Staying Safe on Personal Transportation Devices

In recent years, personal transportation devices (PTD) have gained widespread popularity. PTDs—also known as micromobility devices—are low-speed, flexible-mobility vehicles not meeting the U.S. Department of Transportation’s motor vehicle standards for public roadways. Examples of these devices include Segways, electric (kick)/motorized scooters, electric bicycles, powered/motorized skateboards and hoverboards, and any transportation device that can be used on a roadway or sidewalk. PTDs do not include devices covered under the American Disabilities Act, such as motorized wheelchairs, mobility aids, and other power-driven mobility devices.

Although PTDs are convenient short-distance travel options that decrease traffic congestion and air pollution, their platforms are self-balancing, making them more vulnerable to debris and abnormalities in roadways and paths. For example, the average walking speed of a pedestrian is approximately 3.1 miles per hour; a Segway travels up to eighteen miles per hour, which increases both the probability and severity of accidents. Above all, operators should ride cautiously and be prepared to manage the risks that PTDs with pedestrians pose.

A recent U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) report found that emergency room-treated PTD-related injuries and deaths are increasing. More specifically, from 2017 to 2021, injuries increased 127 percent to 77,200 for micromobility devices, and the number of deaths increased from five to forty-eight.

Restrictions

PTDs may operate on installation bicycle paths, should cross roadways only at marked or regulated intersections, and may not exceed fifteen miles per hour.

Owners’ Responsibilities

PTD owners and operators must ensure that the proper personal protective equipment is used and in the proper manner. At a minimum, PTD users are required to wear a bicycle helmet as designed by the manufacturer. The helmet must meet ASTM International F1447, Snell B-95, or other host nation standards. A full-coverage helmet is highly recommended. Organizational entities within the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) will continue to monitor advances in PTDs and, as necessary, develop policies and risk mitigations for each device and their uses.

PTD users are also strongly encouraged to use impact- or shatter-resistant eye protection, sturdy over-the-ankle footwear, full-finger gloves, knee and elbow pads, and brightly colored or reflective outer garments.

Moreover, PTDs should be equipped with operational brakes for all wheels; operational headlights (which must be used at all times unless prohibited by law); and rearview mirrors mounted on the left or right handlebars. Left and right turn signals that can be operated without removing hands from the handlebars are highly recommended.

Rules of the road

In alignment with the policies developed for motor vehicles, while operating a PTD, the user is prohibited from wearing headphones, earphones, or other listening devices; operating a cellphone or other handheld device; drinking alcoholic beverages or being under the influence of alcohol or other substances that could impair their skills.

More Safety Tips

The cities of Austin, Texas; Kansas City, Missouri; and Brookline, Massachusetts, have established and publicly displayed the following safety guidelines on their websites:

• Always ride with traffic—never against it—unless specifically allowed, such as in bicycle contraflow lanes.
• Obey traffic signs and signals and observe others’ right-of-way.
• Yield to pedestrians.
• Use hand signals to indicate to motorists and pedestrians what you intend to do.
• Do not pass other vehicles within the same lane.
• Do not ride more than two side by side.
• Stay visible, predictable, and assertive.
• Do not park scooters where they block access to sidewalks or building entrances.
• Watch for potential hazards, such as drains, potholes, train tracks, or debris. Allow time to safely maneuver around these obstacles.

In addition, CPSC recommends the following measures to prevent fires with PTDs, as fire incidences are becoming a common occurrence:

• Always be present when charging devices using lithium-ion batteries. Never charge them while sleeping.
• Only use the charger that came with, and was specifically made for, your device.
• Only use an approved replacement battery pack.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper charging and unplug the device when done.
• Never use an electric mobility device with a battery pack that has been modified or reworked by unqualified personnel or with repurposed or used cells.

For more information, consult the DoD Instruction 6055.04, “DoD Traffic Safety Program.”