The Idea
Scooters often have no turn signals, or weak ones, or ones that fail. The fix is mechanical, not electronic.
I embedded ferrocerium rods. The spark-throwing material in lighters and firestarters. Into the heels of my scooter boots. To signal a turn, I drag the appropriate foot. The heel scrapes the asphalt or concrete; the rod sheds a hot stream of visible sparks across the ground behind me. Left foot for left turn. Right foot for right.
Why It Works
Sparks are highly visible. Much more than a small LED, especially in dim conditions. They occupy a piece of the road that's already inside the driver's field of view. They communicate intent without language.
There is no electronics layer to fail. No battery to charge. No bulb to replace. No connector to corrode. The mod uses a material designed specifically for the purpose of throwing sparks under friction. It's the right tool for the job.
What It Argues
Turn signals on small two-wheel vehicles are routinely afterthoughts. Flimsy, dim, easily damaged, often missing entirely. The fix doesn't have to be electronic at all. The fix just has to be visible, intentional, and durable.
There's also a piece of theater in the gesture. Sparks at your feet, communicated to the driver behind you. Mechanical, public, slightly punk. Signaling shouldn't have to be invisible.
Status
Built and worn.