Universal e-scooter sounds created to reduce the number of crashes with pedestrians will be tested from this week. 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 e-scooters emitting three sounds.
They will be asked to identify when they are first aware of the e-scooter and provide feedback on the suitability of the sounds. The sounds have been developed by researchers at the University of Salford.
There are concerns the virtually silent motors of e-scooters can make the contraptions dangerous for pedestrians. Department for Transport figures show one pedestrian was killed and a further 62 were seriously injured in collisions with e-scooters in Britain during the 12 months to the end of June.
