Electric scooters descended upon city streets in 2018 with virtually no legislation regulating them. Electric scooter companies adopted a policy of “shoot first and ask questions later,” which meant that cities were unprepared for the implications this new method of transportation would have for riders, pedestrians, and vehicles.
A Frequent and Serious Occurrence
A recent study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that the electric scooter injury rate was 14.3 per 100,000 trips, and nearly half of these accidents involved severe head injuries. Additionally, only 2% of riders in the study wore a helmet when operating an electric scooter.
While electric scooter companies like Bird and Lime say they support the CDC study and claim that safety is their top priority, they have done little to promote safe practices among their riders. In fact, Bird supported a California law that allowed anyone 18 or older to ride an electric scooter on city streets without a helmet.
Electric scooters also face a myriad of maintenance issues, including loose handlebars, malfunctioning lights, excessive braking, and more. In fact, Lime relies on freelance “juicers” to pick up their scooters, transport them in their own vehicles, charge them, and drop them back off on city streets. It’s unknown what happens to electric scooters during this time, or who is handling them. This makes tracing maintenance problems back to their source difficult.
Injured in an Electric Scooter Accident? We Can Help
Since electric scooters are still so new, the law surrounding them is complicated. Regulations vary by state and city, with each legislature coming up with its own laws surrounding them. If you have been injured in an accident involving an electric scooter, it’s important to contact a qualified personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the process successfully.
If you’ve been injured in an electric scooter accident, contact Springer & Steinberg, P.C. at (303) 861-2800 for a free case consultation today!