--- description: Electric scooters are popular in Washington D.C. Here are some safety tips you should keep in mind when riding an electric scooter. title: Electric Scooter Safety Tips - Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. --- Electric Scooter Safety Tips - Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. # Electric Scooter Safety Tips Last Updated: September 5, 2024 Reading Time: 7 minutes Trusted Content Legally Reviewed by Allan Siegel Updated 2 years ago [Home](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) » [Scooter Accident Lawyer](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/scooter-accidents/) » Electric Scooter Safety Tips What's On This Page [Case Results](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/case-results/) $35.6 Million Medical Malpractice $18.8 Million Car Crash $17.1 Million Medical Malpractice $15 Million Neck & Spine Injury $14.25 Million Class Action $6 Million Brain Injury [View All Practice Areas](https://chaikinandsherman.com/practice-areas/) [Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) I would never worry again if they are on the case. Tilwanda Dofat Personal Injury They held my hand through the entire process. Meraf Mitchell They paved the way for a brighter future. Sheree Whitby I’m greeted with a hug every time I come. Sheba Halliburton Personal Injury They are always was available for any of my concerns. Teresa Morring Your office has taken care of us every step. Shyama Personal Injury Contact Us Today! "*" indicates required fields Name* First Last Name* Last Email** Phone*Are you a new client?*Are you a new client? *Yes, I'm a potential new client.No, I'm a current existing client.I'm neitherCase TypeCase TypeMotor Vehicle AccidentSlip & FallAssaultMedical MalpracticeAbuseWork InjuryOtherWere You at Fault?Were You At Fault?NoYesUnknownWhere Did The Incident Occur?Where Did The Incident Occur?Washington, D.C.VirginiaMarylandOtherDid The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?Did The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?YesNoShare Brief Description of the Incident* The firm’s attorneys discuss personal injury litigation for riders and pedestrians — Allan Siegel specifically names scooter cases among the claim types the firm handles. Stephen Ollar addresses the importance of investigating all available insurance coverage, a critical issue in e-scooter cases where most standard auto policies do not apply and coverage gaps leave victims exposed. Video Transcript **Allan Siegel (00:02):** We are a personal injury law firm. That is the only type of work that this law firm does. If you were injured as a result of somebody else’s negligence, then that’s a case that we would handle. So what does that include? Car crash cases. It includes bicycle crash cases, scooter cases, pedestrian accident cases, truck crash cases. It includes bus cases, all of those things, but it also includes situations where you might be hurt on somebody else’s premises. For example, maybe you were hurt at a business, maybe you slipped and fell because they didn’t maintain their floor in a safe condition. **Ira Sherman (00:40):** The insurance company knows that we are aggressive, we are creative. We have the funds to fund a case and hire experts, and as a result, they distinguish us in a category of law firms that they need to know and do know that we can take the case from day one all the way through trial successfully. **Stephen Ollar (01:05):** Insurance is an important factor, not just the insurance coverage on the vehicle that struck you, but also if you have additional insurance coverage that may compensate you if you have very serious injuries. The degree of your injury is important. **Joseph Cammarata (01:21):** Our approach is victim oriented in the sense that we are concerned for the wellbeing of our clients. We do everything to better their lot in life. A person that’s injured in a crash or bike accidents or pedestrian accidents, their life typically gets turned upside down. And we try to right that balance. **Allan Siegel (01:57):** If you’ve been injured as a result of somebody else’s negligence or as a result of somebody else’s intentional act, that’s a case that we would handle and that’s a case that you should call us to consult with us on. Electric scooters are becoming more and more popular for a good reason! They are a fun, fast, and affordable way to get around. However, as with any mode of transportation, there are some safety tips you should keep in mind when riding an electric scooter. If you’ve been in an [e-scooter accident](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/scooter-accidents/) due to someone else’s negligence, you do not have to go through it alone. At [Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C.](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/), we help you every step of the way. [Contact us](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) today to schedule a free consultation! We’ll fight for the justice you deserve. ## What is Considered an Electric Scooter in Washington, DC? To be considered an electric scooter or [“Personal Mobility Device”](https://ddot.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/ddot/publication/attachments/DMV_May%2017%202013%20Non-traditional%20Motor%20Vehicle%20chart_0.pdf) in Washington, DC, a vehicle must: - Have handlebars - Be designed to be propelled by an electric motor - Have a deck on which the rider can stand or sit - Have a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour - Weigh no more than 100 pounds ## Safety Tips for E-Scooters in DC Now that we know what an electric scooter is, let’s discuss some safety tips. ### Wear a Helmet This may seem like a no-brainer, but it is important to wear a helmet when riding an electric scooter. Scooter riders are at a higher risk of suffering severe head injuries. If you’re riding a higher-speed electric scooter, you should have a full-face helmet to protect your jaw/chin. Mountain bike or motorcycle helmets will work for this. ### Wear Safety Gear In addition to a helmet, you should also wear bright and visible clothing when riding an electric scooter. This will help make you more visible to drivers on the road. Other safety equipment you can wear includes elbow pads and knee pads. ### Don’t Ride on the Sidewalk Many electric scooters, such as class 3 electric bikes, are [not allowed on sidewalks](https://ddot.