Israeli cities driven by electric scooter safety
New legislation tightening rules of useage for motor-operated scooters and bikes is set to come into effect, but national road safety group says infrastructure must be in place as well if safe use is to be expected
The warm weather, low cost and eco-friendly properties favor the use of battery-operated bikes and scooters by local residents.
However, a rise in the number accidents involving these vehicles prompted the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) to urge municipalities invest in the proper infrastructure and stand on measures if safety is to be addressed.
The minimum demands outlined by Rachel Tevet-Wiesel, chairperson of the NRSA, include:
- Proper bicycle paths
- Ensuring the use of bikes and scooters with a maximum speed of 25kph
- Compulsory use of helmets
- Municipal inspector enforcement and when a higher authority is necessary, police enforcement
- Parking stations for the scooters that will otherwise be discarded randomly, becoming a nuisance to pedestrians
- Educating constituents in the safe use of battery operated two wheel vehicles.
Residents of Tel Aviv say there are not enough bike paths and they are required to ride on roads in heavy traffic or risk fines for riding on the sidewalks.
Tel Aviv municipality has announced it will enforce laws that take effect on July 1, requiring riders to be at least 16 years old, have a driver's license or to have passed a written test before they are allowed to ride motor-driven bicycles and scooters.
The municipality also announced that fgrom August, scooter rental companies will be required to have appropriate docking facilities at specific locations around the city.
The companies will be fined when scooters are left randomly on sidewalks, which poses a danger to pedestrians.
