☆ Rider safety
A gentle acceleration option that lets new riders gradually work their way up to full speed, so you can build confidence safely before riding at pace.
Safety first
Rider safety and vehicle safety is our obsession at Owlo. Keep these tips in mind every time you ride, and explore how we engineer safety into every scooter we deploy.
The basics
Before you ride
Three non-negotiables every Owlo rider needs to know before they unlock a scooter.
Riders must be 18+
You must be 18 or older to ride an Owlo scooter. Age verification is required during account registration. By creating an account, you confirm you meet this requirement.
One rider at a time
Owlo scooters are designed and certified for a single rider only. Carrying a passenger increases the risk of an accident and violates our terms of service.
Protect your head — wear a helmet
Always wear a helmet. It's the single most effective way to reduce the risk of serious head injury. Some cities require helmets by law — always follow local rules.
Riding tips
How to ride safely
Simple habits that make every ride safer for you and everyone around you.
Watch for pedestrians
Always give way to pedestrians. Slow down at crossings, junctions, and busy footpath areas.
Ride in designated lanes
Use bike lanes or scooter lanes where available. Stay off pavements and pedestrian-only zones.
Obey speed limits
Follow the speed limits shown in the app. Our scooters automatically slow down in restricted zones via GPS.
No phone while riding
Keep both hands on the handlebars at all times. Use your phone only when you have safely stopped.
Stay visible
Use our built-in front and rear lights at night. Wear bright or reflective clothing on low-light rides.
Never ride under the influence
Never ride while impaired by alcohol, medication, or any substance. It is illegal and puts you and others at serious risk.
Parking tips
How to park responsibly
Poor parking ruins the experience for riders, pedestrians, and cities. Please always park thoughtfully.
Park in designated zones
Always end your ride in a marked Owlo parking zone shown on the app map. The app will guide you to the nearest one.
Keep access routes clear
Never block entrances, wheelchair ramps, bus stops, pedestrian crossings, or footpaths. Leave space for everyone to pass safely.
Stand it up straight
Extend the kickstand and position the scooter upright in a neat, stable position parallel to the kerb or within the parking bay markings.
End your ride in the app
Always tap "End ride" in the app before walking away. The scooter is not parked until you see the confirmation screen.
In-app safety features
Built-in tools that keep
every ride safer
Safety isn't just a policy, it's engineered into the Owlo app and every scooter we deploy.
Vehicle safety innovations
Safety engineered
into every scooter
Our in-house engineering team is dedicated to creating, improving, and constantly evolving our fleet to better fit riders' needs, and exceed safety standards.
01
Smart sidewalk detection
We work with cities to implement audible alerts and real-time app notifications that detect and deter sidewalk riding — protecting pedestrians across all our operating zones.
02
Shock-absorbing tyres
Our scooters feature reinforced pneumatic tyres developed with an automotive-grade sealant to resist punctures and provide superior grip on urban road surfaces.
03
Front and rear lighting
All Owlo scooters are equipped with high-visibility front LED headlights and rear brake lights — activated automatically at dusk and when braking.
04
Dual braking system
Owlo scooters combine electronic regenerative braking with a rear foot brake — providing reliable, graduated stopping power in all conditions.
05
IP-rated battery protection
Our battery enclosures are rated for dust and water ingress protection — designed to handle the rain, heat, and road conditions of our operating environments.
06
Extended footboard
An enlarged footboard provides a more stable standing position and reduces the risk of foot slippage — particularly on uneven or damp surfaces.
07
Anti-theft GPS lock
Every scooter includes an onboard GPS unit and anti-theft alarm triggered by unauthorised movement when parked — protecting the fleet and rider community.
08
Daily autonomous safety checks
Each vehicle undergoes automated daily diagnostics. Scooters that fail any safety check are automatically locked and removed from service until inspected.
Our safety commitment
Safety is never finished
Safety at Owlo is an ongoing commitment, not a checkbox. Every day our operations team inspects the fleet, our engineers refine the app, and our city partners help us improve the environment riders operate in.
Fleet safety monitoring — every hour of every day
In-person safety inspections on every scooter
New riders complete safety onboarding before first ride
Fault-detected scooters removed from service instantly
Vision Zero
Committed to Vision Zero
Owlo is committed to Vision Zero, a global movement to eliminate all traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries. We believe that every death or serious injury on our roads is preventable, and we build every feature, policy, and partnership with that belief as our north star.
More bike lanes and fewer car trips can increase safety for all road users. Owlo scooters reduce car dependency, raise awareness of safer transport alternatives, and actively encourage cities to invest in safety infrastructure.
More bike lanes and fewer car trips can increase safety for all road users. Owlo scooters reduce car dependency, raise awareness of safer transport alternatives, and actively encourage cities to invest in safety infrastructure.
