Electric bike and scooter safety is becoming increasingly important. More people are navigating Boston University’s unique campus layout, which stretches nearly two miles along Comm Ave. Many members of the BU community choose the MBTA Green Line for convenient access to downtown Boston. Others prefer walking, taking the free BU Shuttle, or biking.
In recent years, Boston has seen a surge in electric bicycles and scooters on its roads. These battery-powered micromobility devices include bicycles, skateboards, scooters, and other small-wheeled vehicles designed for personal transport.
According to MassBike, a cyclist advocacy organization, the popularity of e-bikes has skyrocketed in Massachusetts over the past five years. Micromobility devices have been around since the 1990s, but recent technological advances have made batteries smaller, lighter, cheaper, and longer lasting. This has significantly increased the appeal and affordability of these vehicles.
One reason for this rise in popularity is the introduction of electric bikes by bike-share companies like Bluebikes in the Boston area. Users can access these silver bikes for a subscription fee or a one-time rental. They can reach speeds of up to 18 mph and can be parked at any of the 400-plus charging stations throughout Greater Boston.
To help you navigate this trend safely, we’ve put together a quick primer on electric bikes and scooters safety. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or trying it out for the first time, you need to understand how to operate these vehicles safely on campus. This adjustment places “electric bikes and scooters safety” prominently at the beginning while maintaining the flow of the original content.
A Speedy, Environmentally Friendly Alternative
One of the biggest attractions of scooters and e-bikes is their minimal carbon footprint. A study from Portland, Oregon, highlighted by The Roundup, shows that if just 15% of daily trips in the city were made using e-bikes instead of cars. This shift could lead to an impressive 11% reduction in carbon emissions—equating to around 900 metric tons each day.
Carl Larson, the assistant director of transportation demand management and planning at BU Sustainability, emphasizes that these devices serve as environmentally friendly equalizers. “E-bikes have been huge because they’ve gotten more people on bikes,” he explains. “Many are choosing e-bikes over driving, and that’s a tradeoff I fully support.”
Speed is another significant factor driving the popularity of e-bikes. According to Wired, e-bikes fall into three classes: Class 1 bikes reach a top speed of 20 mph but require pedaling; Class 2 bikes can also hit 20 mph without pedaling; and Class 3 bikes require pedaling and can go up to 28 mph but tend to be bulkier.
However, this speed can raise safety concerns. Larson notes, “It takes very little effort to go very fast.” Still, he reassures us that scooters and e-bikes aren’t the primary contributors to safety issues on the streets—cars remain the biggest threat to pedestrians and cyclists along Comm Ave.
Kohana Bondurant (CGS’23, CAS’25) shares her perspective on scooters: “I believe it’s their convenience that makes them popular.” She frequently uses e-scooters around campus and admits that while she hasn’t been hurt, the braking system can pose risks as it takes time to slow down.
Terrance J. Regan, a lecturer in city planning and urban affairs at Metropolitan College, points out that while these mobility devices offer more transportation options, they can also create chaos on the roads. “At intersections, speed conflicts are a real concern,” he says, highlighting the need for both vehicle and pedestrian access in urban spaces. “The faster someone is going when they hit a pedestrian, the more severe the injury will be.”
Regan notes that pedestrians typically walk at speeds of three to four miles per hour, while regular bicycles usually reach eight to 15 miles per hour. Miles Forrest (CAS’25), who often walks to class, expresses his worries about e-bike and e-scooter speeds: “I once saw a girl get knocked over by a scooter right into a puddle. The rider fell too and seemed pretty hurt.”
Despite these concerns, Miles recognizes the appeal of e-bikes and e-scooters for those living on opposite ends of campus. “It can take me up to 30 minutes to walk across campus,” he says, “so I often rely on the BU Shuttle.”
As we embrace these innovative modes of transportation, it’s essential to prioritize electric bikes and scooters safety for everyone on campus.
Electric Bike and Scooter Safety for Riders
“All too often, when a cyclist is struck by a car, the driver claims the biker appeared out of nowhere,” Larson observes. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining control over your vehicle and being predictable on the road. His safety advice includes keeping a straight line, always assuming that vehicles might turn into your path, and positioning yourself either in front of or behind cars.
While cities have made significant progress over the past two decades in creating more space for alternative vehicles, Regan notes that there’s still much work to be done, especially along Comm Ave. “Every vehicle has its pros and cons,” he explains. “We need clear rules about who can use what, and we should focus on enforcement.”
BU Transportation Services provides guidelines and safety resources for e-bike and e-scooter users. They encourage students to register their vehicles with the University to help prevent theft and utilize secure bike rooms. Larson also recommends visiting the BU Cycle Kitchen (BUCK) at 1019 Comm Ave, where members of the BU community can learn to repair their bikes.
“We see a lot of e-bikes and e-scooters coming through the door at BUCK, and there are some really enthusiastic community members who love getting around this way,” Larson says. “We’re happy to help them out.”
- Also Read: How Fast Does an Electric Bike Go