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Micromobility is here to stay, and it’s changing how we experience urban life for the better. With Unagi’s membership program, you can enjoy all the benefits of a top-tier electric scooter without the sky-high price of ownership or the inconvenience of ride-sharing.
We’re excited to celebrate Unagi’s 5th Anniversary, and we want you to join the fun! To thank you for your support, we're hosting an exclusive $10,000 Airbnb giveaway. No purchase necessary—just enter for your chance to win! Hurry, the giveaway ends on 10/4/2024!
In today’s fast-paced world, finding an efficient and cost-effective mode of transportation is crucial. E-scooters offer a convenient and eco-friendly way to navigate urban landscapes. Unagi stands out not only for its superior design and performance but also for its affordability and unmatched rental program.
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If you're wondering whether an electric scooter with a seat is right for you, this is a detailed article that would suit your need.
The answer to this question largely depends on the local laws regarding where you ride the electric scooter. In many jurisdictions, sidewalk riding is prohibited due to concerns over pedestrian safety.
Electric scooters can become hazardous obstacles when improperly parked or left unattended or may lead to collisions if not operated carefully. As a result, some U.S. cities and various places worldwide have regulated the use of electric scooters on sidewalks, often directing them to designated lanes to ensure the safety and well-being of all road users.
However, as we will discuss later in the article, riding on the sidewalk does not have to be inherently dangerous, as it is sometimes portrayed.
That being said, not all areas ban electric scooter use on sidewalks. In certain locations that allow the use of electric scooters but lack infrastructural accommodations for smaller vehicles (such as bike lanes or shared paths) and where scooters are not permitted on highways, riding on sidewalks might be permissible, particularly if pedestrian traffic is low.
When considering whether to ride on the sidewalk, follow this logic:
First, check if there is a bike lane in the vicinity. If yes, that's what you should use, especially during the morning and evening rush hours when there's a lot of foot traffic.
Next, check if you can legally and safely use the road or highway. If all these are no-gos, then, and only then, sidewalk scooting is a viable plan.
If you own your scooter, you must exercise self-regulation and remain vigilant for any regulations or prohibition signage. It might be a bit easier for rental scooters, as they often have detection features that will either limit speed or emit warnings when you ride in areas where the scooters might not be permitted, such as sidewalks.
In this article, we’ll explain how to ride safely on sidewalks, discuss the associated risks, and explore the regulations and stances of various cities on this matter.
Laws around riding electric scooters on sidewalks vary widely based on the region. Here's an overview of the legal landscape across different regions:
In the U.S., regulations are inconsistent and vary from state to state. While some states permit sidewalk riding, many large cities restrict electric scooters to bike lanes or the right side of the road.
The best way to determine the specific rules in your area is to check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles or review your city's local ordinances. Alternatively, for a quick answer, you can look at the table or consult our detailed guide on U.S. scooter laws, which breaks down where you can legally ride.
| Streets Not Legal | Sidewalks Not Legal | Sidewalks Legal |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware | Alabama | Colorado |
| Arizona | Rhode Island | |
| California | Texas | |
| Delaware | Utah | |
| Idaho | Washington | |
| Indiana | ||
| Iowa | ||
| Kansas | ||
| Kentucky | ||
| Louisiana | ||
| Missouri | ||
| Montana | ||
| Nebraska | ||
| Nevada | ||
| New Jersey | ||
| New York | ||
| North Dakota | ||
| Oklahoma | ||
| Oregon | ||
| Pennsylvania | ||
| South Dakota | ||
| Tennessee | ||
| Vermont | ||
| Virginia | ||
| Wisconsin |
Most European cities ban scooters on sidewalks, particularly following the misuse of shared scooters. Here are some notable examples:
Riding an electric scooter on sidewalks is prohibited in most provinces and municipalities. If your province doesn't have explicit regulations, it's safer to assume scooters aren't allowed on sidewalks. Here's a province-by-province overview:
Without dedicated bike paths, many electric scooter riders feel it's safer to ride on the sidewalk. This allows them to avoid competing with larger, faster vehicles on the road that pose a substantial risk in the event of a collision. In the showdown between a 300-lb scooter (plus rider) and a 4,000-lb car, it's clear who's at a disadvantage in the case of an accident.
