Electric scooters have become an increasingly popular mode of transportation in California, especially in cities like Long Beach where both locals and tourists use them for quick and easy travel. While scooters provide an eco-friendly and convenient way to navigate the streets, they come with inherent dangers.
One of the biggest risks electric scooter riders face is that other drivers often fail to notice them, leading to accidents and injuries. This raises an important question: How can scooter riders protect themselves when riding in California?
In our state, the law requires scooter riders to adhere to the same rules as motorists, which includes signaling turns. However, this law may not be enough to combat driver negligence when it comes to scooter safety. In this blog, we’ll break down the legal requirements, explore the challenges of using hand signals while riding a scooter, and examine who could be liable in the event of an accident.
California Turn Signal Laws and Electric Scooters
In California, electric scooters are classified similarly to bicycles under the law, meaning that riders must adhere to many of the same regulations that apply to motor vehicles. One of these regulations involves signaling turns and stops. According to California Vehicle Code Section 21221, electric scooter riders must follow the same rules applicable to motorists. More specifically, Vehicle Code Section 22107 requires that any vehicle, including an electric scooter, must give a signal before turning or changing lanes. Under Section 22109, this signal must be given continuously for at least 100 feet before making a turn.
So, what does this mean for electric scooter riders? In most cases, it means that they are required to use hand signals to indicate their intentions to other road users. According to Vehicle Code Section 22111, the hand signals for turning must be made from the left side of the scooter:
- Left turn: Hand and arm extended horizontally.
- Right turn: Hand and arm extended upward or extended horizontally to the right side.
- Stop or slow down: Hand and arm extended downward.
While these laws are straightforward, the reality of using hand signals on an electric scooter is much more complicated.
Why Hand Signals Could Be Dangerous on Electric Scooters
Electric scooters, unlike bicycles or motor vehicles, are inherently unstable. Several factors contribute to this instability, making it difficult — and even dangerous — for riders to take their hands off the handlebars to give a hand signal.
Three factors in scooter instability:
- Unstable design: Electric scooters have a much shorter wheelbase compared to bicycles, with smaller wheels that offer less stability. The handlebars and front wheel are on the same axis, making the scooter prone to tipping, especially when a rider shifts their weight to make a hand signal.
- Smaller wheels: The smaller, often solid, wheels of electric scooters are less forgiving than the air-filled tires of bicycles. Small imperfections in the road, like rocks or cracks, can cause the scooter to lose control, especially if the rider has one hand off the handlebars.
- Increased risk of accidents: When a rider takes their hand off the handlebars to signal a turn or stop, they are at a higher risk of losing control of the scooter. This increases the chances of an accident, as scooters require both hands to maintain balance and steer effectively.
In short, while California law requires scooter riders to use hand signals, doing so can be dangerous and could lead to accidents. This creates a conflict between legal compliance and rider safety, which brings up the next question: Should electric scooters come equipped with turn signals?
Why Should Shared Electric Scooter Companies Provide Turn Signals?
Shared electric scooter companies like Bird, Lime, Spin, and Lyft have flooded cities across California, offering residents and tourists a convenient way to travel short distances. However, despite their popularity, most shared e-scooters do not come equipped with turn signals. Given the inherent dangers of using hand signals while riding, many argue that these companies have a responsibility to improve safety by adding turn signals to their scooters.
Here’s why turn signals are a necessary safety feature:
- Improved visibility: Turn signals on scooters would make riders more visible to other drivers on the road, reducing the likelihood of collisions.
- Hands-free signaling: Riders would no longer need to take their hands off the handlebars to signal turns, reducing the risk of losing control and crashing.
- Increased safety: Adding turn signals to scooters would not only help riders comply with the law but also improve overall road safety by ensuring that other drivers are aware of their intentions.
The technology to add turn signals to scooters already exists. In fact, many manufacturers of personally owned electric scooters have already implemented turn signals as a standard feature. Given this, there’s little reason for shared scooter companies not to follow suit — especially if they prioritize the safety of their users.
Who Could Be Liable in an E-Scooter Accident if a Driver Doesn’t See Your Turn Signal?
If you are involved in an accident while riding an electric scooter, determining liability can be complicated, especially if the driver of a motor vehicle didn’t see your turn signal. Several parties could potentially be held liable in an electric scooter accident:
- The driver of the motor vehicle: If the driver failed to see your hand signal or turn signal and caused the accident, they could be held liable for your injuries. This is particularly true if the driver was speeding, distracted, or driving recklessly at the time of the accident.
- The scooter company: In some cases, the scooter company could be held liable if their failure to equip the scooter with proper safety features, like turn signals, contributed to the accident. If a lawsuit can prove that the lack of turn signals made the accident more likely, the company could be held accountable.
How McGee, Lerer & Associates Can Help If You’re Injured in an E-Scooter Accident
If you’ve been injured in an electric scooter accident, you may be facing medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. The legal team at McGee, Lerer & Associates, serving Long Beach and the surrounding area, is here to help you navigate the complexities of scooter accident cases. Our experienced attorneys can:
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence to determine liability.
- Help you file a claim against the responsible party.
- Ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Riding an electric scooter in California comes with its share of risks, but by understanding the laws and knowing your rights, you can protect yourself on the road. If you’ve been injured in a scooter accident, contact McGee, Lerer & Associates today for a free consultation and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.