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E-Scooters and Mobile Roads. Know Before You Try.

Aug 2, 2019 | Allen A. Ritchie

Courtesy: Ford

E-scooters should be good for the injury business. I am sure they said that when the first car went down a dirt road.

Here is the news – the Alabama governor has signed a bill that basically says let’s get the technology rolling and clears the legal path for e-scooters on the public street. If you thought someone was going to get hurt in the bike lane, now that 2-wheeled vehicle is motorized and in your lane. Someone is going to get hurt.

Here are some facts I have learned from representing motorcycle riders over the years.

If you ride:

  • Wear a helmet – I would also suggest a full set of armor, but this is Dixie in the summer.
  • Watch out for cars. Most car drivers are not used to dealing with an e-scooter. They have no idea what a scooter can and cannot do.
  • People will stare. This means the car driver is taking his eyes off the road.
  • Don’t drive between cars. You are asking for trouble.

If you encounter an e-scooter:

  • Give them lots of room. It is a new technology, and the driver is likely inexperienced.
  • Don’t tailgate. The scooter speed (roughly between 8 and 30 Mph based on brand) will be a lot less than your car.
  • Visibility can be a problem. Some have lights and some do not.

And do I have to add – have insurance. You may need it; since, an altercation between a car and an e-scooter is not quite a fair fight.

If you suffer a personal injury or have trouble with your insurance company, you can talk to us at the Law Firm of Eiland and Ritchie for free. We want to help you get back on your feet.

Also join us on NBC 15 LawCall here in Mobile every Sunday night at 10:30 right after the news. We will take your calls live.

Allen Ritchie

Alabama personal injury lawyer

 

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