Segway Accidents: Causes and Consequences…

Two wheeled electric scooters for standing riders have become extremely popular in many Florida cities.   They allow tourists to explore the sites of its cities and beaches on their own terms, and also are becoming an important mode of transportation for those who lack cars or driver’s licenses. Recently, several scooter sharing services, such as Bolt, Byrd, and Lime, have set up shop in Florida cities.  These services will rent a scooter to an adult who downloads their free app,  meets the criteria of the user agreement (varies by vendor), and pays the rental fee.  As a result, the number of scooters zipping around the sidewalks and streets of Florida has increased dramatically.  Unfortunately, a tide of serious injuries involving scooter riders has accompanied this phenomenon.  

 

      Electric scooter accident cases are a type of personal injury law that may involve the liability of drivers of other vehicles as well as the liability of the scooter manufacturer and vendor or lessor.  If you have been injured while riding an electric scooter, contact personal injury lawyer John Clarke at (954) 556-8952 for a free consultation!

Regulation of Standing Scooters

Under federal law, standing scooters are considered consumer products, not motor vehicles.  Therefore, these devices are not regulated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

A. Florida Law

Florida statute section 316.2068 regulates the use of standing scooters in the sunshine state.   It provides, in pertinent part that a standing scooter:

·         May be operated on a road or street where the posted speed limit is 25 miles per hour or less

·         May be operated on a marked bicycle path

·         May be operated on a sidewalk, if the person operating the device yields the right-of-way to pedestrians and signals to pedestrians before passing them.

·         A standing scooter need not be registered and insured. 

·         A person under the age of 16 may not operate a standing scooter unless he wears a bicycle helmet and other safety gear

·         A county or city may regulate the operation of standing scooters for safety purposes.

In summary, Florida’s regulation of standing scooters is minimal from a safety perspective.   The state statute grants individual cities discretion to regulate or ban these devices based upon a determination of the safety of their use within the local environment.

 

B.  Legal Status of Standing Scooters in South Florida

Fort Lauderdale – in November 2018, the city passed an ordinance permitting standing scooters to be used on sidewalks by when rented from a licensed vendor.

Hollywood – in February 2019, the city passed an ordinance that imposes a blanket ban on the use of standing scooters, citing safety concerns. 

Miami Beach – banned in certain areas as of May 2018

Miami -laws in flux

 

 

Who can be held liable when you are injured while riding a standing scooter?    

The first step to determine liability for your injury is to find the cause of the accident.  Sometimes a scooter driver is injured due to a collision with a motor vehicle, while other times the injury is caused by a mechanical problem or an obstacle.   John Clarke’s legal team will investigate your accident and determine how to get maximum compensation for your injuries.  

 

The Driver of a Motor Vehicle Played a Role in the Accident

Often motor vehicles hit riders on scooters.    If the motor vehicle driver hits a scooter because he is not paying attention to his surroundings or driving at an excessive speed, he may be held liable for the rider’s injuries due to his negligent or reckless conduct.  If this is the case, you may be able to recover damages from the driver’s insurance company.    

The Manufacturer or the Company that Leased the Scooter to You, or Both

If the standing scooter malfunctioned or failed to perform as designed and this fact played a role in your accident, you may be able to recover against the manufacturer, the vendor, or both parties.

How Much is Your Scooter Accident Worth?

 Depending on the facts of your case and the nature of your injuries, you may be entitled to the following damages:

  • Medical treatment

  • Lost wages and benefits

  • Personal property damage

  • Pain and suffering

  • Permanent injuries

  • Wrongful death (if your relative died in the accident)

Call personal injury lawyer John Clarke if you have been injured in a segway accident!

If you have been injured in a segway accident, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer like John Clarke immediately.    Remember that you will need evidence in order to prove your case.  Our team will get to work immediately to help you gather the evidence required and put your best case forward.   Call today at (954) 556-8952 for a free consultation!