How Safe Are Motor Scooters in Dallas, TX?
Motor scooters have become a popular way to get around Dallas. They’re affordable, convenient, and easy to park. But accidents happen, and riders should understand the personal injury risks before hopping on.
What Is a Motor Scooter in Texas?
“Motor scooter” is a general term people use for all kinds of small two-wheeled vehicles. Under Texas law, a motor-assisted scooter is a self-propelled device that has:
- At least two wheels
- An electric or gas motor up to 40cc,
- A deck designed to stand or sit during operation,
- A braking system, and
- The ability to be propelled by human power alone
Motor scooters go by many names, including e-scooters, electric scooters, and motor-assisted scooters.
Dallas Scooter Laws: What You Need To Know
Dallas banned e-scooters in 2020 due to safety concerns. However, in 2023, the city brought them back with a new operating code. You face a penalty of $200 for violating the city code while operating a slow moped, e-scooter, or motor scooter.
You must respect the following rules:
- Scooters are not allowed on sidewalks, trails, parks, plazas, or roads with speed limits over 35 mph.
- There’s a citywide speed limit of 20 mph for e-scooters
- In “Slow Ride Zones,” mostly downtown, there is a reduced speed limit of 10 mph due to high pedestrian traffic or other safety concerns
- Motorized scooters or e-scooters can use bike lanes in Dallas. The Shared Dockless Vehicle Program even encourages e-scooters in bike lanes, when available.
The new code aims to reduce injuries and make the streets safer for everyone.
Are Motor Scooters Really That Dangerous?
Scooter injuries have surged nationwide over the past decade. Here’s what the data shows:
- 222% increase in scooter injuries between 2014 and 2018
- 23% increase in e-scooter and e-bike injuries each year since 2017
- 39,000 people injured over four years, with nearly 10% requiring hospitalization
- 33% to 50% of injury cases involved head injuries, with about 15% of injured riders showing signs of a brain injury
- 20 injuries per 100,000 e-scooter trips, according to the Austin Public Health Department
- 233 known deaths involving micro mobility devices, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Unfortunately, because they’re so convenient and easy to operate, many riders do not recognize the dangers that scooters can pose.
What Are the Most Common Scooter Injuries?
A motor scooter accident can be very serious, especially when it involves a pedestrian or a car accident. Riders are exposed and unprotected, so even a minor crash can cause serious injury. The most common injuries reported are:
- Broken bones, especially the wrists, arms, and legs
- Concussion and other brain injuries
- Soft tissue injuries like road rash, lacerations, and injuries to tendons and ligaments
- Arm injuries
- Chest injuries
- Nerve damage
- Organ damage
Up to half of injured riders suffer a head injury in a crash. Head injuries are even more common in scooter accidents than bicycle accidents because many riders do not wear helmets. More than one-third suffer a fracture, and nearly one-fifth with fractures have multiple bones broken.
When compared to sports injuries, e-scooter injuries are most comparable to snowboarding and skateboarding.
Motor Scooter Safety Tips
If you choose to ride a motor scooter in Dallas, take steps to reduce your risk:
- Wear a helmet. It’s not legally required for adults, but it could save your life.
- Obey speed limits, especially in Slow Ride Zones.
- Avoid sidewalks and pedestrian areas.
- Watch for traffic. Cars may not see or expect you.
- Don’t ride under the influence.
- Be extra careful at night. Use lights and wear something reflective.
E-scooters are often used by riders to avoid drunk driving. However, they can be even harder to operate than a car while under the influence. Riding a scooter is a stronger challenge to your sense of equilibrium than driving a car.
Because scooters require balance and accelerate quickly, even low levels of alcohol may cause more impairment than driving a car. One study found significant impairment in operating an e-scooter with a BAC of 0.02% to 0.06%.
Reach Out to Our Law Office for Help
Motor scooters offer freedom and fun, but they come with serious risks. In Dallas, the city has taken steps to make scooter use safer through updated laws and speed limits. But riders still need to be alert, prepared, and cautious.
If you have questions or have been involved in an accident, contact Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
Contact The Dallas Personal Injury Law Firm of Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Dallas, TX, contact us for more information, please contact the experienced Dallas personal injury lawyers at Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers today. We offer free consultations.
We proudly serve in Dallas County and its surrounding areas:
Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers
1825 Market Center Blvd # 350, Dallas, TX 75207
Phone: (214) 556-8321
Hours Open: 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Dallas.
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