Since June 2018, Salt Lake City residents have probably noticed the new way people are getting around downtown. We are talking about the widely popular rentable, electronic scooters. This environmentally friendly way of travel has quickly become favorable for many residents. People choosing to give it a try will find that they are only charged $1 for the initial rental and just 15 cents per minute of use. These scooters are also extremely fun to ride. Keep in mind these machines are not your typical children’s children’s scooter. They are much bigger, bulkier, and resemble something like a moped minus a gas engine.
Safety issues with these scooters
The initial attraction to these scooters was terrific, and the community was utterly enveloped in trying out the new transportation method. There has, however, been an increase in personal injury and collisions with pedestrians, fellow scooter riders, and even cars and vehicles. This is due to several different factors. The largest is that people become comfortable riding these scooters and begin to become reckless and take unnecessary chances. Another factor is that people riding these scooters are traveling faster than people walking the street yet lack the visibility that cyclists or motorcyclists will have. People that rent these scooters are usually in street clothes and rarely have helmets, protective gear, or reflective gear that we see responsible runners or cyclists wear.
Personal injury claims with e-scooters
After hearing about several personal injury claims arising from e-scooters, we became concerned about others’others’ safety. Everyone must do their part to help people stay safe while enjoying a ride around downtown.
Things we can do to avoid injury:
- Bring safety gear with you. We know that many times people rent these scooters on a whim. However, if you know, this has become a frequent mode of transportation for you to bring protective gear. Things like helmets, elbow and knee pads, and reflective gear goes a long way to protecting you if a fall or accident should happen.
- Follow the rules of the road. We have personally seen two people riding the same scooter at the same time, for example. This is not how these scooters were meant to be operated. If you are riding one, don’t overestimate your abilities. Drive at safe speeds, don’t take sharp turns, and avoid making sudden maneuvers.
- Everyone needs to stay alert and pay attention. The final advice we have is that everyone keeps an extra eye open for people riding scooters. Make sure that you take an extra second to look for scooter riders. Operators also need to make sure they do not depend on sidewalks and pay attention to cars and vehicles.
If you are a loved one who has been involved in an accident with e-scooters, we recommend speaking with an attorney if you have not already done so. Legal issues regarding electronic scooters can be complicated because it may be challenging to determine who is at fault. It is also an interesting mix of several legal practices and can include personal injury and auto accidents, product liability, and so forth. Please feel free to contact our office should you have any questions or concerns. If you have been involved in an accident in Utah, call our office to schedule a case review and legal consultation today.</font color>
