What Rights Do Scooter Riders Have in NYC?

In recent years, you’ve likely seen people riding scooters around the streets of New York City. This type of travel is becoming increasingly popular, with more and more companies offering scooter rentals. When it became legal to ride electric scooters on public roads in New York, it changed how people can get around. Unfortunately, it also increased the odds of electric scooter collisions.

You could pursue compensation if another person’s wrongdoing caused the electric scooter collision that resulted in your injuries.

What Is an Electric Scooter?

Under New York law, an electric scooter is a device that weighs less than 100 pounds and has handlebars, a floorboard or seat, and an electric motor. This is an important definition to understand because electric scooters’ rules differ from bicycles with electric assists and mopeds.

What Are the Rules for Riding Electric Scooters in NYC?

When riding a scooter in New York City, it is important to understand your rights and obligations under New York Law. The following are some laws you should know if you plan to ride an electric scooter:

• Registration requirements: An electric scooter is not considered a motor vehicle under New York Law. As a result, you do not need to register it to operate it legally on public roads.
• Speed limit: In New York, going over 15 miles per hour on an electric scooter is illegal, which can result in penalties and fines.
• Age requirements: In New York, no one under the age of 16 can legally operate an electric scooter. This means that if you are riding a scooter with a minor, you cannot allow anyone under 16 years old to operate it. Failing to follow the age requirement can result in penalties.
• Helmet requirements: Anyone between the ages of 16 and 18 must wear a helmet when riding an electric scooter. This may seem unfair, but a study done in Austin showed that over half of the injuries caused on electric scooters were preventable by the use of a helmet. As a result, this law aims to protect minors from preventable injuries. Additionally, while adults aren’t required to wear helmets and cannot be fined for failing to wear one, you should consider wearing a helmet for your safety.
• Parking abilities: You cannot park your electric scooter on a sidewalk in New York City. However, there is one exception to this rule. For example, if you are loading or unloading commercial goods, you can temporarily park your scooter on the sidewalk.
• Drinking and driving: When it comes to drinking and driving, the laws that apply to motor vehicles also apply to electric scooters. As a result, you cannot operate your scooter if you’re over the legal limit. In New York, you violate the driving while intoxicated (DWI) law if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. You can also get a DWAI/Alcohol, which stands for driving while ability impaired by alcohol if your BAC is between 0.05% and 0.07%.

Compensation After an Electric Scooter Collision

While you can ride your electric scooter on the road in New York City, doing so may put you at risk for accidents. Fortunately, if you were injured by someone else’s negligence while riding your electric scooter, you can seek compensation. The compensation that you can pursue depends on the specifics of your case but may include money for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering

Contact Us Today for Help

If someone else caused a collision that injured you, you could pursue compensation for your losses. To get started, contact the NYC personal injury attorneys of The Mandel Law Firm. We have experience handling cases involving electric scooter injuries and can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Call us today at (646) 779-1441 for an initial case evaluation and to discuss your legal options.