Honestly, seeing them zipping around everywhere they look pretty good on the face of it. The advantages seem obvious:

  • Save time versus walking
  • Quiet
  • No effect on local air quality

The main issue is them colliding with pedestrians, but (similar to bike lanes) that's a thing town planners should deal with by creating the right environment.

I'm willing to change my view if people tell me good reasons they are bad.

Yes, there is more environmental impact than a bicycle, but not than an e-bike, and they seem to be good for people reluctant to cycle.

  • Zuzak [fae/faer, she/her]
    ·
    20 hours ago

    I have one and I absolutely love it, but, I also understand why some people don't. Many people who use them (especially rental ones) don't wear a helmet and some will go up on sidewalks at full speed. You gotta be careful with them especially when you're first getting used to them, I had a couple falls starting out (I'm klutzy). Gloves and kneepads aren't a bad idea (in addition to a helmet, obviously), and always be careful around corners and doors and watch for potholes, especially on your first time taking a route. If you're careful and responsible, they can be great. Very portable, affordable, and fun and easy to ride. If the streets are bad, you can get on the sidewalk, if the sidewalk's bad you can get on the street, and if things are hazardous, you can go slow and just step off if you need to. Only bad thing is if they run out of battery, you're kinda stuck, as opposed to an ebike where you could ride it manually.