Can Self-Balancing Scooters Be Used on Sidewalks?
2 Answers
Self-balancing scooters are not allowed on sidewalks. They also cannot be driven on public roads. Due to their simple construction and poor braking capability, riders are completely unprotected while standing on them, making it extremely dangerous to operate alongside other vehicles on the road. Driving a self-balancing scooter requires attention to automotive safety. Below is a detailed explanation: Overview: Automotive safety for vehicles is primarily divided into two major aspects: active safety and passive safety. Active safety refers to the ability to control the vehicle as smoothly as possible. Whether braking or accelerating in a straight line or steering left and right, the operation should be as stable as possible to avoid deviating from the intended path of travel and to ensure it does not affect the driver's visibility and comfort. Others: The scope of automotive safety technology is becoming increasingly broad and detailed, moving towards integration, intelligence, systematization, and universalization. Strictly controlling speed during nighttime driving is a fundamental measure to ensure safety.
I often use a self-balancing scooter for commuting, so I'm quite familiar with this topic. Whether it's allowed on sidewalks depends on where you are. In cities, I see many people riding them around, which seems quite convenient, but it's not always legal. Some places clearly specify that they can only be used in bike lanes or designated paths, not on sidewalks, because high speeds can easily lead to collisions with pedestrians, especially the elderly and children. I remember once when I was riding too fast and almost hit someone, which gave me a real scare. Since then, I've been careful to control my speed. I recommend wearing a helmet when using a self-balancing scooter and checking local traffic regulations—don't risk causing trouble for momentary convenience. Honestly, it's quite practical for short urban trips, being eco-friendly and fuel-saving, but safety should always come first. Fines are one thing, but hurting someone would be much worse.
