Electric Scooter Accidents in Florida
Electric scooters are small vehicles with two or three wheels. For many people, they can be a fun, exciting way to get around or explore urban areas. Due to their small size and limited power, many people believe they are safer than motorcycles, bicycles, or similar vehicles.
Unfortunately, electric scooters can result in many different types of injuries, some of them very severe. The belief that electric scooters are safe often leads to riders refusing to wear a helmet which can have deadly consequences.
If you suffered an electric or bird scooter injury, call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato to explore your legal options. Our team is standing by to take your call at 954-633-8270.
Common Injuries from Electric Scooters
Electric scooters may be a small two-wheeled vehicle, like a kick scooter, or larger vehicles, more closely related to a motorcycle. An electric engine powers them and allows the rider to navigate crowded areas or urban locations easily.
There has been a rise in rentable electric scooters, which has increased the number of injuries in recent years.
The most common types of electric scooter accidents include:
- Head injuries from falling, often without a helmet
- Road rash
- Dislocated ankles, wrists, elbows, and shoulders
- Lacerations to the face
- Broken jaws
- Brain bleeds
- Neck injuries
Safety Concerns for Electric Scooters
There are some major safety concerns related to the use of electric scooters, according to research from doctors and reports from The Washington Post and CNN.
The most common safety issues for electric scooters include:
- Lack of maintenance for rented scooters often results in stuck accelerators, wobbly handlebars, or loose breaks.
- The perception that electric scooters are safer than other vehicles may lead to riders to ride without a helmet.
- Many riders lack experience riding electric scooters, so they do not understand how to balance, or they underestimate how fast the scooters accelerate.
- Uneven ground such as boardwalks, sidewalks, or bumpy roads, can result in flipping or even being thrown from the scooter.
- Traffic infrastructure and laws are not designed with electric scooters in mind.
- There is a wide range of laws between cities and states outlining where electric scooters can be ridden. For example, in California, electric scooters must use a bike lane or the street while in Denver, they must be ridden on the sidewalks.
- Rentable scooters are often in vacation destinations where riders may be more likely to ingest alcoholic beverages. Due to their small size, passengers may not take the risks of drinking and ride seriously.
How to Prevent Electric Scooter Accidents
Riding an electric scooter can be a fun, convenient way to get around town. With all the safety concerns, you might be hesitant to ride an electric scooter. There are several steps you can take to limit the risks while riding a scooter.
- Always wear a helmet when riding an electric scooter. If you plan to ride a scooter, carry a helmet with you. Make sure it is adjusted to fit your head and has not been in an accident.
- Before you ride off, check to see if the handlebars are steady and if the wheels are sturdy and in good condition. Test the breaks and accelerators to ensure they work properly. If anything feels off, choose another scooter.
- Electric scooters should only carry one passenger at a time. Do not “piggyback,” or attempt to ride with two or more passengers.
- Ride slowly at first so you can get used to how fast the scooter accelerates and how quickly you might be able to stop.
- When possible, ride on smooth surfaces. Avoid bumps, curbs, grates, or other rough terrains.
- Stay alert. Cars, trucks, and even pedestrians may not see you coming. Ride defensively and slow down or stop if you see a possibly dangerous situation.
- When possible, wear bright clothing or use the lights on the scooter to make yourself more visible.
Following these tips will decrease the risks associated with riding an electric scooter.
Contact an Electric Scooter Lawyer in Florida Today
Riding an electric scooter can be a way to explore, but it can also result in severe injuries. If you or someone you love was injured while riding an electric scooter, you may be eligible to hold the liable party financially responsible for your damages.
The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato can help you explore your legal options following an electric scooter accident. A Fort Lauderdale scooter accident attorney can help you if you contact us today at 954-633-8270 for a free case evaluation.
