The electric-scooter sharing company Lime currently operates in more than 70 markets located throughout the North America, Europe, Central America, South America, Australia, and New Zealand. Currently, electric scooter enthusiasts have access to rent them in the Scottsdale area, including within zip code 85253.
Lime scooters are marketed as an affordable, environmentally-friendly transportation option to travel short distances in highly congested areas. These alternative transportation options have stirred up mixed reactions among Scottsdale locals and city officials.
There are three main concerns and objections that repeatedly come up in each city Lime scooters open for operation. The first complaint involves a lack of regulation on where scooters riders should have access to ride. The second is the free-for-all parking habits of riders.
A third concern centers around the lack of control some riders exhibit. There have been multiple reports of riders barely missing pedestrians. Furthermore, other reports list details on how riders lose control and crash into other scooters, vehicles or stationary objects resulting in several injuries, as well as criminal complaints and civil lawsuits.
At Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys, our legal team expects to see an increase in calls regarding Scottsdale scooter accidents. This new area of personal injury law brings with it unique and sometimes complex circumstance when filing an insurance claim. With an accident attorney in 85253 by your side, you can trust that we will work hard to get you the justice you deserve.
Scooter Accident Concerns – Malfunctions, Rider Error & Injuries
Lime does have a basic user agreement waiver for riders. However, the agreement offers more liability protection for the company than riders. Even so, your legal rights still exist if a scooter accident does occur.
The following are common types of fault for electric scooter accidents. Each touches on who has liability for paying for your injuries and damages after a scooter accident.
Scooter Malfunction
If a rider experiences an injury caused by a scooter malfunction or defective part, the manufacturer is liable for injuries and other damages.
Rider Error
Pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers of larger vehicles hit and injured by a Lime scooter rider may pursue compensation directly from a rider insurance company. A personal injury attorney can help establish negligence and fault.
Accidents with Other Vehicles
If another driver hits and injures a scooter rider, their insurance company might end up accountable to pay for injuries.
Pedestrian Fault
If a pedestrian caused a scooter rider injury, the pedestrian’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance may cover the cost. That is, if they have insurance. If not, the injured rider may try to seek compensation through their own insurance.
Road Hazards
If a pothole or other unsafe surface contributes to a scooter rider injury, the city may be at fault. Alternatively, any company responsible for a construction crew that damaged a road or surface and did not place proper caution signs out could be at fault.
Additionally, other safety concerns of the rented scooters include whether or not the scooters undergo the same stringent tests larger motorized vehicle rentals must go through.
A personal injury attorney can help you explore your rights. An attorney can also help determine the negligent party and who should be held liable in a scooter accident.
Scottsdale Ordinances for Electric Scooters
In May 2018, Bird (another dockless electric scooter service) received orders from city officials to cease and desist operation in Scottsdale. The reason – Bird was allegedly staging scooters on public property, which is illegal in the city of Scottsdale. Eventually, law makers reversed the order.
However, following the initial launch of Bird electric scooters in Scottsdale, the city has firmly established that scooter companies must agree to comply by all current state laws and city ordinances, including the docking locations of these mini transportation devices.
A major obstacle in enforcing compliance among any scooter rider stems from the lack of first-hand monitoring since scooters rentals occur through an app.
And even though riders must consent to a safety agreement and view an in-app tutorial before riding off on the scooters, they basically operate on an honor system that they will abide by the rules. Needless to say, not all riders abide by the law.
Plus, since electric scooters are legally defined as motorized skateboards in Scottsdale, riders are also subject to following laws governed by a set of specific city ordinances.
Lime Agreement Requirements and Local Laws
Lime agreement requirements and local laws include the following:
- Riders must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license that can be scanned with the app.
- Electric scooters riders must wear helmets.
- There can only be one rider per scooter; no double riders.
- Electric scooter riders must follow all traffic laws while on public streets.
- Electric scooter riders can’t park a scooter anywhere. Per city laws, electric scooter riders need permission from the property owners to park scooters on private property.
- Electric scooter riders must follow all Arizona state and Scottsdale city traffic laws and ordinances. This includes not riding a scooter on any sidewalk, bicycle lane, unpaved trail or multi use path.
- Electric scooters in Scottsdale are not allowed on public streets with four or more marked traffic lanes. Or, those having a speed limit of more than 25 mph.
- Likewise, electric scooters cannot be ridden anywhere skateboards are prohibited
Injured in a Scottsdale Electric Scooter Accident? Contact a Top Accident Attorney in 85253
We now accept cases for scooter-related injuries for review. Our personal injury legal team has both the experience and know-how you need to pursue an injury accident claim; even if fault for the accident is unclear.
Hurt in a scooter-related wreck? Need a check? Contact us now for a free consultation regarding your personal injury case.
Give our top accident attorneys attorneys in 85253 a call at 844-977-1900 today! Alternatively, you can use our convenient online LiveChat feature 24/7 to connect with a live representative.