The Risks of Riding Dockless Electronic Scooters along Delaware Streets
Convenience is a resource sought by Americans as we travel from point A to point B, and one advanced little vehicle that seems to be powering this desire for fast, efficient travel is the dockless electronic scooter. Offering the freedom of a bicycle and the convenience of an electronic vehicle, these scooters can be found in hubs across the United States. However, as is true in many cases, scooter riders can suffer the same fate as pedestrians and bicyclists at the hands of distracted and negligent drivers along major roadways. So what risks accompany these vehicles and what laws are designed to protect men and women who use these for their daily commute around the city? Here is a closer look at the risks of riding dockless electronic scooters along Delaware streets.
WHAT IS A DOCKLESS ELECTRONIC SCOOTER?
Over the past couple of years, city administrators have set up electronic scooter stations for the convenience of men and women seeking to get from one point to another in record time. As the name suggests, these vehicles are more advanced forms of regular scooters (with two wheels and a handle), with the exception of being powered by an electronic power source.
THE NOT-SO-POPULAR SCOOTERS OF AMERICA
With a record 3.6% of riders latching onto this trend, larger than the rate of e-bike riders in America, these scooters have become something of a phenomenon in our country. Despite being, for the most part, convenient for the average commuter, the dockless electronic scooters have received a mixed bag of gratitude and antagonism. Critics have taken note of how these scooters are not governed by strict laws, and how riders dart across lanes of traffic.
Based on an assessment from Consumer Report, since 2017, about 8 riders have tragically died after being involved in crashes. Even more unsettling, roughly 1,500 people have sustained injuries while riding these scooters.
FOLLOW THE BICYCLE RULES
When in doubt, riders of electronic scooters must adhere to the same traffic codes as pedestrians, bicyclists, and, to an extent, motorcyclists. Here is a closer look at some critical rules scooter riders should following when operating these electronic variants, under Delaware Code Title 21, Chapter 41, Subchapter XII, Sections 4193 and 4194:
- Any person operating a vehicle powered by pedals or devices other than a regular engine must adhere to the same road rules as the general motorist.
- More than one passenger is prohibited on a bicycle or, in this case, scooter.
YOUR LEGAL SOLUTION
Dockless electronic scooters have become a convenient new means of transportation across metropolitan streets, but even these trendy new vehicles have risks. Like any bicyclist or motorcyclist, a scooter rider also faces the same risks of colliding with vehicles driven by distracted drivers, and the results of these accidents can be catastrophic. We can provide the help you need to get your life back on track.
Our team of professional lawyers at Edelstein, Martin, & Nelson are passionate about our practice and are fully knowledgeable in the laws, rules, and statutes surrounding unfortunate scooter-related accidents throughout the State of Delaware. We can guarantee you will receive the justice you deserve. For legal advice and for more information about our services, contact our office today at 800-300-0909.
