[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Dockless electric scooters such as Bird, Lime, and Razor have taken over city streets in California, much to many city’s dismay.\u00a0 So much so that Beverly Hills and West Hollywood outright banned the devices.\u00a0 Several other cities have enacted restrictions until e-scooter regulations can be put into place.\u00a0 Much of the conversation about electric scooters has been about the clutter left after riders complete their journey.\u00a0 Not enough of the conversation has been about safety.<\/p>\n
The risk of personal injury to riders and pedestrians is significant.\u00a0 Hospitals have been reporting scooter-related injuries almost immediately after the devices hit the streets.\u00a0 These injuries have ranged from scrapes and bruises to concussions and other serious head injuries.\u00a0 While riders are required by law to wear helmets, few do.\u00a0 And should a rider suffer injury, there may be minimal recourse in pursuing damages.\u00a0 Users of e-scooters are required to agree to terms severely restricting their ability to hold the e-scooter companies liable.\u00a0 Even if the scooter itself malfunctions, it may be difficult to obtain legal damages.<\/p>\n
Injured pedestrians would have legal recourse.\u00a0 For example, if you are walking down the sidewalk and are struck by an electric scooter, the person on the scooter would be liable for your injuries.\u00a0 However, identifying the person who ran into you could be difficult, as scooters don’t have easily identifiable markers or license plates.\u00a0 If you are injured by a dockless scooter, attempt to obtain as much contact information as possible.\u00a0 Scooter riders who are following all the rules of the road and are struck by a car would also have legal recourse, much the same as if the scooter operator was a bicyclist or pedestrian.<\/p>\n