Anyone use those e-scooters?

bo0li5eumx12kp

I see a bunch of people zipping around Dublin on them now, often times with a suit, tie and satchel, real corporate.

i.e. they seem to be becoming a legit form of transport.

Anyone use them? I see commuters travelling at decent speeds on them also as in, if I was pedaling furiously on muh bicycle, similar enough speed to that.

I'm sure they're not cheap also though.

But, I'm considering commute times from Belfield to Inchicore - a legit 10 K.

Might be more manageable on an e-scooter than conventional pedal bike.

Hamsterchops

Tried out the Kaiser Bass Revo (€599) and it was alright, but not good enough to make me part with my money.

Xiaomi M365 seems to be the popular choice, selling for just €400 last time I checked the price (pre-covid).

seamus

10k is nothing on a bicycle. 30 minutes at a very sedate pace.

e-scooters are fine and any alternative to the car should be promoted. The lack of official regulation around them and the appalling behaviour of their users is fast making them the most hated road user though.

whisky_galore

Lainey Nutty Sock wrote: »

i.e. they seem to be becoming a legit form of transport.

Until a guard having a bad day sees one.

SmartinMartin

Thought about buying one, but wouldn't take the chance of being done for no insurance/tax/registration.

McGinniesta

No. Getting squashed on an E-Scooter isn't how I want to check out.

Sky King

I'm a hipster so I only travel on a unicycle?

That wasn't a question but I added a question mark because I also do that thing where I raise my tone at the end of every sentence?

Gatling

We got one for the missus to get college and when I need the car for work ,
There hand things for zipping around , hopefully we get a sensible legislation around their use ,

2 stopped by one over zealous guard in rathmines out of thousands of them being used daily

expectationlost

Lainey Nutty Sock wrote: »

I see a bunch of people zipping around Dublin on them now, often times with a suit, tie and satchel, real corporate.

i.e. they seem to be becoming a legit form of transport.

Anyone use them? I see commuters travelling at decent speeds on them also as in, if I was pedaling furiously on muh bicycle, similar enough speed to that.

I'm sure they're not cheap also though.

But, I'm considering commute times from Belfield to Inchicore - a legit 10 K.

Might be more manageable on an e-scooter than conventional pedal bike.

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/gardaí-investigating-meath-death-not-looking-for-another-person-or-vehicle-1.4366427

bo0li5eumx12kp

SmartinMartin wrote: »

Thought about buying one, but wouldn't take the chance of being done for no insurance/tax/registration.

I can't imagine any of those things are necessary, are they?

bo0li5eumx12kp

seamus wrote: »

10k is nothing on a bicycle. 30 minutes at a very sedate pace.

e-scooters are fine and any alternative to the car should be promoted. The lack of official regulation around them and the appalling behaviour of their users is fast making them the most hated road user though.

Bicycle lanes are coming into practice more and more around Dublin now however, and their use is confined to said lanes as far as I'm aware.

bo0li5eumx12kp

seamus wrote: »

10k is nothing on a bicycle. 30 minutes at a very sedate pace.

Not when one must do it 2x/day every day with bogus cycle infrastructure.

listermint

They offer very little control in the rain and you will go on your ear in the wet. Majority of models have little to zero suspension so any hole will send you on your ear.

We had a guy first day in the office earlier this year , arrived in on his first day broke his collar bone outside the office door. Lucky he had a helmet on or he may not have made it to his new job either.

Gatling

Lainey Nutty Sock wrote: »

I can't imagine any of those things are necessary, are they?

Apparently they come under mpv but no license plate can't be taxed and insured .and no need for a license to use one either

Thousands of them being used daily across the country and so far only two people stopped by a single guard who are awaiting directions from a court to see if laws were actually broken

AndrewJRenko

McGinniesta wrote: »

No. Getting squashed on an E-Scooter isn't how I want to check out.

Wait till you hear about car crashes.

seamus

Lainey Nutty Sock wrote: »

Bicycle lanes are coming into practice more and more around Dublin now however, and their use is confined to said lanes as far as I'm aware.

