How To Stay Safe Driving An Electric Scooter In Arizona

Arizona is a perfect state for scooter riders because of our warm climate and easily accessible urban areas. As companies like Lime and Bird continue to work their way into cities across the United States, scooter use is rising. There have been a recorded 20 million rides in just one year from these companies and Bird scooters can speed up to 15 mph. This is quite fast for an individual especially if there is a crash the driver isn’t wearing protection. When parking is expensive or difficult to find, or you just need to cover a short distance fast, scooters make for an inexpensive and convenient way to travel. 

While a lot of people find them fun to ride, there are hazards associated with scooters that many are not taking seriously because of their innocuous appearance. A scooter may seem innocent enough, but doctors have noted that they are in fact, very dangerous. They pose just as much risk for injury as a motor vehicle. To keep yourself safe on your own personal scooter or one that you are renting via these scooter-share companies, here are some tips and helpful information.

Take Scooter Driving Seriously

You can be majorly hurt in a scooter accident. Scooter riders have shown an increased risk for accidents due to a number of reasons including:

• Inexperienced drivers.
• Lack of protective gear such as helmets.
• Mechanical issues with the scooter itself.
• Driving in lanes like bike paths that are too narrow.
• Not understanding or knowing laws around operating scooters, which are different for every municipality.

How To Drive Safely On A Scooter

Driving a scooter needs to be taken seriously and you should always engage in safe driving practices when you decide to go for a ride. Exercising caution is highly advisable to keep you from getting into an accident or reducing the risk of suffering serious injuries from a scooter accident in Arizona. Scooters are not large and therefore they are not as easily seen by drivers of motor vehicles and for this reason, you should always:

• Read up on the laws of the region where you will be riding.
• Try to stay out of motor vehicle’s blind spots while riding.
• Wear bright colors, reflective accessories, blinking pins, and anything that makes you stand out and be more easily seen by everyone on the road.
• Follow the rules of the road just as if you were driving a motor vehicle.
• Wear a helmet.
• Use turn signals or arm signals to inform others of your intentions on the road.
• No lane splitting.
• Use extra caution for left-hand turns and in busy intersections.
• Watch the road for hazards such as debris or potholes.
• Never drive intoxicated.

If you decide to use one of the rideshare company scooters it is important to do the following:

• Do a quick check-up on the scooter by looking at the brakes, lights, frame, and wheels to make sure they are working and in good condition.
• Know weight limits, especially when you are riding with multiple people, and ensure you are familiar with all riding requirements.
• Before you ride make sure you know your rights or your lack of rights. Always read the terms of service, you may see in the fine print that you could be excluded from filing a lawsuit in court if you are hurt on a scooter.

Have You Been Hurt In A Scooter Accident In Phoenix And Need An Attorney?

The Phoenix serious injury attorneys at ELG work on contingency so we won’t take a penny unless we win your case for you. Our team of effective and resourceful Phoenix motorcycle accident attorneys is diligent in ensuring that when you have suffered injuries while riding that you will be well represented and fully compensated for the injuries you have had to endure.

When you have been injured in an accident that was not your fault, the attorneys at ELG are here to help you and guide you through the process so that you have the most successful outcome possible. Call us today at (623) 562-3838 to set up a free consultation at either our Phoenix or Mesa personal injury law offices.