Electric scooters are a real revolution in terms of urban travel. They have many advantages such as saving money, respecting the environment, saving time and making travel more ergonomic. Following this boom, electric scooters have finally found a place in high-level sport. There are now more and more electric scooter races. Technological developments have allowed manufacturers to offer increasingly powerful, fast and lightweight models, defying the laws of gravity.
These high-performance models have therefore attracted a new category of users: competitors. They come together on circuits with optimal safety equipment to compete in captivating races.
In this article, Weebot presents how an electric scooter race takes place, the rules that govern these competitions as well as the necessary equipment.
The rules of an electric scooter race
Here are some rules taken from the official regulations of the Trott Racing French Championships:
- Scooters must comply with RTS standards (safety standards).
- The maximum weight authorized for scooters is 65 kg.
- Scooters are divided into three categories: Monotype, Light, and Racing, each with its own requirements.
- The scooter plates must be specific colors depending on the category: blue for Monotype, red for Light, and black for Racing, with white numbers.
- The races take place on approved circuits.
- Before each race, drivers must present their license for administrative checks.
- Scooters must pass technical checks to ensure that they comply with safety and technical regulations.
- A French Champion title is awarded for each category at the end of the season, thus rewarding the best.
Progress of an electric scooter race
ESC Live is the world's first electric scooter racing championship. This championship offers an impressive visual and technological spectacle.
Each ESC race brings together several teams and riders. Each time there is a total of 10 teams and 3 riders per team. One of the advantages of the championship is that the teams are made up of men and women, the ESC does not make gender distinctions.
Each championship event includes elimination races and then quarter- and semi-finals. As the events progress, the number of qualified runners decreases. There are only 6 left out of the 30 runners to participate in the final.
The final ranking of the race is determined by the position of each runner once they cross the finish line. To determine the overall ranking over the season, points are awarded to riders during races based on their position at different times during the race. For example, being 4th during the elimination phases will earn 3 points compared to 8 in the final. The rider in first position in the quarter-finals will receive 6 points in each race preceding the final. If he is first during this, he will then be awarded 15 points.
There are also individual races which operate under the same principle as team races.
If you want to know more about the ESC championship, go to the ESC - LIVE website .
Equipment for an electric scooter race
With fast, racing-designed electric scooters , participants sometimes reach speeds exceeding 100 km/h. It is therefore essential to have suitable equipment to ensure their safety. In addition, participants in electric scooter races are directly exposed in the event of an accident because a scooter does not have a chassis.
The number 1 element of electric scooter safety is the helmet. This helps protect the skull during falls. The head is an extremely fragile part of the human body and can cause serious, potentially fatal injuries in the event of a fall. This is why during these races, we find the same helmets (full helmet) as those used in moto gp.
Still for the same reasons, we also see participants equipped with many other safety accessories such as elbow pads, knee pads and back protectors. This equipment absorbs shock and protects the spine. Gloves are also essential for protecting the hands, providing both better grip of the scooter and protection in the event of a fall. A durable racing suit, often made of leather, is also added to the safety equipment.
FAQ
What are the fastest electric scooters?
Among the fastest electric scooters on the market, we find these 3 models:
- Dualtron Thunder 2 : 100 km/h
- Dualtron X-2 : 110 km/h
- Teverun Fighter Supreme 7260R : 120 km/h
Of course, there are even faster models than the electric scooters presented above but they are not approved for the road.
How to watch an electric scooter race?
As these races are in full development, you should regularly consult the media and forums on electric scooters in order to be informed if a race is taking place near you. To attend, consult the information provided by the organizers before the race. You can also find foreign television channels which broadcast electric scooter races and also streaming platforms
What are the regulations on electric scooters?
The highway code regulates the practice of electric scooters. They are in the category of EDPM (motorized personal transport vehicle). Since the practice is developing very rapidly, the law is constantly evolving. It is therefore important to stay informed of updates to the law. To do this, consult our article on new 2024 regulations on electric scooters.