How eScooters Can Get You into Trouble
If you’re tired of walking around town, but want to reduce your carbon footprint by avoiding cars, you might be tempted to rent an eScooter. Scooters are nothing new; they actually have
roots back in the 19 th century. However, these days, eScooters are widely available throughout the U.S., thanks to scooter-sharing companies like Lime and Bird. These companies allow individuals to rent an eScooter from a kiosk. Unfortunately, the accessibility of eScooters is also giving rise to a wave of injuries and deaths stemming from eScooter usage. Here’s what you need to know about related criminal charges.
Driving an eScooter While Impaired
An eScooter is a motorized vehicle, even though it only has two wheels. It is unlawful to operate this vehicle while impaired by alcohol or other drugs. Driving an eScooter while impaired can seriously injure yourself and others, and lead to a criminal record. It’s also possible for a DUI- related accident to lead to additional criminal charges, such as leaving the scene of an accident.
Striking a Pedestrian While Riding an eScooter
There have already been reports of at least 1,500 injuries and eight deaths stemming from eScooter usage. Some of those injuries have occurred when eScooter riders are struck by four-wheeled vehicles, but others involve eScooter riders striking pedestrians. If you’re on an eScooter and you strike a pedestrian, you just might be charged with assault. If the pedestrian suffers fatal injuries, you could be facing a manslaughter charge.
Enabling Underage eScooter Riding
Both of the major eScooter-sharing companies state that no rider should be under the age of 18, all riders must possess a valid driver’s license, and no more than one rider is allowed on an eScooter at any given time. However, enforcement is lacking. It’s possible for an adult to use their own driver’s license to rent the device, allowing an underage, non-licensed rider to use it. There have also been instances of parents letting their kids ride a single eScooter with them. Either of these situations could lead to reckless endangerment charges.
If you’ve run afoul of the law, you need a strong advocate on your side. Contact the law office of Janet Altschuler in Tucson to arrange for vigorous legal representation. Call (520) 247-1789 any
time of the day or night, seven days per week.