If you ride an e-scooter on a regular basis – or even on occasion – it is important that you know the laws about them. At Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn, we have worked on e-scooter accident cases, and we know the laws about liability, safe riding, and more. Read on to get the facts, or feel free to contact us directly at (310) 209-1600 for a free consultation.
E-Scooter Accidents Can Be More Dangerous Than You Might Expect
There are certainly advantages to riding an e-scooter, but it is important to know that they can be very dangerous too. In fact, one study in 2019 found that of those who were injured on e-scooters in California in 2019, more than 40% of them suffered head injuries.
Does that number surprise you? It might not be quite as surprising when you learn that fewer than 4.5% of e-scooter riders in the study were wearing a helmet at the time of their accident.
The Legal Definition of E-Scooters
Before we get into the laws about e-scooters, let us discuss what an e-scooter technically is. According to the law, it is an electric or otherwise motorized scooter that has two wheels, a floorboard that is stood on when it is running, and handlebars.
There Might Be Local Regulations That Affect E-Scooters
In the state of California as a whole, riders are not required to show a license plate, register, or insure their e-scooter. They are also not required to have a special license to drive one. All that said, local authorities do have the right to make their own laws about these scooters, how they can be operated, and where they can be parked.
E-Scooters Cannot Be Ridden on Sidewalks
There are some rules that the state of California has made regarding e-scooters. First and foremost, they cannot be ridden on sidewalks. This is designed to prevent the chance of a pedestrian accident involving an e-scooter. However, it can make things more dangerous for the scooter rider when they are forced to stick to streets and highways.
Additionally, anyone who is under the age of 18 and rides an e-scooter is required to wear a helmet. Riders of all age can only ride if the scooter that allows it to stop on clean, dry pavement and if they have a valid driver’s license or driving permit. Passengers are not allowed on e-scooters, and it is not lawful to carry packages on an e-scooter if they do not allow the rider to keep at least one of their hands on the handlebar.
Have you been involved in an e-scooter accident? Do you have questions about these types of accidents? You can contact Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn at (310) 209-1600 for a free legal consultation at your convenience.
