Escooters are notoriously quiet, a trait believed to increase the risk of collisions with pedestrians. Photo: dpa
Universal escooter sounds are being tested in Britain as part of an effort to reduce the number of crashes with pedestrians.
Micromobility company Dott said people, including some who are blind or partially sighted, will wear a virtual reality headset to immerse them into simulations involving escooters emitting three sounds.
They will be asked to identify when they are first aware of the escooter and provide feedback on the suitability of the sounds.
The sounds have been developed by researchers at Britain’s University of Salford.
Amid a rise in serious accidents with escooter riders in many countries, there are concerns the virtually silent motors of escooters can make the contraptions dangerous for pedestrians.
Tests of the sounds will take place in a laboratory in London, in partnership with Britain’s Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).
They will be repeated in Italy, Sweden and Spain, before trials take place on public roads.
The aim of the project is to create a sound that will be universally emitted by escooters internationally without contributing to noise pollution.
Dr Antonio Torija Martinez, principal investigator at the University of Salford, said: “We are testing a series of carefully designed escooter sounds to find the right balance between maximum vehicle noticeability and minimum noise pollution.
“Using virtual reality to create immersive and realistic scenarios in a safe and controlled laboratory environment will allow us to achieve robust results.
“By working closely with the RNIB and blind associations across Europe, we can ensure that the sound we develop is the best fit for their needs.”
RNIB head of inclusive design Robin Spinks said it can be “terrifying” for blind or partially sighted people when electric vehicles are used “irresponsibly”.
Even in places where they are banned, escooters are often used on public roads and pavements.
Dott is among the companies that are running legalised trials of rental escooters on roads in dozens of towns and cities across England.
Dott chief executive Henri Moissinac said: “Our vehicles are transforming cities by providing efficient transport which is free from both air and noise pollution.
“It’s important that our vehicles not only work for our users but are respectful to all other city residents.
“The development of an industry standard escooter sound, which can be detected by those that need it but without being intrusive, could greatly improve the experience for some of the most vulnerable road users.” – dpa
