Lime Scooters are the first electric scooter company to be approved for riding on the city of Milwaukee’s streets. Around 500 scooters were expected by the Department of Public Works, to be spread mainly across Zone 1, with 50 or so of those expected to be spread across Zone 2 and 3 by the end of July. Up until a recent bill that reversed the state law, e-scooters were illegal in the state of Wisconsin. Lime is currently the only electric scooter company to hold a contract with the city of Milwaukee. Other scooter companies, such as Bird, are also attempting to sign contracts with the city. Here is what you need to know about electric scooters and how they could affect you on the road.
How do Electric Scooters affect me?
With a speed limit of only 15 miles per hour, e-scooters can only be driven on city roads. Riding the scooters on sidewalks is strictly prohibited and they must obey the rules of the road. Similar to bicycle laws, vehicles must share the road with e-scooters and they have their own safety guidelines for their riders to follow. Consider the following tips for when you are behind the wheel to help keep everyone safe while out on the road.
Steer clear of bike lanes:
- Bikes and scooters can ride in the full lane, but as a driver of a vehicle, you can not drive in the bike lane. Remember to be aware of your surroundings, especially in regards to your blind spot. E-scooters are much smaller than cars and can easily be lost in the flow of traffic.
Be patient and slow down:
- E-scooters may be able to share the road with you and your vehicle but they are much less powerful. It is important to be patient when driving near e-scooters and to slow down.
- Wait for e-scooters to pass first before switching lanes or turning a corner.
Practice defensive driving:
- Being a defensive driver is always a good idea, but it is even more important when sharing the road with e-scooters who are at a higher risk of injury than other vehicles.
Take extra care at night:
- It can be difficult to spot e-scooters at night as visibility is low and their headlights are not as bright as your vehicle. Be sure to take extra care when driving after dark.
- Look twice when switching lanes near an e-scooter or before taking a turn.
How do I protect myself as a driver?
In the end, safety should be your first concern. Vehicles can often be the victim of e-scooters’ reckless driving. When being defensive and patient behind the wheel doesn’t work, understand your rights as a driver. Go to Gebhard Law to learn more about your rights as a driver how to protect yourself out on the road.