California Electric Scooter Accident Attorneys for the LGBT Community

Here in sunny California, electric scooters are becoming the preferred method of transportation. Mobile applications such as Bird, Lime, Lyft, and JUMP bikes allow users to unlock a scooter by scanning a barcode with their iPhone, then simply end the ride once they no longer need it. Bird and Lime riders zip through busy streets and sidewalks, often causing serious accidents. In order to avoid an electric scooter accident, riders must be cautious of their surroundings and follow all traffic laws. Electric scooter riders can be liable in electric scooter accidents, so it’s crucial to obey the law and ride safely.

Electric Scooter Laws in California

California legally defines a motorized scooter as a “2-wheeled device with handlebars, a floorboard, and a platform that riders can stand on.” In California, electric scooters do not require DMV registration.

A bill from the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee recently dropped the legal requirement for electric scooter riders over the age of 18 to wear helmets. Furthermore, the bill attempts to classify both e-scooters and e-bikes as “motorized scooters”. Motorized scooters can be made for only standing or sitting, or be powered by motor or feet.

In California, motorized scooter riders:

• Must have a driver’s license
• May not ride them on the sidewalk
• Cannot ride faster than 15 miles per hour.
• Should not ride with passengers (For example, two people on one scooter)
• Must use lighting equipment at night
• Must not park the scooters in pedestrian walkways
• Must wear a helmet if under the age of 18

The Pros and Cons of Electric Scooters

Scooters can be especially beneficial to:

• reducing traffic on busy roads
• the environment
• creating economic opportunities for workers on the go and self-employed individuals

Although electric scooters can greatly improve a city, they can be extremely dangerous if not used correctly. The following factors may impact a rider’s safety:

• Speeding
• Riding on the sidewal-
• Road defects
• Car accidents
• Negligency
• Abandoned scooters
• Helmet

Riders must understand the risks associated with riding electric scooters. Inexperienced riders may react incorrectly in an unexpected situation. These scooters are fast, and one short stop may throw you off the scooter, potentially causing serious injuries. This can be especially true if you’re not wearing a helmet, being intoxicated, or looking at your phone.

Proving Liability

In an electric scooter accident, the following parties can be held liable:

• The rider: the rider may have been negligent, causing the accident
• A pedestrian: A pedestrian may have caused the accident through negligence.
• The scooter company: the scooter may have been defective, potentially causing your accident
• Car drivers: A driver may have been negligent and caused your accident
• The city: If a road defect caused your accident, the city in which the accident occurred may be liable for your injuries

Electric Scooter Regulations in California

According to Section 21235 of the California Vehicle Code, a motorized scooter must carry the following components in order to be considered legal:

• A functional brake system meant for riding on pavement
• Properly fitted to the rider
• Do not have items that prevent riders from holding the handlebars
• Rider must wear a helmet if under the age of 18
• Must be suited for a local jurisdiction’s speed limits
• California law prohibits riding electric scooters on the sidewalk, except when exiting or entering a property.

Contact Pride Legal

If you or a loved one has been injured in an electric scooter accident, we invite you to contact us at Pride Legal for legal counseling or any further questions. To protect your rights, hire someone who understands them.

Contact a California Gay and Lesbian Auto Accident Attorney today for case consultation!