Re: “How to keep safe among e-scooters and e-bikes as you travel” (June 16, Travel):
I cheered when I read Christopher Elliott’s article about the dangers of e-scooters. I agree with him that it is time to take action against their use on Seattle sidewalks.
While some see scooters as a green solution to urban transport, in practice, e-scooters are a public safety hazard.
Too often, I’ve witnessed riders weaving through pedestrian-heavy sidewalks at speeds well above 15 miles per hour. These scooters, which are virtually silent, frequently approach without warning — no bell, no voice, no signal — leaving pedestrians startled and at risk. Vulnerable groups like children, seniors and those with disabilities are particularly endangered.
Despite the presence of designated bike lanes, many e-scooter users ignore them entirely, opting instead for sidewalks — even though the scooters have legal warnings on them explicitly forbidding riding on sidewalks. Both pedestrians and scooter riders are suffering increased collisions and bodily harm.
The Seattle City Council should take meaningful steps to address the danger scooters pose. The threat of bodily harm to citizens should not be ignored. I urge lawmakers to pass a comprehensive ban on e-scooters in high-foot-traffic areas or, at the very least, strictly enforce their use in bike lanes only. Public safety must come before convenience.
Paula Matthews, Seattle