No, e-scooters are not allowed on cycle lanes, and definitely not on paths. They must only be used on the road.

I would have no general issue with them being allowed to use cycle tracks/lanes provided that they're speed limited to 25km/h.

bo0li5eumx12kp

seamus wrote: »

No, e-scooters are not allowed on cycle lanes, and definitely not on paths. They must only be used on the road.

I would have no general issue with them being allowed to use cycle tracks/lanes provided that they're speed limited to 25km/h.

Pffff, sounds like a job for Eamon Ryan.

Someone get on the blower;

And by the blower I mean - twitter.

AndrewJRenko

seamus wrote: »

No, e-scooters are not allowed on cycle lanes, and definitely not on paths. They must only be used on the road.

I would have no general issue with them being allowed to use cycle tracks/lanes provided that they're speed limited to 25km/h.

They're not allowed on the road either, unless they have motor tax and insurance, neither of which are available.

JasonStatham

Wasn't there an accident in Meath at the weekend, because of one of these scooters?

Montage of Feck

If your too lazy to cycle or too cheap to pay motor tax get off the road, :pac:.

whisky_galore

Hated by cyclists, pedestrians AND motorists. Quite an achievement.

RasTa

Montage of Feck wrote: »

If your too lazy to cycle or too cheap to pay motor tax get off the road, :pac:.

There should be zero cars in the city tbf

AndrewJRenko

whisky_galore wrote: »

Hated by cyclists, pedestrians AND motorists. Quite an achievement.

Speak for yourself.

Gatling

whisky_galore wrote: »

Hated by cyclists, pedestrians AND motorists. Quite an achievement.

Cyclists are just jealous people are getting more use out of cycle lanes with are empty 98% of the time

Dr Turk Turkelton

JasonStatham wrote: »

Wasn't there an accident in Meath at the weekend, because of one of these scooters?

Yes there was a guy killed on one the other night. Was also talking to a lad from Blanch last week who bought one for commuting to Lucan on. Proudly told me it would do 45 km/h.
Not a road I'd like to be using one on. He also told me he couldn't drive so I doubt he will have much knowledge of the rules of the road.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/extra.ie/2020/09/26/news/irish-news/meath-hit-and-run/amp

bo0li5eumx12kp

Dr Turk Turkelton wrote: »

Yes there was a guy killed on one the other night. Was also talking to a lad from Blanch last week who bought one for commuting to Lucan on. Proudly told me it would do 45 km/h.
Not a road I'd like to be using one on. He also told me he couldn't drive so I doubt he will have much knowledge of the rules of the road.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/extra.ie/2020/09/26/news/irish-news/meath-hit-and-run/amp

45 km/h?

Dayum - if he can commute to Lucan I can definitely commute from Belfield to Inchicore.

He didn't happen to mention the e-scooter brand and price?

If these were confined to bike paths I don't see a problem.

Using them on roads alongside cars is insanity.

Dr Turk Turkelton

No he didn't mention a brand or what type. He hadn't used it yet.i just happened to be talking to him on a training day so I doubt I'll ever see him again.
Also the link i posted is about the lad killed in Meath at the weekend.

edit;I didn't say he could commute that journey just that it was his plan. Personally I can't see it coming to fruition in a good way.

Thelonious Monk

Gatling wrote: »

Cyclists are just jealous people are getting more use out of cycle lanes with are empty 98% of the time

As someone who cycles a bit i think they're great. Anything that takes cars off the road should be encouraged. From my experience they just seem to be used on the roads responsibly, normal people going to work etc.

Thelonious Monk

seamus wrote: »

10k is nothing on a bicycle. 30 minutes at a very sedate pace.

e-scooters are fine and any alternative to the car should be promoted. The lack of official regulation around them and the appalling behaviour of their users is fast making them the most hated road user though.

Speak for yourself, and what appalling behaviour? I've never heard of them harming anyone (apart from that incident the other night) or witnessed it myself.

