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Although you might not think that scooters can seriously harm you, daredevils who think they can jump a curb or make a tight turn might end up paying the price. With the number of E-Scooters increasing across the U.S., it is essential to remember some easy safety tips so you do not end up hurting yourself.

Human Error

The first thing to remember is that scooters are rarely the problem. When it comes to accidents or wipe-outs, a human is usually at fault – either the scooter user or another motorist. It is crucial to treat E-Scooters with as much respect and carefulness as you would a car, truck, or anything else you might drive. If you wouldn’t do something reckless while driving a car, you should not do it while on an E-Scooter.

You should wear a helmet or other protective gear to limit the impact of a scooter accident. A helmet is the best way to prevent brain damage in a severe collision – and if an injury case ends up going to trial, the lack of protective gear might not endear the jury toward the plaintiff.

Check the E-Scooter Before Riding

Even though most scooter accidents are caused by human error, it never hurts to double-check check the E-scooter is functioning correctly. When you first gain access, ensure that the break works correctly before heading to your destination. This is especially important if your route contains hills. The next thing to check for is the battery level. Ensure there is enough juice to get you to your next location. The worst-case scenario could be running out of power on a crowded sidewalk or in the middle of crossing a street.

Lastly, if you are riding at night, ensure your scooter’s light is working. Accidents are likely to occur if other motorists cannot see you. If the light does not work, try to find a different scooter. If the scooter malfunctions and you suffer as a result, you might be able to hold the manufacturer accountable if it ended up being defective.

Safety While Riding

While it may seem more fun or convenient to ride with two people on a scooter, this is a bad idea and could make you liable if the second rider is hurt. In addition, do not use your phone while riding. To be in proper control, both hands must stay on the handlebar of the E-scooter, and if one hand is holding a phone, there will be a lack of control in steering and stopping. If you need to use the phone for directions, make sure you come to a complete stop before using it.

Next, avoid riding in dangerous or wet weather. A slick road is already dangerous for cars, let alone an E-scooter that is a lot lighter. Lastly, be aware of your surroundings. While some cities have implemented bike lanes on either side of the street, which is ideal for E-scooters, other places are limited to the sidewalk. If you have the option, always stay in the bike lane to avoid possible accidents with pedestrians. If you do not have that option, make sure you ride slowly and cautiously, especially around large groups of people.

Contact a Lawyer if You Get in an Accident on an E-Scooter

E-scooters can be fun, affordable, and environmentally-conscious, but you need to be extra careful. You have no protection if you are struck by a larger motor vehicle so it is worth it to take all precautions. Call us to learn more about what you need to do in the event of a serious injury on an electric scooter.