Lime & Bird Electric Scooters – Tips to Stay Safe

Lime & Bird Electric Scooters – Tips to Stay Safe

When electric scooters were first made available for public use in cities, they were heralded as a green, fun, and efficient way to get around. Unfortunately, they’ve also been the cause of several injuries and even some deaths.

With summer here, electric scooter use will be more prevalent than in any other season. So here are five reasons why Lime and Bird electric scooters are dangerous and five tips to help you stay safe if you choose to ride one.

5 Reasons There Are So Many Lime and Bird Electric Scooter Accidents

There are several reasons for these electric scooter accidents so let’s review them.

1. Design Defects

Lime and Bird electric scooters have been known to have several design defects that can make them dangerous. For example, the throttle can get stuck, the brakes fail, and the steering malfunction.

2. Top-Heavy

Because electric scooters are top-heavy, they’re more likely to tip over than a traditional bicycles. This is especially dangerous at high speeds when a rider could easily be thrown from the scooter.

3. Poor Instructions

When you rent a Lime or Bird scooter, you’re given very little instruction on how to use it. You’re essentially left to figure it out on your own. This can lead to riders not understanding how to properly use the scooter, which increases the likelihood of sustaining an injury.

4. They’re Not Well-Lit

Another safety issue with Lime and Bird scooters is that they’re not well-lit. This means riders are less visible to drivers and more likely to be involved in an accident.

5. They’re Not Widely Regulated

Unlike traditional bicycles, there are few laws regulating the use of electric scooters. Anyone can ride one, regardless of age or experience level. And that can lead to accidents.

Fortunately, some states have taken action to regulate the use of electric scooters, restricting the age of riders to 16.

5 Tips to Stay Safe on Lime and Bird Electric Scooters

1. Wear a Helmet

As with bicycles, electric scooters leave the operator wholly exposed. The most significant precaution you can take is to protect your head with a helmet.

2. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Because they’re so unpredictable, it’s essential to be on the lookout for potholes, bumps, and other obstacles that could cause you to lose control.

3. Use the Scooter’s Lights

If you’re riding at night, be sure to use the scooter’s lights so that you’re visible to drivers.

4. Stay Off Busy Roads

Whenever possible, stick to side streets and paths where there’s less traffic.

5. Follow All Local Laws and Regulations

Even if you live in a state that doesn’t regulate electric scooter use, you should still follow the road rules and obey traffic laws.

Contact Mezrano Law Firm

If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident, you can count on the experienced personal injury lawyers at Mezrano Law Firm to fight for your right to fair compensation for your injuries.

Mezrano Law Firm wants to be your first call. Our experienced Alabama personal injury lawyers protect the rights of the injured throughout the state.