NY scooter operator ups safety with helmet selfies and quizzes after rider deaths
But should it be held responsible for its user’s actions?
Helmet selfies
While it’s a legal requirement for scooter riders in the US to wear helmets,various reportsclaim that many Revel riders didn’t bother with the head protection.
In an attempt to make sure its riders use the helmets that the company provides for every ride, it’s added a feature to the app which requires users to send a selfie of them correctly wearing the headgear to unlock the scooter.
Riders must demonstrate that they’re wearing the helmet and that it’s correctly fastened. There seems to be nothing to stop them taking it off after the selfie is verified and the scooter unlocks, though.
Arguably, this isn’t Revel’s responsibility, and how much it should be held responsible for the actions of its users is debatable.
Question time
Revel is also going to introduce a 20-minute multiple choice quiz that it hopes will educate users on correct road safety.
Users will have to answer every question correctly twice, in one sitting, before being allowed to use the company’s scooters. It will be mandatory from September 1, but users can already access the quiz now to get a jump on it.
It seems like Revel is taking positive additional steps to address the safe use of its scooters. However, it shouldn’t have to — there are laws in place that road users must follow — the company can’t be held totally responsible for the misuse of its devices.
What this situation really highlights is the need for proper training on how to ride electric mopeds, which would require a nationwide change to driver licensing to restrict moped use to only those qualified. It certainly wouldn’t be good for Revel’s business model.
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Story byMatthew Beedham
Matthew is the editor of SHIFT. He likes electric cars, and other things with wheels, wings, or hulls.Matthew is the editor of SHIFT. He likes electric cars, and other things with wheels, wings, or hulls.
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