Thelonious Monk

Gatling wrote: »

Cyclists are just jealous people are getting more use out of cycle lanes with are empty 98% of the time

In fairness they're usually full of parked cars

jester77

They were pretty handy when going for lunch was a thing and you didn't have much time, scan the app, zip across town and back again after.

bobbyy gee

some one just died on one in meath
don't work well well in rain

some go on fire
https://nypost.com/video/electric-scooter-overheats-shooting-off-30-balls-of-fire/

Thelonious Monk

bobbyy gee wrote: »

some one just died on one in meath
don't work well well in rain

some go on fire
https://nypost.com/video/electric-scooter-overheats-shooting-off-30-balls-of-fire/

Tbf people die on all methods of private transportation

murphyebass

If and it’s a massive if they get regulated and policed then they’re not a bad option but as it is right now with nobody wearing helmets and users ****ing flying about on road and pavements it’s a complete disaster waiting to happen.

listermint

Thelonious Monk wrote: »

As someone who cycles a bit i think they're great. Anything that takes cars off the road should be encouraged. From my experience they just seem to be used on the roads responsibly, normal people going to work etc.

I'd prefer people bought electric bicycles, they're safer.

SmartinMartin

Lainey Nutty Sock wrote: »

I can't imagine any of those things are necessary, are they?

They most certainly are. Anything that moves under power without physical human input is considered to be a mechanically propelled vehicle. I looked into it and bought an electrically assisted bike instead.

AndrewJRenko

murphyebass wrote: »

If and it’s a massive if they get regulated and policed then they’re not a bad option but as it is right now with nobody wearing helmets and users ****ing flying about on road and pavements it’s a complete disaster waiting to happen.

Unlike motorists, who are an actual disaster happening every day on our roads.

SmartinMartin

Didn't realise just how fast these things can be. Here's one for 2.5k that can do 100 to 120kph with a range of 100km!

https://m.aliexpress.com/item/4000827223978.html?spm=a2g0n.productlist.0.0.1f82d81ctFiZMg&browser_id=885d3b80e6004b81b48bc8b76be8f8f4&aff_trace_key=1df4ceea393c49fa943869651e4e608c-1583489900338-05400-2u6jmaU&aff_platform=msite&m_page_id=szxhfu8jbscaw3br174d6c42fbd1a7f6fc90a07e6e&gclid=&_imgsrc_=ae01.alicdn.com%2Fkf%2FH2f043154cdd74286b892054351e79421m.jpg_640x640Q90.jpg_.webp

IAMAMORON

I was in Vienna last summer and they were everywhere.

The less cars on the streets the better.

KungPao

I’d feel like a bit of a wally going around on one, to be fair.

It’s like a mini mobility scooter.

murphyebass

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

Unlike motorists, who are an actual disaster happening every day on our roads.

Motor cars are without question dangerous but they’re regulated.

Scooters should be taxed, insured, kept on the road and users should be wearing helmets.

If not they should be banned.

_Brian

Their use needs to be encouraged in urban areas but avoided on rural roads.

I think the issues around tax/insurance could be waived but their introduction would need to be don’t while introducing measures to reduce cars in these areas
Probably by introducing congestion charges.

They work in European cities So no reason they can’t work here.

My personal preference would be a bicycle but we need to facilitate a range of transport methods.

murphyebass

_Brian wrote: »

Their use needs to be encouraged in urban areas but avoided on rural roads.

I think the issues around tax/insurance could be waived but their introduction would need to be don’t while introducing measures to reduce cars in these areas
Probably by introducing congestion charges.

They work in European cities So no reason they can’t work here.

My personal preference would be a bicycle but we need to facilitate a range of transport methods.

How can you waive the need for tax and insurance on a motorised vehicle??

As for congestion charges, it’ll never happen. No politician in power will want the backlash from the horde of daily motorists going city centre bound.

whisky_galore

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

Speak for yourself.

Oh yes and hated by the law too.

reg114

seamus wrote: »

10k is nothing on a bicycle. 30 minutes at a very sedate pace.

e-scooters are fine and any alternative to the car should be promoted. The lack of official regulation around them and the appalling behaviour of their users is fast making them the most hated road user though.

