In line with the trend in micro-mobility, electric bikes and scooters, and ridesharing, California is the first state in the nation to offer scooters with seats designed to assist the elderly, disabled or those with limited balance.
It’s basically a scooter with a seat, however, to Californian leaders, it represents more than that. It gives people an opportunity to be mobile and targets a group that has been largely left out with past micro-mobility rollouts.
The program began in early January 2020 but started a year earlier as part of an agreement with the city council and Lime when Lime sought its license to offer scooters in Oakland. For its part, Lime agreed to provide scooters to those with disabilities after the launch of its e-scooters. The delivery of 45 adaptive scooters fulfills that promise.
Although it was designed for those with limited mobility and those with disabilities, many people use it who are able to use the traditional scooters but feel intimidated or unsure of being able to ride them.
Understanding the Risk
However, with any mode of transportation, these scooters don’t come without a certain level of risk. These scooters share the roadways with cars, buses, and other motorized vehicles. Additionally, new laws allow the use of these scooters on the streets without mandating the rider to wear a helmet. This only adds to the level of danger for the users.
Contact a Scooter Accident Attorney
If you are involved in an accident while using an e-scooter, contact an experienced lawyer who can help you understand your rights. Handling a case by yourself is a risky endeavor because you may not understand what information or statements are harmful to your case. Contact the lawyers at Bay Area Bicycle Law to discuss your options.