On the 18th of June 2018, Florida governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill that made electric scooters street legal into law. Since then, the city has seen an explosive increase in electric scooter riders.
They have become quite prevalent in the last two years as fuel prices hit an all-time high. If you are considering buying an electric scooter, it’s essential to learn some safety tips and legal requirements to ensure your ride is safe and legal.
Below are some legal and safety tips for riding an electric scooter.
What if I Am Hit?
Every road user must ensure that they use the road in a manner that doesn’t put other users at risk of an accident. Unfortunately, not all do, meaning it is not unlikely to get into an accident even with the highest level of caution.
If you are hit when riding an e-scooter on Florida roads, you may be eligible for compensation if the accident results in injuries or damage to property. But you will have to file a claim with the responsible party.
Unfortunately, the chances of recovering what your damages are worth are very slim if you choose to go it alone when filing a claim. Therefore, you may want to hire a personal injury attorney in Florida to ensure you get what you deserve.
Legal Requirements For Riding an Electric Scooter
An electric scooter, otherwise known as an e-scooter, runs on electric power. Unlike motorcycles and mopeds that have a seat, e-scooters don’t. The rider must be standing while riding it while holding control bars with both hands.
Under Florida law, e-scooters fall under the same category as bicycles. That said, e-scooter riders have to follow the same rules as cyclists. However, there are traffic rules that are specific to e-scooter riders.
Some of these rules include:
- The rider must be 16 and above.
- Under most local ordinances, a scooter rider should never exceed 15 mph.
- Depending on the city, it may be illegal to ride on the sidewalk, so you may want to confirm whether it’s legal. If you are unsure, stick to the road.
- A rider must use a light when riding at night.
- A rider must indicate their intention to turn.
- A rider must give an audible signal when approaching a pedestrian.
- Only one person can ride on an electric scooter.
- A scooter must yield its way when entering a road.
Safety Tips For Riding an Electric Scooter in South Florida
Electric scooter laws are created to ensure the safety of riders and other road users. While it is important to follow the set laws, they are not enough to keep you safe on the road. So you may want to go a step further and practice safe riding.
1. Wear a Helmet
One way of ensuring your ride is safe is wearing a helmet. A helmet helps protect your head which is the most likely to suffer severe injuries in an accident. Wearing a helmet is not mandatory for e-scooter riders, but it can save your life.
2. Wear the Right Clothes
Also the type of clothes you wear matters a lot. The ideal type of clothes is fitting clothes to avoid the possibility of your clothes being entangled in the scooter and causing an accident. Also, it is best to avoid open-toe shoes.
3. Avoid Riding in the Dark
Lastly, avoid riding in the dark. The small size of an electric scooter can significantly reduce your visibility, putting you at high risk of an accident. If darkness finds you on the road for whatever reason, you may want to make sure you wear reflective clothes to improve your visibility.