Have to agree. Scooters should be allowed but strictly controlled in terms of speed. Guy I work with came off one and broke his arm, so the dangers are real. Bright clothing and lights are essential especially coming into the winter months. Plus, and this is no doubt set the cat amongst the pigeons but I would advise scooter users to wear a helmet, because you are going to take a spill at some point.

I think ebikes need to be regulated too, more particularly these deliveroo cyclists who have converted their regular bikes to ebikes by attaching a battery pack and electric propulsion mechanism in either one of the wheels. This diy set up is so dangerous because the bikes were not designed for these forces and braking at such high speeds.

Regulation badly needed for escooters and ebikes.

murphyebass

reg114 wrote: »

Have to agree. Scooters should be allowed but strictly controlled in terms of speed. Guy I work with came off one and broke his arm, so the dangers are real. Bright clothing and lights are essential especially coming into the winter months. Plus, and this is no doubt set the cat amongst the pigeons but I would advise scooter users to wear a helmet, because you are going to take a spill at some point.

I think ebikes need to be regulated too, more particularly these deliveroo cyclists who have converted their regular bikes to ebikes by attaching a battery pack and electric propulsion mechanism in either one of the wheels. This diy set up is so dangerous because the bikes were not designed for these forces and braking at such high speeds.

Regulation badly needed for escooters and ebikes.

Regulation and more importantly enforcement.

Unfortunately I reckon we’ll get neither, particularly enforcement, until there’s a few more deaths or serious injuries.

seamus

reg114 wrote: »

Regulation badly needed for escooters and ebikes.

ebikes are already very effectively regulated. The motor can only kick in while pedalling and must cut out above 25km/h. Anything which doesn't abide by this is legally a motorbike.

The problem you describe is around enforcement and the fact that the Gardai can't be arsed pulling them over and taking the bikes.

escooters are a slightly different issue. I think if you were following the letter of EU law they would similarly be classed as motorcycles, but as they offer a low-impact mode of transport for people who may not be able to cycle, their use should be encouraged through clear regulation. Such as limiting them to 25km/h and mandating the use of lights.

Tax & insurance wouldn't be necessary in this case, which would help drive uptake of them.

o1s1n

Is there any reason to use one of these over a bicycle other than the gimmick of them? I would imagine most folks are traveling distances that you could easily cycle.

I cycle a lot myself and have found e-scooters to be pretty dangerous on cycle tracks - they come out of nowhere to overtake you and there's not much of a noise out of them at all, so no real warning.

Had one whizz by and scare the absolute bejasus out of me during the week.

bo0li5eumx12kp

murphyebass wrote: »

Motor cars are without question dangerous but they’re regulated.

Scooters should be taxed, insured, kept on the road and users should be wearing helmets.

If not they should be banned.

That's just like, your opinion man.

Should kids push scooters be insured also?

The whole idea of e-scooters is ease of use, just like a bike, skip all that regulatory headache.

The problem is inner city infrastructure is organized completely in favour of the car - it sucks.

jimgoose

Thelonious Monk wrote: »

Speak for yourself, and what appalling behaviour? I've never heard of them harming anyone (apart from that incident the other night) or witnessed it myself.

They are mechanically propelled vehicles, and as such should be roadworthy like any motorcycle - lights, indicators, etc. They are not. Their users should be competent, licensed riders and road-users. They are not. The wretched things are a lethal menace in their current form.

murpho999

murphyebass wrote: »

How can you waive the need for tax and insurance on a motorised vehicle??

As for congestion charges, it’ll never happen. No politician in power will want the backlash from the horde of daily motorists going city centre bound.

It's motorised yes, but very differently to a car. So should fall under a different category.
E-bikes are motorised as well with a tiny motor in the wheel and are also correctly not taxed.

What's the obsession with taxing vehicles?

Cars are taxed for polluting the atmosphere which neither bicycles or scooters do.

As for insurance, if a cyclists or person on a scooter has a collision they'll come off the worst and will not cause major damage to objects around them so what do they need to be insured for?