Within the last couple of years, app-driven e-scooters have rolled into our urban landscape and have changed the way Houstonians navigate around town. They provide a cheap way to commute quickly and are conveniently dockless.
Companies such as Bird, Lime, and Skip have made it easy for riders to zip around sidewalks and streets. But, the recent spike in ER visits has doctors worried that these helmet-free e-scooters aren’t worth the risk.
Are Electric Scooters Legal in Houston?
Yes, it is legal to ride electric scooters on Houston roads that have a speed limit of less than 35 miles per hour. In addition, you do not need insurance, a license or registration to ride and operate an e-scooter in Texas. Helmets are not required but encouraged.
Ride At Your Own Risk
The distribution of E-scooters in Houston seemed to happen overnight. This swift entrance has given lawmakers, drivers, and locals little time to prepare. Bird (the ringleader of the movement) makes it very clear to riders that they're on their own in the event of an accident or injury.
That means your car insurance policy may not cover you if you are in an accident.
According to Birds agreement, “Your automotive insurance policies may not provide coverage for accidents involving damage to this vehicle. To determine if coverage is provided, you should contact your automotive insurance company or agent.” This explicit warning also shows that if you are in an accident, your insurance company might not cover your injuries because you are signing a liability waiver.
Common E-Scooter Injuries
Every day, more and more people are being sent to the emergency room due to e-scooter related injuries. Here are a few of the most common injuries:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Neck Injuries
Broken Bones
Catastrophic Injuries
Paralysis
Amputation
Take The Bike Lane & Avoid Sidewalks
Pedestrian advocates argue these dockless e-scooters pose a threat to sidewalks. Since there's no designated place to park these bikes, many people tend to leave them in the middle of the sidewalk.
This is a major safety concern for people who are in wheelchairs, bicyclists and joggers. In 2019, Texas lawmakers attempted to pass Senate Bill 549, which would have placed a statewide ban on sidewalk use.
Wear a Helmet & Avoid Road Obstructions
A recent study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that “2 percent of e-scooter riders interviewed reported wearing a helmet, whereas 66 percent of the bicyclists receiving emergency treatment said they had worn one.”
This study highlights that in order to avoid a catastrophic accident, helmet use, avoiding cars and pedestrians, and providing well-maintained surfaces for travel, would reduce injuries among e-scooter riders.
Health officials and these major scooter companies are working toward enforcing regulations and combating safety issues. For example, Bird offers free helmets to riders from their website (you just have to pay the shipping fee).
Tips For Safe Riding in Houston
Avoid riding at night and always make sure your lights are working.
Ride in the bike lanes when possible.
Before going on a trip, make sure you check that your brakes are properly working, your handlebars aren’t loose and your tires are in good condition.
Only one rider per-scooter. Doubling up riders will only double your chance of an accident.
Avoid a slip and fall injury, don’t ride in the rain or on damp ground.
Be on alert for road hazards such as small curbs, potholes and sewers.
Minimize all distractions and keep both hands on the handlebars at all times.
Never operate an electric scooter under the influence.
Don’t use your phone, camera or anything that could distract you while riding.
Follow The Rules of The Road
Electric scooters don’t seem to be going anywhere. In fact, the expansion is happening at a rapid rate. It’s clear that these major companies and local councils need to come together to find a safer alternative to operating electric scooters around our roads.
The spike in injuries is a major cause for concern. The lack of regulation poses a great threat to pedestrians and drivers. Always be cautious when riding around on your E-scooter. Follow the rules of the road.
Author Bio
Alana Redmond is a legal content writer and consumer safety advocate that works with Milano Legal Group, a local personal injury law firm that specializes in Houston car accidents.