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/ddot/publication/attachments/DC-Bike-Law-Pocket-Guide-Oct2012.pdf) in Washington D.C. Be sure to ride in the street instead. ### Use Lights at Night You should always use a front light and a rear reflector when scooter riding at night. This will help you see and be seen by other vehicles on the road. ### Yield to Pedestrians Like any other vehicle, you should yield to pedestrians and other riders when riding an electric scooter. This means coming to a complete stop when necessary and using caution when passing pedestrians. ### Be Cautious of Potholes, Cracks, and Debris As with any other mode of transportation, you should be aware of your surroundings when riding an e-scooter. Be cautious of potholes, cracks, and debris in the road that could cause you to lose control of your scooter. ### Never Ride Under the Influence Just like you shouldn’t drive a car under the influence, you shouldn’t ride an electric scooter under the influence either. Riding under the influence can impair your judgment and reaction time, making you more likely to have an accident. ### Follow the Rules of the Road When riding an electric scooter, you should always [follow the rules of the road](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/scooter-accidents/washington-dc-electric-scooter-laws/). This means obeying all traffic laws, signs, and signals. ### Beware of Car Doors This is a danger for anyone who rides a bike or scooter on city streets. Be aware of car doors that could open suddenly and cause you to crash. ### Ride With Caution As with anything, use caution when riding an electric scooter. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable. Ride in a straight line and avoid sudden stops or turns. And always be aware of your surroundings. This includes other scooter riders and vehicles. ### Don’t Use Your Phone We know, we know. It’s hard to resist checking your phone when you’re out and about. But it’s important to be aware of your surroundings when riding an electric scooter. Avoid using your phone while riding, as this can distract you from the task at hand and increase your chances of having an accident. ### Be Mindful of Parking When you’re finished riding, be mindful of where you [park your scooter](https://ddot.dc.gov/node/1443421). You should park in a designated parking spot for electric scooters. And be sure to[ lock your scooter](https://ddot.dc.gov/release/dc-law-now-requires-riders-lock-shared-electric-scooters-bike-racks-scooter-corrals-or) so it doesn’t get stolen. ### Inspect Your Scooter Regularly You should inspect your scooter regularly to ensure everything is in working order. This includes checking the brakes, tires, and lights. You should also ensure the scooter’s folding mechanism is firmly in place and not damaged in any way. ## Most Common E-Scooter Injuries The most common e-scooter injuries are cuts, bruises, and scrapes. However, more [serious injuries](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2018/11/electric-scooter-injuries-on-the-rise-around-the-nation/) can occur if you’re not careful. These include broken bones, [traumatic brain injuries](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/brain-injuries/causes/), [concussions](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/brain-injuries/concussions/), and even death. ## Common Causes of Electric Scooter Accidents The most common cause of electric scooter accidents include: - Speeding: One of the most common causes of electric scooter accidents is speeding. Scooters can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour, which can be dangerous if you’re not paying attention. - Distraction: Another common cause of accidents is distraction. As we mentioned earlier, avoiding using your phone while riding is important. But other distractions, such as listening to music or talking to a friend, can also increase your chances of having an accident. - Weather: Weather can also be a factor in electric scooter accidents. Slick roads and low visibility can make it difficult to see obstacles in your path. And strong winds can knock you off balance. - Rider Error: Rider error includes things like riding under the influence, not following the rules of the road, and riding without caution. ## Who is Liable for My Injuries in an E-Bike Accident? If you are injured riding an electric scooter, you should [first seek medical attention](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/scooter-accidents/what-to-do-after-an-electric-scooter-accident-in-washington-dc/). Once you’ve done that, you’ll need to figure out who is liable for your injuries. In some cases, the rider may be held liable for breaking the law or not following safety guidelines. But in other cases, the [scooter company](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2021/02/partner-allan-siegel-examines-e-scooter-accidents-liability-in-wjla-article/), the city, or a motor vehicle driver may be held liable. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you investigate your accident and determine who is liable for your injuries. They can also help you file a claim and fight for the compensation you deserve. ## The Vulnerable User Recovery Act of 2020 [The Vulnerable User Recovery Act of 2020](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/bicycle-accidents/washington-dc-vulnerable-user-recovery-act-of-2020/) is a District of Columbia law that was created to protect vulnerable users of the road, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and scooter riders Under this doctrine, the plaintiff’s negligence is not a bar to recovery if the Plaintiff’s negligence is 50% or less. This means that pedestrians, cyclists, scooter riders, and users of other non-motorized devices like skateboards can recover up to 100% of their losses. ## Hire a Personal Injury Attorney For Your Accident Claim The Washington, D.C. accident lawyers with Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have a proven track record of success in helping clients obtain the maximum compensation possible for injuries they have suffered due to the negligence of others. Our firm has consistently demonstrated we have the expertise needed to help our clients see that justice is served. We have the resources needed to conduct thorough investigations of all the circumstances contributing to an e-scooter accident, gathering evidence to establish liability and negligence. