E-scooters have become increasingly popular in recent years as a convenient way to get around urban areas in Mississippi. However, using these electric scooters on public roads carries some significant risks that users should be aware of.
No Safety Features
Unlike cars, e-scooters lack basic safety features that protect riders in the event of an accident. They don’t have seatbelts, airbags or a protective frame. This leaves the rider completely exposed in the case of a collision with a car or the ground. Even a minor fall at low speeds can result in serious injuries without protective gear, although the big hire companies like Lime do provide helmets.
Lack of Stability
The small wheels and narrow frame of e-scooters make them inherently less stable than other vehicles on the road. Hitting even small cracks or bumps in the pavement can throw off an e-scooter rider. Sudden stops, starts and turns are also more difficult to maneuver. This instability contributes to e-scooter riders being more likely to lose control and crash.
No Brakes
Most e-scooters rely entirely on a handbrake for stopping. Having only one braking mechanism can make stopping safely in an emergency situation difficult. Cars have a separate braking system for each set of wheels, providing more options for stopping quickly. E-scooter riders may find themselves in situations where they don’t have enough time or distance to stop using the handbrake alone.
Speed w/o Protection
Although e-scooters aren’t incredibly fast, they can reach speeds upwards of 15 mph. Collisions at these speeds can still cause significant injuries. However, e-scooter riders lack the helmets and protective clothing motorcycle riders wear at similar speeds. Their heads and bodies are left vulnerable in the event of an accident in Mississippi.
Impaired Visibility
The small size of e-scooters also makes them less visible to other vehicles on the road. It’s easy for e-scooter riders to end up in blind spots of cars or trucks or be overlooked entirely by drivers. Lack of turn signals on most e-scooters also makes it harder for riders to communicate their intentions to other vehicles around them.
Unpredictable Movements
The ability of e-scooters to quickly start, stop and turn makes their movements less predictable than other vehicles. Drivers may not expect e-scooter riders to suddenly cross into traffic or swerve around obstacles. The potential for unpredictable behavior creates hazardous situations with cars.
Inexperienced Riders
Unlike cars, no training, license or insurance is required to operate an e-scooter. This means many riders lack knowledge of general traffic safety and rules of the road. Inexperienced riders are more likely to make dangerous errors, like swerving between lanes or improperly yielding at intersections. Their actions put themselves and others at greater risk.
Impaired Riding
E-scooters appeal to many riders as a convenient way to get home after a night out of drinking. Operating any vehicle while impaired increases risks, but e-scooters’ inherent instability makes riding under the influence especially dangerous. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair the balance and reaction time needed to safely ride an e-scooter.
Difficulty Being Seen at Night
Most e-scooters don’t have lights or reflectors, making them very difficult for drivers to see after dark. This not only makes the roads more dangerous for e-scooter riders at night but also makes them a hazard for drivers who may not see them until it’s too late.
Additional Dangers to Consider
There are a few additional dangers to consider when riding e-scooters on public roads:
- Poor road conditions like potholes and debris can cause loss of control and crashes. E-scooter small wheels are vulnerable.
- Sidewalks weren’t designed for riding fast. Collisions with pedestrians can occur.
- Mechanical failures like flat tires or malfunctioning brakes are risks. Proper maintenance is important.
- The weather can impact e-scooter handling. Rain reduces traction and high winds can blow riders off course.
- Steep hills cause riders to pick up dangerous speeds. Riders may lose control navigating downhill slopes.
E-scooters lack key safety features and stability by design. Combined with the potential for unpredictable movements, inexperienced riders, impaired riding, and difficulty being seen at night, using them on roads puts users at significant risk of accidents, injuries, and collisions with vehicles in Mississippi. Riders should exercise extreme caution, follow traffic rules, avoid reckless behavior, and wear helmets to help reduce these dangers.
More regulations and infrastructure for e-scooters may also help improve safety for all road users, but if you are unlucky enough to be involved in an accident, talk to a personal injury lawyer from Monge & Associates. We have offices in 32 locations and 19 states, including Mississippi, Virginia, and Maryland.
Call now for a free consultation on (888) 477-0597 about your e-scooter accident.