What California E-Scooter Riders Need To Know: E-Scooter Accidents and Safety

Motorized, stand-up e-scooters have become a common method of transportation for Californians commuting short distances or just zipping around town. But just because they resemble a child’s toy doesn’t mean it’s all fun and games.

While e-scooters can be a relatively eco-friendly way to get around, and can encourage people to spend more time outdoors, the lack of awareness of the risks involved in riding them has led to e-scooter collisions with cars, bicyclists, and pedestrians. In this article, we’ll cover the best practices that e-scooter riders and other Californians should be aware of when they’re out and about, as well as important regulatory changes and critical safety precautions to prevent injuries.

E-Scooter Laws in California  

General Regulations

• Age: E-scooter riders must be at least 16 years of age to operate an e-scooter on public roads.
• Safety Equipment: All e-scooter riders under the age of 18 must wear helmets. No matter your age, wearing a helmet on an e-scooter is a best practice to prevent head injuries. The helmet must fit properly and be fastened as intended.
• Rules of the Road: E-scooter riders must observe the rules of the road. For example, they must obey traffic signs and signals.
• Riding an E-Scooter Under the Influence: Operating an e-scooter while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is prohibited in California.

Where E-Scooters Are Allowed

• No roads above 25 mph limit: Although e-scooter drivers may not exceed 15 miles per hour on their vehicle, e-scooters are not permitted on roads where the speed limit exceeds 25 miles per hour.
• No sidewalks: E-scooters are not permitted on public sidewalks.
• Parking: There are rules about where e-scooters can be parked, and these vary by city. E-scooter drivers shouldn’t leave their vehicle just anywhere.

Additional Restrictions

• No passengers allowed: E-scooter drivers are not permitted to carry passengers or cargo.
• Minimum requirements: E-scooters must have a floorboard, an electric motor, and handlebars to be legally driven on California public roads that permit their use.
• Dismounting: E-scooter drivers must dismount their vehicle and walk to make a left-hand turn, entering the roadway’s intersection on the right-side curb.

Common Causes of E-Scooter Accidents  

Some of the most common causes of e-scooter accidents include:

• Reckless behavior of an e-scooter driver
• Road hazards
• Mechanical failures

These accidents may involve collisions with vehicles and/or pedestrians, posing a threat of harm to e-scooter drivers themselves as well as others using California roads.

Common Injuries From E-Scooter Accidents  

Even at lower speeds, e-scooter accidents can be serious and even fatal. E-scooter operators are not protected by the safety features of a car, or even modern motorcycles, and are particularly vulnerable. Common injuries include:

• Head and brain injuries, including concussions
• Spinal injuries
• Fractures and broken bones
• Soft tissue injuries 
• Internal injuries, including internal bleeding
• Road rash
• Wrist, hand, knee, and joint injuries

Legal Considerations After an E-Scooter Accident  

Liability in an E-Scooter Accident

Determining liability for an accident involving an e-scooter can be complicated and should be navigated with the advice of experienced counsel. Contact an attorney as soon as possible after your involvement in an accident so that you can protect your rights and determine what your deserve.

It’s important to discuss your accident with your own attorney before accepting a settlement offer from another attorney or from an insurance company. Your attorney will have your best interests in mind and will help you fight for the full compensation available to you based on your circumstances.

Steps To Take After an Accident

1. Get to safety: Your safety is the most important thing. If possible, move out of the way of incoming traffic and ensure you receive medical attention if needed. If your accident involved impact, it’s important to ensure you see a medical provider who can confirm you don’t have any hidden injuries, such as head trauma or internal bleeding.
2. Document the accident: Collect all available evidence at the scene of the accident, including witness contact information, pictures and videos of the scene and the aftermath, and the conditions of the roadway at the time of the incident. All evidence collected in these immediate post-accident moments can be used to prove your side of the story in the event of a dispute over the details.
3. Report the accident: Alert the police of the accident so that a report can be made.
4. Consult an attorney: When looking for an attorney to handle your e-scooter accident case, it’s important to work with a California attorney with experience in personal injury cases involving e-scooters or similar motorized vehicles. These attorneys will understand the circumstances of your unique case and advise you on the best steps to take moving forward in order to secure all possible compensation available to you.

Safety Tips for E-Scooter Riders  

• Always wear a helmet, even if not legally required.
• Follow speed limits and traffic laws.
• Stay visible with reflective gear and proper lighting. Not all public roads will be lit for the safety of cyclists or small motorized vehicles.
• Check the scooter for damage before riding.
• Avoid distractions and maintain awareness of surroundings.
• Use both hands while you’re driving, and stay off your phone.
• Stay alert for pedestrians, especially at intersections and crosswalks.
• Never operate your e-scooter under the influence of drugs or alcohol. E-scooters are not an alternative for other vehicles when you are under the influence. Always call a friend, taxi, or rideshare service to pick you up instead.

Involved in an E-scooter Accident?

Were you recently in an accident involving an electric scooter in the state of California? Your rights matter — and we will fight for them. Contact Dunnion Law today for a free consultation.