How to Stay Safe Around E-Bikes and E-Scooters While Traveling
Last Updated on June 18, 2025 by Kristina
E-bikes and e-scooters are popping up everywhere—from busy cities to quiet tourist spots. They’re fast, fun, and convenient. But they also come with real risks. Whether you’re riding one or just walking nearby, you need to stay alert.
One Ride Changed Everything
Take Sarah Morris, for example. She used to love e-scooters—until one ride turned into a nightmare. Sarah, a tour guide from Seattle, lost control of a rental scooter. It threw her off, knocked her out cold, and left her with 60 stitches and a traumatic brain injury.
She’s not alone. Accidents involving e-scooters and e-bikes are on the rise. A recent study found e-bike injuries have doubled every year since 2017. E-scooter injuries are also climbing—up 45% annually.
Tourists Are Getting Hurt
Many travelers don’t think about sidewalk safety—until they’re almost hit. Or worse, actually hit.
There’s the woman in West Hollywood who was hit by a scooter and suffered a fractured skull. Or the tourist in Sydney who was struck by an e-bike in a no-cycling zone. He ended up in the hospital with a serious brain injury.
E-scooter and e-bike rental companies say they’re working on it. Lime, for example, is adding safety tech and sharing data with cities to improve infrastructure. But accidents still happen. A lot of them. And most close calls aren’t even reported.
Why This Is Happening
These vehicles aren’t evil. The problem is where and how people use them.
In a protected bike lane, an e-bike can be a great way to explore. But what if there’s no lane? Riders feel unsafe on the road with cars. So, they hop onto sidewalks—where pedestrians feel unsafe.
And these machines are no joke. E-bikes can hit speeds up to 30 mph. Scooters might be slower, but they’re heavy and solid. They can do damage.
Tourists vs. Tourists
The wildest part? A lot of the problems are tourist-on-tourist. Someone rents an e-scooter for the first time, jumps on, and zips down the sidewalk—no helmet, no clue.
Locals and tour guides see it all the time. “I’ve been clipped more than once,” says Sarah Morris. “People don’t realize that walking tours stop and turn suddenly. That’s when things go wrong.”
Cities are reacting. Paris banned e-scooter rentals entirely. Seattle only allows them on sidewalks if there’s no other option. But enforcement is hit-or-miss.
So, What Can You Do?
Whether you’re walking or riding, follow these simple tips:
- Stay alert. Look up from your phone and keep your eyes open—especially near intersections or bike lanes.
- Avoid walking in bike lanes. E-bikes are fast and quiet. You won’t hear them coming.
- If you’re riding, slow down near people. And never ride on the sidewalk unless the law allows it.
- Wear a helmet. Even for a quick trip. Head injuries can be serious—even if you “feel fine.”
- Report dangerous behavior. Many apps let you report reckless riding or parked scooters blocking walkways.
Emergency room doctors have a message, too: if you hit your head—even lightly—get checked. “With concussions, don’t wait and see,” says Dr. Chris Davlantes. “Get medical help immediately.”
A Final Word
E-scooters and e-bikes aren’t going away. They’re part of travel now. And they’re not the enemy. But everyone—riders and walkers—needs to be more aware. Sidewalks should be safe spaces. Let’s keep them that way.
Stay safe out there. And if you’re riding, ride smart.
Enjoy the ride—but keep it safe. Subscribe to our blog for more tips, real stories, and smart travel advice on navigating the world of e-bikes and scooters.
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