Dangers of Electric Scooters

In urban areas, it can be hard to own a vehicle. They’re not only expensive but space is limited. Having to take an Uber or Lyft from place to place is inconvenient and costly.

To manage this, many city folk use e-scooters to get around town. There are companies such as Bird and Lime that have presence in large cities such as San Francisco and New York City. While people can easily access these scooters, there have been issues with accidents.

Researchers have seen a surge in e-scooter accidents across the country. From 2017 to 2022, e-scooter injuries rose by 45% each year. Injured e-scooter riders were likely to be slightly older and wear helmets less often than conventional scooter riders. These e-scooter riders were also more likely to sustain internal injuries.

Here are some other dangers to be aware of:

• Accidents and injuries. E-scooter riders are vulnerable to collisions with cars and pedestrians. These accidents can lead to injuries such as fractures, head trauma, and abrasions.
• Lack of protection. Unlike cars, e-scooters have no built-in safety features like airbags or seat belts. Riders often avoid wearing helmets, increasing the risk of head injuries.
• Lack of rider experience. Many users, especially those renting e-scooters, are inexperienced, leading to reckless riding and increased accident rates.
• Speed and stability issues. Many e-scooters reach speeds of 15 to 25 mph, making them unstable, especially on uneven roads.
• Poor road conditions. Potholes, curbs, and wet surfaces can cause riders to lose control and crash.

Safety Tips

These statistics and possible dangers show a need for increased safety measures. To minimize the risks associated with electric scooters, follow these tips:

• Check your scooter. Inspect brakes, tires, lights, and battery levels before riding to ensure the scooter is safe to ride.
• Wear protective gear. Always wear a helmet as well as knee and elbow pads to reduce injury risk.
• Obey traffic laws. Follow local traffic rules and avoid riding on sidewalks unless permitted.
• Ride defensively. Stay alert for cars, pedestrians, and road hazards. Assume that drivers may not see you and be prepared to react.
• Avoid excess speed. Start slow and avoid excessive speeds, especially in crowded areas.
• Use proper foot position. Keep both feet on the deck, with one in front of the other, for better balance and control.
• Avoid riding in bad weather. Wet and icy conditions reduce traction, making it easier to slip and fall.

Contact Us Today

E-scooters can assist those in urban areas, helping them get from place to place easily. However, people do not always know how to ride them safely, resulting in serious accidents.

Negligent drivers, unsafe road conditions, or defective equipment can also cause e-scooter injuries. If you have been in a crash, get the help you need from a Mt. Juliet e-scooter accident attorney from The Law Offices of Christopher Eads, PLLC. We are here to provide the guidance and advocacy you need to secure fair compensation. To schedule a consultation, fill out the online form or call (615) 622-6060.

Source:

ucsf.edu/news/2024/07/428096/electric-scooter-and-bike-accidents-are-soaring-across-us#:~:text=Injured%20e%2Driders%20tended%20to,common%20among%20non%2DEV%20riders.