E-scooters are popular so e-scooter accidents are on the rise. If you are a user of the new e-scooter trend you should be aware of the laws in your area.
Since e-scooters and similar modes of transportation are so new, new laws and policies are emerging. Stay informed on the laws governing the use of e-scooters.
Here are 3 laws you should know before scooting!
1.) NO RIDING ON THE SIDEWALK!
For a long time, police enforcement wasn’t enforcing the rules for where you can ride a scooter. Now, if you are caught on the sidewalk, you can be fined a hefty $1,000. Since scooters are a wheeled mode of transportation, they must be operated on the road. Riding the scooters on the sidewalk is a safety hazard to pedestrians walking, as scooters move significantly faster, and can cause significant injury.
2.) NO CELL PHONES!
Just as you cannot use cell phones while driving a vehicle, you cannot use your cell phone while riding an e-scooter. The same logic applies – using your phone distracts from the environment around you. Not only is it unsafe for others, but it is also unsafe for you – the driver. No conversation is important enough to risk your safety or the safety of those around you.
If you absolutely do have to take a call or text, find a safe stopping point first.
3.) NO LATE NIGHT RIDING!
Due to several e-scooter deaths, a temporary curfew has been implemented on scooter riding at night. Although this severely limits the use of e-scooters, it is a step in the right direction for rider safety. If a user tries to rent one of the e-scooters past 9 PM, they will get a message stating that it will not be available to rent until 4 AM the next morning. So between 9 PM and 4 AM e-scooters will be completely out of commission.
Click HERE to access Atlanta’s city planning page for more information about e-scooter laws.
Have you been involved in an e-scooter accident and have questions? Contact the Fry | Goehring for answers.
