If you are an avid e-scooter user, you are likely attracted to these vehicles for their convenience, reduced environmental impact, and affordability. Another factor you realize is that you are at risk of serious collisions when sharing the road with larger, faster motorized vehicles. Still, despite the fact that you are considered a vulnerable road user, the Florida Driver License Handbook stresses that the traffic regulations do apply. These laws exist to protect the safety of pedestrians and bicycle riders, as well as those operating e-scooters.
Depending on the location, e-scooters may occupy lanes of Miami streets, intersections, crosswalks, designated bike lanes, sidewalks, and other spaces. The overlap increases the potential for serious collisions. A Miami e-scooter accident attorney can help with the legal process if you are injured, but it is critical to know the traffic laws that apply to you as an operator.
Traffic Laws for Florida E-Scooters
Many of the traffic regulations that you must obey when riding your e-scooter in lanes of traffic are familiar if you also drive a car, while there are others that are unique.
- Electric scooters are not permitted on Florida roads when the posted speed limit is 25 miles per hour or less.
- An e-scooter rider CAN travel on a road with a higher speed limit, if only to cross an intersection.
- E-scooters are allowed to travel in designated bike lanes where present.
- Electric scooters can be ridden on sidewalks, but operators must yield to pedestrians.
- Only individuals with a driver’s license are allowed to ride an e-scooter on Florida roads.
- An e-scooter speed cannot exceed 15 miles per hour when being operated in a bike lane, and the speed limit when riding on a sidewalk is 7 miles per hour.
- In certain parts of Miami, Miami Beach, and other areas as designated in Florida, e-scooters are not permitted on sidewalks.
Compliance with Traffic Regulations
As you expect, traffic laws are written with safety in mind, which is a top reason to follow them. Plus, violations of the regulations can lead to moving or nonmoving traffic citations, which carry fines and court costs. There is still another incentive to comply with the rules, and it affects your legal rights if you are involved in an e-scooter accident. Under Florida’s comparative fault statute, your compensation will be reduced if you are found to be at fault in the crash. Damages are barred if you are more than 50% liable. Violating traffic laws could be viewed as negligence under the law.
A Miami E-Scooter Accident Lawyer Can Provide Legal Details
As you can see, it is important to follow traffic regulations for safety purposes as well as for your rights if you are the victim of an e-scooter collision. To learn more about your legal options, please contact Gerson & Schwartz, PA, at (305) 371-6000 or via our website. We can set up a free case review at our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL. After learning more about your situation, an e-scooter accident attorney can advise you.