Users run a much higher risk of a fatal accident than, for example, motorcyclists and moped riders.
The scooter is the most dangerous mode of transport in traffic. Users run a much higher risk of a fatal accident than, for example, motorcyclists and moped riders. MPs are calling for a compulsory course. But it is precisely the product that must be safer and the market must be different. Dutch manufacturer Scoozy thinks so.
Big problem has been known for a long time, but nothing is being done about it
For years, road safety figures have shown that the scooter is the most dangerous means of transport on the road. In 2013, SafetyNL already conducted research on behalf of the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment. In 2016, parliamentary questions were asked about unsafe mobility scooters. Parliamentary questions are still being asked and there are calls for a compulsory driving course.
“This is not the solution. In 2018, SWOV (Foundation for Road Safety Research) conducted research into the causes of scooter accidents and made recommendations for improving the scooter. And yet nothing has changed in all those years: once again the scooter is a topic of conversation. Why is nothing happening? Everyone points at each other. On the one hand, the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGj) says that manufacturers do not have their risk management in order. Others, such as Member of Parliament Lucille Werner, say that it is up to the user and that there should be a mandatory driving course. Municipalities refer to the European standard for mobility scooters. Meanwhile, a mobility scooter in the Social Support Act may only cost €70 per month, leaving no room for innovation. To make matters worse, scooters without any quality mark are also sold at the supermarket for only €1.500. Reports about this to IGj will not be picked up.”
The product could be safer, but this costs money
SWOV concluded in 2018 that scooters can be made safer by: 1. providing scooters with a brake, 2. improving stability and 3. providing scooters with steering angle protection.
Scoozy, the Dutch manufacturer of a new generation scooter, is currently the only manufacturer to apply these recommendations in its product and go even further. “With Scoozy we want to show that things can be done differently,” says Van de Kieft. Scoozy features:
- Improved stability through independent suspension with 4 large wheels;
- Active brake with intuitive joystick control;
- Steering limitation on speed and steering angle that protects you against tipping over in the bend;
- Protection against impact by doors and belt;
- Better visibility through high illumination and reflectors.
Innovation comes with a price, because Scoozy is at the top of the market with almost 10.000 euros. “This is logical, because volumes are still low in the beginning”. Scoozy is therefore not standard in the WMO package. In order to increase volumes and decrease prices, the market has to change.
3 things need to change in the scooter market
Van de Kieft argues for 3 changes in the market to ensure that manufacturers can innovate.
1. Make WMO dependent on income:
At the moment, the WMO is the same for everyone and you pay a personal contribution of €19 per month, regardless of income. But some of the people can afford it themselves and do not need the WMO. This increases the private market and allows more investment in innovation. and there is more money left over for people who cannot afford it themselves. You can then provide these people with a better product.
2.Include SWOV's recommendations in tenders:
Tenders refer to legal standards and then the bidder with the lowest price wins. Adjust the municipal tenders by including SWOV's recommendations from 2018 in the requirements for the product. In this way, innovation gets underway and you encourage manufacturers to come up with solutions for more safety.
3. Take cowboys off the market:
Again products without quality marks from the market. Have the Inspectorate act actively on reports about this. Requires selling parties to communicate that they are selling a product without a safety mark. Then the customer knows where he stands.
Towards fewer traffic victims
There is a lot of interest in Scoozy, but the price is out of reach for some people. That is why the company is launching a subscription form in January. This allows a user to drive the latest model Scoozy C at an affordable price for a fixed monthly fee. “We want to make a safe product with the best service accessible to everyone. The next step in our mission to reduce road casualties”, says Van de Kieft.
