Scooter Safety: How to safely ride an electric scooter in Chicago

Like it or not, dockless electric scooters have come to Chicago, and as an orthopaedic trauma surgeon, I am face-to-face with the consequences of ignoring safety when riding a Divvy bike, electric scooter, rollerblades or skateboard. By answering common questions on riding an e-scooter, I want to ensure Chicagoans have a safe and enjoyable summer.

How to Ride an Electric Scooter

For many Chicagoans, e-scooters are a new method of transport. They look simple and are easy to operate, but taking the time to practice before hitting the road is always a good idea.

Start off slow, practice in a parking lot, and learn the basics: how to start and stop and what you should do in case of an emergency.

It’s also important for riders of any wheeled vehicle to follow all traffic laws. Be aware of where the bike lanes are, ride on the right side of the road and keep an eye out for opening car doors.

Scooter Safety Tips

After treating patients with riding injuries, I know how essential proper safety is this summer when riding an electric scooter. Common safety tips include:

Electric Scooter Age Limit

The legal riding age for e-scooters in Chicago is 18.

Safety Helmet

Helmets should be worn when operating any sports or transport equipment where there is risk of head injury, which includes electric scooters. To accommodate those who find bulky helmets hard to manage, some sports shops carry safe collapsible helmets that easily can fit in a bag.

Dress Appropriately

When you’re riding a bike, make sure to wear clothes that you can move in. Wear appropriate clothes for the activity, like running shoes. Make sure not to wear something that could get caught in tires -- no skirts, loose clothes or flip flops.

Don’t Drink and Ride

It is illegal to drive a car after drinking, so you can assume that you are also not safe to operate any wheeled vehicle after drinking, include electric scooters.

It can be tempting to use a bike or scooter during a bar-hopping expedition, but that can lead to trouble.

Common Treatment for Scooter Injuries

If you fall or crash, first check in with yourself. If there’s pain or you can’t put weight on an arm or leg, do not wait to seek treatment after a scooter injury. Go to an urgent care facility or emergency department immediately. Waiting means you might miss out on early, necessary treatment.

With these simple safety tips in hand, you should be ready for a healthy, more mobile, summer.