FIELD OBSERVATION REPORT
Structural Integrity
The majority of the scooters were structurally solid, with basically no serious damage to the frame. Some wear and tear, including scratched decks and two had loose stems. These issues may worsen over time and threaten stability.
Wheels & Tires
Many scooters had visibly worn tires, which is bad for traction, especially on wet pavement. Solid tires prevent punctures and all of the scooters had shock absorption.
Braking System
Braking seemed to be different with every scooter. Some scooters stopped quickly and smoothly, while others had a slow and long braking response. This inconsistency might increase stopping distance and accident risk in traffic-heavy areas. One thing that was consistent was the horrible noise all of the brakes made.
Battery
No exposed wiring or serious electrical hazards were found. Some of the battery levels seemed to be wrong though, with it saying 80-90% charged but moved at a much slower pace.
Lighting & Visibility
Most scooters had some lights, but visibility at night time is still limited due to their small size and quantity. Scooters with limited rear lighting are hard for drivers to see at night, increasing the risk of collision. Not many reflectors apparent.
User Interface
Throttle sensitivity varied from scooter to scooter. Some had abrupt acceleration, which could be dangerous for first-time users. Many users were looking at their phones while riding which can be a large distraction and add to risk
Environmental
Poor parking was one of the main hazards. Scooters/e-bikes were left blocking sidewalks and building entrances, creating accessibility and tripping hazards. More apparent with Lime than Divvy
Lighting & Visibility
• More reflective accents
• Larger brake lights
• Standing deck has large light on both sides
• Reflective accent on stem
• LED Light on stem for oncoming traffic
Environmental
• Mandatory Designated Parking
• Big sign for scooter parking
• Terminal to end ride in case of phone dying
• Scooters fold up within each terminal to limit pedestrian pathway disruption
• Geo-locked ride ends
• Can only end ride when scooters are in designated parking areas
• When approaching parking zone, display leads the user to where it is with arrow prompts