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Police Warn Against Tuned E-Scooters
Mobility1 min read
Police and traffic experts in southwest Germany warn that e-scooters and pedelecs (e-bikes with pedal help) are being tuned to go faster than the law allows. Tuning is becoming easier and more common, and police say it is a growing safety risk.
Police warn about tuned e-scooters
Police and experts are worried that many electric scooters and pedelecs are being changed, or "tuned," so they go faster than allowed. In some cases, this can be done with a few simple steps. Police in Mannheim say it can be as easy as ticking a box in the scooter's phone app.
Key numbers and facts
- In the past year, police found 363 tuned pedelecs during traffic checks.
- The year before, police found 291 tuned pedelecs, with about the same number of checks.
- No official numbers exist yet for tuned e-scooters.
- Accident numbers have risen from year to year.
Why tuning is easier now
Some sellers make tuning easier because they think it helps their sales. Experts say some scooters bought as direct imports from Asia already come with tuning parts in the box. Experts also say that young people often ride two on one scooter or use paths where riding is not allowed. Most accidents happen when riders are not seen by drivers turning at junctions.
Why it matters
Tuning makes these vehicles more dangerous, and the risk of serious injury goes up. Officials say the number of checks is being increased. Insurance experts want more traffic checks and training for young riders in schools. Police say many people do not see tuning as wrong, and nobody knows how many tuned scooters are on the roads.
What to watch
- Whether police increase checks on e-scooters and pedelecs.
- Whether official data on tuned e-scooters is collected.
- Whether schools add e-scooter safety training.
- Whether sellers of tuning parts face more controls.
Glossary
- Tuning
- Changing a vehicle so it becomes faster or more powerful, often against the rules.