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. has 0btained more than $500 million in verdicts and settlements, and our attorneys have more than a century of combined legal experience. Two of our partners are certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Our firm has also earned the highest AV® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, one of the most respected attorney-ranking service organizations in the United States. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. attorneys work passionately on behalf of our clients to help them secure fair compensation – there is no type of case that is too complex for us to litigate.  ### We Get You the Compensation You Deserve For more than 50 years, the Washington DC lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have successfully represented individuals and families who have been injured or lost loved ones due to someone else’s negligence. Here is a small sample of some of our successful verdicts and settlements: - $3.5 million for a man who suffered a brain injury when a District of Columbia police officer opened his door into traffic and “doored” him. - $6 million on behalf of a man who suffered a brain injury due to a rear-end collision. - $5 million medical malpractice settlement on behalf of a 14-year-old client who suffered a severe brain injury due to a doctor’s inappropriate use of a chemical product. - $4.8 million on behalf of a severely injured man when his motorcycle struck a trailer being pulled by a minivan. - $4.5 million for a woman who was seriously injured in a pedestrian accident after being struck from behind by a transit bus in a crosswalk. - $600,000 verdict obtained against the United States Postal Service due to the negligence of one of its drivers, who pulled out from a stop sign in front of our client’s motorcycle. See additional examples of our case victories and settlements on our “[Case Results](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/case-results/)” page. ## Contact an E-Scooter Attorney Today If you are looking for the highest level of representation available for your e-scooter accident claim, turn to Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Our firm has helped clients recover more than $500 million in compensation, and we have more than 100 years of combined experience. All of our partners are recognized by Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers®, and our firm includes three past presidents of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. We work to help our clients obtain fair settlement offers to compensate them for the injuries they’ve suffered, but our attorneys are extremely well-equipped to go to trial if needed. Call (202) 659-8600 or[ contact us online](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) to get the proven legal representation you deserve. ## Get free advice about the compensation you deserve. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our car accident attorneys fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, handling every aspect of your case to protect your rights. Trust us to stand by you and advocate aggressively on your behalf. Speak to a Specialist Visit Us in Person 1232 17th St NW Washington, DC 20036 The electric scooter accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. represent injured riders across Washington, D.C. in claims involving every major operator, including [Lime scooter injury cases](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/scooter-accidents/lime-scooter-accident-lawyer-washington-dc/), [Bird scooter accidents](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/scooter-accidents/bird-scooter-accident-lawyer-washington-dc/), [Spin](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/scooter-accidents/spin-scooter-accident-lawyer-washington-dc/), [Lyft](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/scooter-accidents/lyft-scooter-accident-lawyer-washington-dc/), and [Bolt rideshare scooter claims](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/scooter-accidents/bolt-scooter-accident-lawyer-washington-dc/), with additional guidance on [D.C. electric scooter laws](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/scooter-accidents/washington-dc-electric-scooter-laws/) and rider safety. Top 10 Mistakes Made After an Accident Review these common auto accident mistakes to protect your rights. READ OUR E-BOOK Meet Our Team Learn More About Us Ira Sherman Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and New York With over four decades of courtroom experience, **Ira Sherman** is a powerhouse trial lawyer who has won justice for countless victims of serious injury, discrimination, and medical malpractice. Known for his relentless advocacy, compassion, and proven results, he’s the attorney clients trust when everything is on the line. Ira Sherman's Bio Joseph Cammarata Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia A dual board-certified civil trial attorney, **Joseph Cammarata** is nationally recognized for his fierce advocacy, landmark legal victories, and relentless pursuit of justice for victims of serious injury, wrongful death, sexual assault, and civil rights violations. With wins against powerful opponents—including a historic U.S. Supreme Court case securing equal access to justice—he’s the attorney clients trust when they need skill, strength, and results that matter. Joe Cammarata's Bio Allan M. Siegel​ Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Allan M. Siegel** is a board-certified trial attorney and partner at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., known for securing justice in serious personal injury, brain injury, and wrongful death cases. Recognized as one of Washington’s *Top 100 Super Lawyers®* and a *Best Lawyer®* in America, he combines strategic precision, courtroom skill, and relentless advocacy to win full and fair compensation for his clients. Allan Siegel's Bio Stephen Ollar Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Stephen Ollar** is an award-winning trial attorney and U.S. Army veteran dedicated to holding negligent individuals and corporations accountable. Recognized as a *Super Lawyers Rising Star* from 2020–2025, he’s known for his tenacity, precision, and unwavering pursuit of justice in personal injury, auto accident, and medical malpractice cases. Stephen Ollar's Bio ## Related Articles Read More Blog Articles Washington, D.C. 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