IN FEAR OF POTHOLES ON MY WOBBLY FIRST OUTING

This week i took my first e-scooter ride. in a quiet park in south Dublin, i scooted around the footpath, initially at a snail’s pace until i built up the confidence to click through all three gears and reach the top speed of 30kph. The power in the acceleration, in what to many is a children’s toy that has been modified and adopted by adults, initially caught me by surprise. Although given its 250w motor, perhaps i shouldn’t have been. Despite not wearing a helmet, i felt obliged to test the breaks out properly. slamming them on, i had a bit of a wobble, and fell slightly forward off the scooter and had to stop myself with my feet, which was fine in an empty park but in city traffic might not be as forgiving. That said, they do slow down relatively quickly when you stop accelerating. After half an hour or so in the park, i was ready to take the escooter out on the main road. i caught a few inquisitive looks from motorists and pedestrians. i cycle on the road most days but it’s hard not to feel even more exposed on an e-scooter.

As i approached the first junction, i had the sudden realisation that the scooter has no indicators! These can be bought as extras, businessman Ciarán hughes, who offered me the use of his scooter, tells me.

The size of the wheels is also not so reassuring given the condition of irish roads. i wouldn’t fancy my chances if i hit a pothole at 30kph. Riders would clearly be far safer if they stayed on the pavement, but that would put pedestrians in danger.

While a total ban might seem extreme, it is difficult to see where escooters will find a home.

But given the continuing evolution in ‘personal transport’, this is likely to be the starting point as opposed to the end point for foldable electric transport devices.