On August 18, 2021, the Lime e-scooter program launched in Boulder as part of the new Shared Micromobility Program. While this new program was started in partnership with Lime — a shared e-scooter business — personal electric scooters have quickly become a fun, economical, and environmentally friendly mode of transportation in cities across the nation.
As a result of their increased use, there has been an increase in the number of injuries and deaths each year as well. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 27 deaths and 50,000 emergency department visits occurred because of scooter use between 2017 and 2019. Anyone who has suffered harm in an electric scooter accident or any other type of wreck could seek compensation for their losses with the help of an experienced attorney.
Types of Electric Scooter Accidents
Electric scooter accidents may involve pedestrians as well as motor vehicles, both of which can result in serious injuries.
Electric Scooter versus Pedestrian
In these cases, an injury most often occurs because the person riding the scooter does not yield to the pedestrian, causing injury to the pedestrian. However, there are cases where the pedestrian is unaware of their surroundings and negligently steps into the path of the scooter, causing injury to the rider.
Electric Scooter versus Motor Vehicle
While there are countless scenarios where injury can occur, one of the most common is called “dooring” – where a driver opens their vehicle door into the pathway of a person riding the scooter without giving them enough time to stop the crash from occurring, causing injury to the electric scooter rider. There are also situations where the driver is distracted and hits an e-scooter rider, causing injury.
How to Avoid an Electric Scooter Accident
While there are always the unavoidable accidents, there are some things that can be done to ensure that you have the safest e-scooter experience possible, thereby avoiding injury and legal issues. The following safety tips are designed to keep you and others safe while using an electric scooter:
- If there is a training mode on your electric scooter, use it the first time you ride. Typically, a training mode prevents the scooter from reaching its maximum speed.
- Although most electric scooter programs do not provide a helmet, wearing a helmet can lower the risk of a head injury.
- When riding on the street or bike lane, obey the rules of the road. Stop at all stop signs and traffic lights and cross the road within the crosswalk or at intersections.
- If your city allows electric scooters on sidewalks, yield to pedestrians.
- If there is a bell on your electric scooter, use it when passing people.
Know the Laws in Your City
The laws and regulations surrounding electric scooters vary vastly from city to city. Know the laws in your city and be aware of areas where riding electric scooters are prohibited.
Boulder Overview of Regulations for Lime Scooters as of August 2021:
- Electric scooters should be ridden in the bike lane and the traffic rules should be obeyed.
- If there is not a bike lane, they can be ridden on the sidewalk.
- Electric scooters are allowed on multi-use paths.
- Always yield to pedestrians and slower moving bicycles or other traffic.
- When parking, do not block the sidewalk or curbside ramps.
- Only solo riders.
- Only Ride from 6 am to 11 pm.
Denver Overview of Regulations as of August 2021:
- Electric scooters should be ridden in the bike lane and the traffic rules should be obeyed.
- Do not ride two abreast in the bike lane.
- If there is not a bike lane, they can be ridden on the sidewalk, but at a max speed of 6 mph.
- Always yield to pedestrians and slower moving bicycles or other traffic.
- Only solo riders, and if carrying an item, one hand must be on the handlebar.
- Lights and reflectors mandatory from dusk to dawn.
What to Do If You Are Injured in an Electric Scooter Accident
If you are harmed in an electric scooter accident, there are important steps you should take to protect yourself and ensure an optimal outcome in a possible injury claim. After a collision, it is important to:
- Contact the police and get a police report.
- Immediately seek medical care, even if injuries do not show up right away. Some injuries, like head, neck, and back injuries may take a few hours or days to reveal themselves.
- Try to keep the e-scooter as evidence of the extent of the damage.
- Take photos of your e-scooter and of your injuries.
- If there were witnesses, gather their contact information.
- Contact an experienced personal injury attorney, such as the attorneys at Debbie Taussig Law.
Important Next Steps
Whether your e-scooter accident was caused by a negligent driver, a careless e-scooter rider, or an unaware pedestrian, contact Debbie Taussig Law at 303-442-0176 to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We will evaluate your personal injury claim for free, help you get fair compensation, and take on your burden so you can heal.
