Electric scooters have become increasingly common on DC streets and sidewalks in recent years, especially as companies have begun operating shared scooter fleet businesses. To address this fact, the District of Columbia government has enacted laws to ensure that e-scooter riders remain safe by keeping accidents to a minimum. Before getting on an electric scooter in DC, you should familiarize yourself with local laws, which may play a role in your financial recovery if you get hurt in an accident.
How Does Washington DC Law Define an Electric Scooter?
When you think of an electric scooter, you may picture a two-wheeled device with a flat standing platform and upright handlebars for steering, propelled by an electric motor. Washington DC laws and regulations consider an electric scooter as a “personal mobility device” (PMD) or “electric mobility device” (EMD):
- Personal mobility devices – Local law defines a PMD as a motorized propulsion, self-balancing, two non-tandem wheeled devices weighing 60 pounds or more designed to transport only one person. It does not include battery-operated wheelchairs, EMDs, or motorized bicycles.
- Electric mobility devices – The law defines an EMD as a device weighing less than 60 pounds and no greater than 24 inches wide or 48 inches long. It must have an electric motor, get its propulsive power from the electric motor or human rider, and transport only one person in an unenclosed standing or seated position. EMDs do not include motorized bicycles, PMDs, mopeds, or motorcycles.
DC law does not consider PMDs or EMDs as motor vehicles subject to laws and regulations applicable to vehicles like cars, trucks, or motorcycles. Instead, they have their own set of rules.
Are Washington DC Scooter Riders Required to Wear a Helmet?
Under DC law, those under 18 must wear a helmet when riding an e-scooter. However, even those who are not required to do so by law can reduce their risk of severe or potentially life-threatening head or other injuries in collisions by wearing a helmet and other protective equipment, such as elbow and knee pads. Contact our Washington DC scooter accident lawyer today.
Where Can You Ride E-Scooters in DC?
In the District of Columbia, electric scooter riders may ride their scooters in designated bike lanes on public streets when available or on public sidewalks – except for sidewalks located in DC’s Central Business District. Riders must obey all traffic signs or signals and applicable rules of the road, including yielding to pedestrians when riding in a designated bike lane or on the sidewalk.
DC law requires that riders use a locking device to secure their scooter to a bike rack, scooter corral, or signpost when leaving it outside. Riders should not lock scooters to private fences or gates, bus shelters, Capital Bikeshare docks, trash cans, or trees. When locking up their scooters outside, riders must leave at least three feet of unobstructed pedestrian walkway and avoid blocking driveways, property entrances, or handicap-accessible ramps and parking spots.
Is a License and Insurance Required to Operate a Scooter in DC?
DC does not require electric scooter riders to have a driver’s license or auto insurance covering their operation of the scooter. However, local law does require riders to be at least 16 years old.
What Is the Maximum Speed for E-Scooters in DC?
Operators of e-scooters must limit the vehicles to a maximum speed of 10 miles per hour. Following this speed limit can help electric scooter riders avoid unexpected obstacles or emergencies while riding down the street or on the sidewalk. Staying below 10 miles per hour will also help riders avoid accidents with pedestrians and reduce the risk of severe injuries in collisions.
Does an E-Scooter Rider Have to Yield to Pedestrians?
E-scooter riders must yield to pedestrians when riding on sidewalks. Those riding on the street or in designated bike lanes must also yield to pedestrians crossing intersections or in marked crosswalks. Otherwise, electric scooter riders have the same rights and duties applicable to pedestrians.
What Should I Do If I Am in an Electric Scooter Accident?
If you get into an accident while riding on an electric scooter, it’s important to take prompt action to protect your health and your ability to seek compensation from the person who hit you. Consider taking as many of the following steps as possible:
- Report the accident to law enforcement.
- Get a copy of the police accident report after the crash.
- Seek immediate medical attention to have a doctor examine you for injuries you sustained in the accident and begin treatment.
- Follow your healthcare provider’s treatment plan and recovery instructions, including restrictions on physical and work activities.
- Request copies of your medical records of your accident treatment and rehabilitation.
- Report the accident to your auto insurance provider if you have one, since personal injury protection (PIP) coverage in your policy may help pay for medical expenses and lost wages.
- Keep all bills, invoices, and receipts for expenses you incur during your recovery, including medical treatment and replacement of damaged or destroyed personal property.
- Gather your pay stubs or income statements to calculate lost income if you need to take time off work or transfer to a lower-paying position due to your injuries.
- Contact an attorney from Marks & Harrison as soon as possible to start pursuing legal claims to seek compensation for your ongoing and future losses.
Contact a Washington DC Scooter Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been hurt in a scooter accident in Washington DC, you need dedicated legal representation that will fight to get you the financial resources you need for your physical and emotional recovery. Contact Marks & Harrison today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a scooter accident attorney in Washington DC. We look forward to discussing your options for pursuing compensation and accountability from the people who hurt you.
