric bikes and scooters. Today, buyers purchase scooters with the proper knowledge and accessibility of charging stations for their electric rides. It is crucial to facilitate locating a public charging station and its accurate understanding to the consumer. Given the escalation in the number of e-vehicles on road and ensure its safety it is essential to properly charge your e-vehicle via company provided charger or authorized charging stations. 
4. Consumer education on scooters’ working and maintenance: Even after being in existence for a long time, people are yet to understand the specifics of an electric two-wheeler. The obligation of which lays on the shoulders of the government and EV manufacturers. The crucial topics under the discussion umbrella are - 
   1. How to use an electric vehicle properly?
   2. Precautions during different weather/climatic conditions (hot, humid, rainy, cold). 
   3. What are the types of batteries, benefits, and respective preventive measures?
   4. Effects of undercharging/overcharging the batteries.
   5. Preventive steps in situations of any vehicle hazard/accident and many more.

Demo rides, lectures/educational workshops, awareness campaigns, periodic updates, one-on-one interaction with experts, simulation workshops, and assistance about EVs can be a few modes of educating the buyers. The correct knowledge will accelerate the purchase and appropriate usage of EVs and wise management in cases of mishaps. In contrast, it reduces the chances and risks of vehicle hazards and accidents. 

 

Electric mobility is not a product to be positioned as sustainable but an unsafe option for traveling. For Indian roads to witness a revolution, it becomes the duty and responsibility of an electric vehicle manufacturer and the government to produce, market, sell, and educate the buyers that EVs are a futuristic and safe mode of travel.