ESC0039

Written evidence submitted by Xiaomi Technology

 

Xiaomi aims to contribute promoting use of micro-mobility by providing e-scooters to people with an affordable price policy.

 

Introduction

Xiaomi is committed to continuous innovation, with an unwavering focus on quality and efficiency. Our company relentlessly builds amazing products with affordable prices to let everyone in the world enjoy a better life through innovative technology. Among those products, we are having a range dedicated to green mode of transport including our e-scooter.

 

With our e-scooters, we intend to pave the way for smart transportation. We are already present in several EU countries and we also plan to develop in the UK. Hence, we want here to share our vision of e-scooters.

 

Paragraph 1.

 

The establishment of a reasonable regulatory framework, allowing the entry on the market of users with profile more "careful", which would favor the use of cycle paths but especially sidewalks at very low speeds (less than 6 km / h), will exponentially increase the use of electric scooters, thus increasing their share in the process of multimodal travel and the benefits in terms of pollution control. All this, guaranteeing an optimal level of security for all users but also, and above all, users of the sidewalk.

 

The manufacturers of personal transport equipment support the development of a standard which makes their operation reliable and secure.

 

They were originally practiced for fun or sporting purposes but are now used as modes of travel in their own right. The recent motorization of some of these devices facilitates their deployment to non-sports users, mainly in urban and peri-urban areas. They take their place in the different modes of transport and can prove to be an effective tool to help motorists to change modes.

 

The current legislation for e-scooters could be improved by:

-          adding more safety recommendations such as wear helmet, subscribe to an insurance;

-          the NF EN 17128 should finally be accepted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

NF EN 17128 includes:

- Light motorized vehicles for the transportation of persons and goods and related

facilities and not subject to type-approval for on-road use;

- Personal light electric vehicles (PLEV);

- Safety requirements and test methods.

 

BSI could re-evaluate its position to see after few months how situation is going in nearby countries

Technical security of products, for driver users and for third parties, via the development of a European level performance standard (PR EN 17128) which integrates equipment requirements for vehicles intended to circulate in public space (lighting, braking, horn ...), drawing inspiration from the standards relating to traditional vehicles and at the VAE (this standard is stabilized at the French level for instance).

 

Paragraph 2.

 

The newest mobility emergence is micro mobility. Though still up for debate, the class of micro mobility vehicles generally refers to low-speed, low-weight personal mobility vehicles that are self-propelled or have propulsion assistance.

 

E-scoters are thin to fit with current roads that were built decades ago where the population was not that dense. Furthermore, riding an e-scooter makes it convenient to get around the city, seeing scenery that aren't able to see from the car.

 

Active mobility represents an opportunity because it constitutes a mode of travel in its own right, can complement other transport systems, and is reliable in terms of travel time.

 

The development of these modes contributes to the decrease in the use and speed of the private car. In fact, encouraging active modes involves lowering speeds, thinking differently about the place of the car in the city according to its use and reclassifying public space so that it is accessible to all. The challenges are to give priority to the most vulnerable, to promote shared and collective use of public spaces and to preserve the continuity of pedestrian and bicycle routes.

 

Paragraph 3.

 

The e-scooter should be used where bicycles are allowed to ride which within cycle lanes. Like this, the behavior from users and the impact on road users and pedestrians remain the same.

E-scooter is another mode of transport that should not be considered as being against other vehicles. E-scooter does answer to needs other vehicles cannot be covered. Use on a multimodal mode (mainly mechanical and electric scooters) or on complete journeys from home to work.

 

The primary purpose of users of electric scooters is to use cycle paths. In their absence, without the possibility of being able to fall back on the sidewalks, they would find themselves in situations of great risk. The sidewalk, at walking speed, gives the least informed users of electric scooters a greater sense of safety and the consequences of a possible accident on the road, for these users who are made extremely fragile, would be catastrophic.

 

Moderate and suitable speed

  • Being able to slow down
  • Modulate its speed according to the context

Never without helmet

  • Body protection N ° 1
  • The protection of choice to ward off all unforeseen events and possible shocks
  • Helmets more and more "trendy" (retractable, integrated camera, integrated light, ...)

