The increasing popularity of electric scooters has brought with it a complex web of regulations, safety concerns, and incidents that highlight the potential dangers of these seemingly innocuous devices. While convenient for short trips within urban areas, the use of e-scooters on high-speed roadways presents significant risks, as evidenced by recent reports of individuals riding them on highways. This article delves into the legal framework, inherent dangers, and safety measures associated with e-scooter usage, particularly in relation to highway travel.
The Legal Maze: Where Can You Ride an Electric Scooter?
Electric scooter laws vary significantly by region, creating a confusing landscape for riders. While some areas permit e-scooters on roads where bicycles are allowed, others restrict their usage to designated bicycle lanes, multi-use paths, and shared street paths.
- Restrictions on Highways: Generally, electric scooters are not allowed on interstate highways or controlled-access facilities. In some states, e-scooters are prohibited on highways with speed limits exceeding 35 mph, with some even banning them on state highways altogether.
- State-Level Variations: Regulations differ greatly from state to state. Some states allow e-scooters on highways unless specifically prohibited by local ordinances. These states often require riders to operate as close to the right curb or edge of the roadway as safely possible. Other areas might have rules that intertwine those of bicycles and scooters, where if bikes are allowed on the road, scooters are too.
- Federal Regulations Federal regulations classify e-scooters as low-speed electric vehicles, limiting their speed to 20 mph and their motor power to 750 Watts.
The lack of uniformity in regulations often leads to confusion and unintended violations. In many areas, e-scooters are not considered motor vehicles, which means they are not subject to the same licensing, registration, and insurance requirements. This also means there may be less clear guidelines on where they can operate, leading to dangerous situations like riding on highways.
The Dangers of Highway Riding
Riding an electric scooter on a highway is incredibly dangerous due to a variety of factors:
- Speed Disparity: E-scooters typically travel at much slower speeds than cars and other motor vehicles, causing a significant disruption to traffic flow. The speed differential increases the risk of accidents, as other drivers may not expect a slow-moving scooter on a high-speed road.
- Visibility Issues: E-scooters are small and can easily be obscured by traffic, signs, and other objects. This makes it difficult for motorists to see them, especially at higher speeds or in poor lighting conditions.
- Lack of Protection: Unlike cars, e-scooters offer minimal protection in the event of a crash. Riders are vulnerable to serious injuries, including broken bones, concussions, and internal bleeding.
- Roadway Hazards: Highways are not designed for slow-moving vehicles like e-scooters. Roadway defects, such as potholes, debris, and uneven surfaces, can easily cause a rider to lose control.
- Increased Accident Rates: Studies show that e-scooter injuries outpace other modes of motorized transportation, including cars, bicycles, and motorcycles.
Recent Incidents Highlight the Risks
Several recent incidents underscore the hazards of riding e-scooters on highways:
- Burnaby, British Columbia: In August of 2024, a man was seen riding an e-scooter in the fast lane of Highway 1. The incident was caught on a dashcam video and prompted police to call the act “extremely dangerous and illegal.” The incident highlighted the risks of e-scooters on high-speed roads, and how those who utilize them may not be aware of the proper areas in which they can operate.
- Milwaukee County, Wisconsin: In May 2023, a man was captured on camera riding an e-scooter on the shoulder of I-94. The man traveled for several miles, even passing a construction crew before exiting.
- Girona, Spain: In January of 2025, a 23-year-old man was caught riding an e-scooter on the AP-7 highway. Additionally, the rider was not wearing a helmet.
These incidents, among others, demonstrate that individuals are putting themselves and others in grave danger by riding e-scooters on highways, whether through ignorance or disregard for the law.
Safety Measures and Recommendations
While the use of e-scooters on highways should be avoided completely, taking necessary precautions when using them can reduce the potential for accidents in appropriate areas:
- Wear a Helmet: Helmets are crucial for protecting against head injuries in the event of a fall or collision. Some areas have helmet laws for riders under a certain age, but all riders should wear one for their safety.
- Follow Traffic Laws: Riders should follow all applicable traffic laws, including signaling turns and yielding to pedestrians.
- Be Aware of Surroundings: Be vigilant about your surroundings, paying attention to road conditions, traffic, and pedestrians.
- Ride Responsibly: Avoid risky behavior, such as riding with multiple people on one scooter or riding under the influence.
- Maintain Your Equipment: Regularly inspect your scooter for any damage or wear and tear.
- Use Designated Areas: Always use bike lanes, paths, and streets where e-scooters are permitted and avoid riding in high-speed traffic.
- Visibility: Use headlights and taillights when riding in low-light conditions.
The Growing Concern of E-Scooter Injuries
The number of e-scooter-related injuries has been steadily increasing in recent years.
- Emergency Room Visits: Emergency department visits related to e-scooter accidents have risen dramatically, with an estimated 50,000 visits in 2022 alone. This is up from just 25,000 visits in 2020.
- Increased Injury Rates Research shows that e-scooters cause 115 injuries per million trips, compared to only 8 injuries per million trips for cars.
- Types of Injuries: Common injuries include head and facial trauma, fractures, and soft tissue injuries. A large percentage of riders who suffer injuries are under the influence of alcohol, according to studies.
These statistics highlight the importance of rider responsibility and adhering to safety guidelines.
Conclusion
Electric scooters offer a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation, but their misuse can have severe consequences. Riding an e-scooter on a highway is not only illegal in most places, but it is also incredibly dangerous. The combination of speed disparities, visibility issues, and lack of rider protection creates a high-risk environment for accidents. By understanding the legal framework, being aware of the potential hazards, and practicing responsible riding habits, we can ensure the safe integration of e-scooters into our transportation systems. It is crucial for riders to respect the rules, and remember that highways are not a place for e-scooters.
