Teen Critically Injured in Electric Scooter Crash in Spring Hill

Electric scooters are often ridden by teens, but these motor vehicles can be unsafe if ridden improperly. A teenager was critically injured after crashing an electric scooter into a vehicle in Spring Hill, Tennessee.

The crash happened on August 30 in the 2900 block of Stewart Campbell Point near Jude’s Drive. The 16-year-old was traveling on the sidewalk at speeds of at least 40 mph when a vehicle turned into a driveway.

The scooter collided with the rear passenger side of the vehicle. The teen was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center with critical injuries.

The teen did not have a driver’s license and was not wearing a helmet approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation. He was wearing goggles and an off-road helmet, but the equipment did not meet the standards required for motorcycle riders.

Police also said the electric vehicle involved was classified as an electric motor scooter rather than an electric bicycle. One factor authorities considered was the vehicle’s motor capacity. Police said a similar scooter ridden by one of the teen’s friends was marked as having a 750-watt motor.

Risks of High-Speed Electric Scooters

The crash highlights concerns surrounding the growing use of electric bicycles, scooters and other small motorized vehicles by teenagers.

Electric bicycles and motorized scooters can fall under different legal classifications depending on their design, motor power, and other characteristics. Those classifications can affect where the vehicle may legally be operated and whether the rider needs a driver’s or motorcycle license.

Unlike conventional bicycles, some electric scooters can reach motorcycle-like speeds. Riders may also have limited protection in a collision because the vehicle provides little physical protection between the rider and another vehicle. Younger riders may face additional risks when they are unfamiliar with traffic laws or do not have experience controlling a vehicle at high speeds.

Helmet use is another important safety consideration. A helmet designed for a particular type of recreational or off-road activity may not provide the same protection as a helmet that meets applicable motorcycle safety standards.

Sidewalk Riding and Motor Vehicle Crashes

Police said the teenager was traveling approximately 40 mph on the sidewalk before the collision. Authorities described this as illegal.

The incident also illustrates the dangers that can arise when motorized scooters and passenger vehicles interact. Drivers turning into driveways may not expect a motorized vehicle traveling at high speed along a sidewalk, while scooter riders may have limited time to react to vehicles entering their path.

Contact Us Today

E-scooters are not toys. Many children and teens ride them unsafely and end up seriously injured or even killed.

As ridership grows, so does the risk of an accident. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact a Mt. Juliet e-scooter accident lawyer from The Law Offices of Christopher Eads, PLLC.

We work to document and quantify the complete scope of each client’s losses. Call (615) 622-6060 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation.

Source:

wkrn.com/news/local-news/teen-critically-injured-after-electric-motor-scooter-crash-in-spring-hill/