The right choice of routes, roads and surfaces

  • Avoid risky places (intersections, holes, ...)
  • Remembering dangerous places
  • No automation, stay constantly vigilant

"Ride well and live well together"

  • Respect the rules of the road
  • Drive to the right location
  • Ensure the integrity of others

The sense of permanent anticipation by remaining in control of the craft

  • "Look further to be able to anticipate"
  • "Having your eyes behind your head"
  • “Keep your eyes on the road”

Stop as soon as user have a doubt or an obstacle occurs

  • Set foot on the ground
  • Continue on your way by walking a few seconds next to his electric scooter

Make user visible and audible even for visual impairments or use mobility aids

  • Being predictable from others
  • "To be seen and understood"
  • Install lighting on the electric scooter

Know how to let go of e-EDP and run alongside

  • In the event of an obstacle and / or imminent collision, let go of the electric scooter and run at the same speed as this one

 

 

Paragraph 4.

 

In order to extend battery life, e-scooter converts and stores kinetic energy during acceleration into electrical power. It is also fitted with regenerative braking for additional power.

 

This enhances the emergency braking experience and improves battery life at the same time.

 

Conditions

Appropriate use

Number of riders

One

Riding

  • No hanging objects from handlebar.
  • Mudguard is clear of obstruction.
  • Riding with both hands on the handlebar.
  • Riding with helmet and protective gear.

Making turns

Applying brakes before making a turn.

Riding downhill

Applying brakes and slowing down.

Pushing the scooter while walking

Without applying speed.

Normal road conditions

Dedicated bike lane / even surfaces*.

Irregular road conditions – Speed bumps / Elevators / Bumpy road conditions

  • Riding with reduced speed between 5-10 km /h (3 - 6 mph).
  • Slightly bending knees to better adjust when crossing noted surfaces.

Speed limit

< 25 km/h (approx. 15 mph).

Weather

Riding in optimal weather:

  • Dry roads, no water puddles.
  • No to mild winds.

Tyre pressures

Check tyre pressures at least twice per month, and every time before long distance riding.

Battery

  • When using sporadically: recharge every two months.
  • When using regularly: charge before use.

Charging ports

Keep chargers and charging ports dry.

Rider’s weight

Under 100 kg (220 lbs.).

Perform extreme sports / stunts (riding down staircases or performing jumps)

No

Subject scooters to high impact force

No

Storage

  • Store indoors in a dry environment.
  • Avoid leaving the Scooter outdoors for extended periods.

Battery / charging adapters

  • Using official batteries.
  • Using official chargers provided by manufacturer or official ones.

Maintenance / modifications

  • Seeking professional repair service at the Scooter after-sales service centre.
  • Do not modify the scooter.

 

 

Paragraph 5.

 

Our e-scooter, the Mi Electric Scooter, is paving the way for smart transportation

 

With such developments in the transportation industry, we are optimistic about the future of mobility, as it becomes even more innovative and intuitive on the road, providing more possibilities in daily life.

 

This will entail a new dynamic field of jobs and services around such as insurance, and battery life recycle.

 

Currently, we are the leader on this market and have the experience in EU nearby countries.

 

Scooters used to be very bulky, but our e-scooter is not. Its body uses super light aluminum that is primarily used in the aviation industry, so it only weighs at 12.5 kg and is easy to fold.

 

 

Paragraph 6.

 

In France, in built-up areas, the use of electric scooters is authorized on sidewalks and pedestrian areas.

 

The European Commission does not consider electric scooters as motor vehicles (Opinion expressed on 12 July 2002). For the European Commission, the electric scooters is intended primarily to be used on sidewalks and other pedestrian areas such as inside buildings, parks and other public areas, but not to travel on the public highway. It is, therefore, up to each Member State to set its own regulations.

 

As for e-scooters, Scooters' traffic authorizations are determined by the municipality or the general council. Depending on the city, the e-scooters may be prohibited in certain public places just like biking or rollerblading. E-scooters ​​transport is authorized on SNCF trains (French National Railway) as long as it does not disturb passengers.

 

Almost 479 000 e-scooters sold in 2019 in France. More than 100% continue growth since 2016. Nearly 1 million users of new mobility devices. 

 

Promote all type of PLEV's use. The sale and rental model are mutually beneficial in term of increase of use.

 

Our scooters meet the safety standards and requirements in China, the USA and in the EU countries.

 

These users are responsible people, aware of environmental issues and keen to acquire light and flexible means of mobility. We think we should encourage them to do so.

 

June 2020