A new transportation and recreation option, the rental electronic scooter, has been showing up in many U.S. cities. This includes here in Cincinnati. Such scooters have generated a fair amount of public excitement. They also, however, raise some safety issues.
There is the potential for accidents to occur with these scooters. Such accidents could injure riders. They could also leave others injured, such as in cases of scooters hitting pedestrians.
Examples of injuries that could come from electric scooter crashes include:
- Cuts and scrapes
- Bruises
- Broken bones
- Neck injuries
- Head injuries
Scooter-related injuries can range from minor to life-threatening. Sadly, national news has recently seen some stories of fatal electric scooter accidents.
Many things could have impacts on how likely scooter accidents are to occur. This includes:
- What steps are being taken to ensure individuals operate scooters properly
- How often maintenance is conducted on rental scooters
- Where scooters are allowed, and not allowed, to go
The electric scooter phenomenon also raises some legal issues, such as issues related to what options individuals hurt in accidents involving scooters have for pursuing compensation.
Cities have varied in how they have reacted to the electric scooter phenomenon and the potential safety concerns connected to it. Some have passed new rules and regulations regarding scooters. Cincinnati recently did this. Specifically, last month, it passed an emergency ordinance which prohibits individuals from riding these scooters on sidewalks. Riders who violate this ban could face fines.
What do you think of the scooter phenomenon? What do you think would help best address the safety issues connected to it?