VSV’s e-scooter training has to prevent accidents

The Flemish Foundation of Transport Studies (Vlaamse Stichting Verkeerskunde, VSV) has launched training for the use of e-scooters. People taking part in the ‘One Step Away’ course learn how to use the electric vehicle in a safe way.

In the first quarter of this year, 16 accidents with injuries in which e-scooters were involved were registered. In the last three months of last year, there were 14 accidents with slightly injured people, 2 with serious injuries, and even one fatality. Figures show that the use of e-scooters is not without risk. That is why VSV wants to familiarize people with the vehicle.

Sustainable vehicle

“E-scooters are sustainable and alternative means of transport, and we applaud them,” the Flemish Minister for Mobility, Lydia Peeters (Open Vld), says. “This training has to make sure that people move safely among other road users.”

In a lot of accidents with e-scooters, there is no other party involved. This means that the (occasional) user doesn’t have enough experience to use the vehicle safely. The training takes two hours and includes both theoretics and practice.

Practice

“Participants learn how to evaluate risks, but they also learn how to maneuver safely, how to keep their balance, and how to stop safely when driving at 25 km/hour,” explains Werner De Dobbeleer, spokesperson for VSV.

“Stability is an issue when riding an e-scooter. The wheels are much smaller than those of a bicycle, so you feel every unevenness in the road surface. That’s something you have to get used to.”

Mechelen

Some staff members of the city of Mechelen, and Minister Peeters, were the first to follow the training on Tuesday. The training is mainly intended for companies and organizations, but private individuals can subscribe as a group of at least seven people. The price of the course is 700 euros per group of seven.