Electric scooters, or e-scooters as they are commonly referenced, have become a common way for people to get around for leisure or commuting. They save time and money for those who want to go a short distance and offer a unique experience in terms of sightseeing or spending time outdoors. However, like any other mechanized mode of transportation, e-scooters can also be dangerous, depending on the way they are used, especially during interactions with others on the road.
Setareh Law is a reputable California e-scooter accident lawyer representing scores of clients injured using e-scooters in California. With our experience litigating e-scooter claims, here are a few things you should know before riding one in California.
How Are E-Scooters Different From Traditional Scooters?
One of the most important things to know before riding an e-scooter is how it differs from a traditional scooter. An e-scooter is a mechanized device that lets you place both feet on the footboard while the battery-powered motor propels the scooter forward. Traditional scooters require placing one foot on the footboard and one on the ground to propel the scooter forward.
E-scooter speeds vary depending on the battery’s power and the brand in question. The average speed is 15 miles per hour, though some brands can get up to speeds of 100 miles per hour.
Are E-Scooters Dangerous?
E-scooters are only as dangerous as the people that use them, meaning that if you practice helpful safety tips and use the right equipment, they can be a very safe form of transportation. E-scooters become dangerous when people riding them do so carelessly or other drivers fail to give proper caution and respect to those e-scooter riders with which they are sharing the road.
Moreover, if you don’t use the proper safety equipment, such as a helmet and good pads, you can be seriously injured riding an e-scooter.
California E-Scooter Safety Tips
The most important thing to know before riding an e-scooter in California is how to practice the proper safety protocols. A few pertinent e-scooter safety tips include:
- Always wear a helmet, as head injuries are among the most common issues for those who get into accidents while riding e-scooters.
- Ride solo, as e-scooters are not traditionally structured for tandem riding.
- Don’t operate an e-scooter while talking on a cell phone or texting. The same phone safety rules you implement while driving apply when using an e-scooter.
- Respect the road rules when operating an e-scooter, especially if you are intermingling with motor vehicle traffic.
Keeping these tips in mind any time you hop onto an e-scooter can ensure that you get from one location to the next as safely as possible.
Contact a California E-Scooter Accident Lawyer to Gauge Your Legal Options
If you have been involved in an e-scooter accident in California, you may be able to file a claim depending on the circumstances of the incident. Riding an e-scooter should not be a dangerous endeavor, yet there are many reasons an accident may occur. Setareh Law has worked with numerous individuals involved in e-scooter accidents and has gotten them beneficial results from accident claims.
While e-scooter technology makes this a relatively new practice area compared to auto and truck accidents, we have been working on e-scooter claims for some time. As such, we have cultivated an excellent legal strategy to help ensure our clients get justice. Schedule a free consultation by calling (310) 659-1826 or contact us online to learn more. We also speak Spanish.