Electric Scooter Accidents Are On the Rise
Larger cities and college towns around the nation have introduced electric scooters to provide students and other members of the community with individualized and low cost means of transportation. This micromobility mode of transportation has provided many benefits to communities, such as offering a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to cars, ride shares and traditional public transportation.
However, e-scooters have come at a cost for some. Accidents and personal injury to riders as well as others on our streets and sidewalks have been reported with increasing frequency, including in the Gainesville area since the scooters were introduced here in early June. E-scooters can be dangerous, both with and without safety protocol. To help mitigate safety risks and keep riders and others safe, it’s important to follow safety protocols while riding an e-scooter.
If you’ve been in an e-scooter accident, contacting a personal injury lawyer in Gainesville is advised. Accident attorneys at Avera & Smith can guide you through the legal process and help win your case. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
E-Scooter Use
Three micromobility companies offer electric scooters in Gainesville, including Bird, Veo and Spin. Each has provided 200 scooters, bringing the total number of public use electric scooter rentals in the area to 600. With so many e-scooters in the area, safety is key.
Users must only operate these scooters on sidewalks and in bike lanes, keeping 5 feet between themselves and pedestrians. The top speed for these scooters is 15 mph, but in areas of Gainesville where pedestrian traffic is heavy, speeds are capped at 8 mph as an extra safety precaution for all. Additionally, some areas of the UF campus have even lower speeds, with more dense areas slowly bringing scooters to a complete stop.
According to Gainesville City Commissioner David Arreola, statistics show that the most frequent users of electric scooters are students and professionals commuting to school and work.
As e-scooters are viewed as an easy mode of transportation, many forego safety protocols when hopping onto a scooter. Accidents can happen fast. Knowing safety measures when on or around e-scooters can save a life.
E-Scooter Safety Tips
Officials in Gainesville stress the importance of safety and following all safety guidelines when operating e-scooters. The following tips can protect your safety and the safety of others:
- Wear a helmet. Though not required by the State of Florida, this will help protect you in case of an accident.
- Follow all traffic laws.
- Wear appropriate clothing. This includes bright colors, such as neon green, at night so others can easily see you.
- Understand the e-scooter you are riding. Know where brake and acceleration controls are located.
- Follow the 5-foot rule and keep this distance between you and others on the road.
Accidents & Personal Injury
It only takes a second for an accident to happen, for e-scooter operators and for pedestrians. When an accident does happen, the right legal expertise can make all the difference.
If you are involved in an e-scooter accident or if you are injured by one, seek legal assistance. An accident attorney can help, and our local firm has personal injury lawyers with experience in handling and winning e-scooter accident cases. Let our expertise guide you through the legal system. Contact us for a free consultation.