Electric scooters are also compact, nimble, and relatively quiet, making them harder for drivers to notice, which increases the likelihood of collisions. In fact, historical data over the past few years, marking the rise of scooter popularity, shows a startling trend: 80% of fatal scooter crashes involve a car hitting a scooter.
That's a pretty grim picture and a clear sign of the danger that motor vehicles represent to scooter riders.
Given these risks, many riders naturally gravitate towards sidewalks, especially when roads are narrow, lack bike lanes, or are characterized by fast-moving traffic. While sidewalks aren't completely risk-free, as there's still a chance of colliding with pedestrians, the potential severity of these accidents is generally less compared to collisions with cars.
Additionally, the likelihood of accidents can be greatly reduced if riders take a disciplined approach, keep speeds low, remain vigilant, and respect pedestrians' right-of-way.
Here’s a breakdown of the challenges that sidewalk riding presents:
Sidewalks are built for pedestrians, not scooters zipping by at 15-20 mph. At those speeds, riders become a significant risk to pedestrians, especially children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Even with bells and horns, scooters are quiet enough to sneak up on pedestrians, startle them, and cause accidents. The cramped and often crowded nature of sidewalks exacerbates this issue, especially since pedestrians are frequently distracted by their phones or headphones.
Most of these sidewalk incidents involve shared scooters, which are handed over to different riders—some inexperienced or riding for the first time. According to studies conducted in Austin, TX, these new riders account for 33% of all e-scooter accidents. Lacking familiarity and personal investment in the scooters, they are more likely to ride recklessly and leave the scooters haphazardly on sidewalks when they're done.
On the other hand, private electric scooter owners are generally more familiar with their vehicles, have an investment in their gear, and are more likely to exercise caution.
Sidewalks are typically not well-maintained for vehicular traffic and may have uneven surfaces, cracks, or other hazards that can pose risks to scooter riders. Hitting a bump or crack on a sidewalk can cause the rider to lose control and potentially fall. Moreover, sidewalks often feature obstacles such as benches, trees, signs, and fire hydrants, which add to the complexity, creating a hazardous maze.
Improperly parked scooters can become tripping hazards for pedestrians, especially those with visual impairments or mobility issues. This problem was more prominent during the early days of shared scooters, but stricter regulations and better parking solutions have improved the situation.
Laws regarding sidewalk use vary greatly, and it's easy for riders to misunderstand where they're allowed to ride. Some cities permit scooters on sidewalks but restrict their use in certain busy ones. This inconsistency can result in riders accidentally venturing onto prohibited sidewalks if they miss a sign or are unaware of the specific regulations in a given location.
While such incidents may be genuine mistakes, the public can perceive them as intentional disregard for the rules, further tarnishing the reputation of scooter riders and inviting stricter regulations.
Electric scooter riders already face skepticism and criticism from some members of the public, and irresponsible behavior on sidewalks only exacerbates these negative perceptions.
Three main culprits will send you flying or crashing into someone on the sidewalk: speed, poor handling, and a lack of situational awareness. Control these, and your chances of staying safe improve greatly.
Here are some other things you can also do to improve your safety on sidewalks
Rule number one: pedestrians own the sidewalk. They always have the right of way, so give them their space and treat them like royalty. Slow down or stop if needed, and don't muscle through like it's a race. You're a guest on their turf, so be patient and respectful.
Refrain from weaving between people at high speeds, as it significantly increases the risk of accidents. The slower you go, the more control you have over the scooter, giving you more time to react to any unexpected events. Additionally, the severity of a collision is greatly reduced at lower speeds.
When riding on a sidewalk with good visibility and medium pedestrian traffic, aim to maintain a pace, around 3 mph, like walking. For clearer sidewalks, maybe 5–10 mph tops. If things get too tight or chaotic, hop off and walk your scooter. It's better to be safe than treat pedestrians like obstacles.
Additionally, always keep a 6-foot cushion from the pedestrian in front of you. Be ready to engage the brakes if a pedestrian unexpectedly steps into your path or encounters an obstacle.
Refrain from weaving between people at high speeds, as it significantly increases the risk of accidents. The slower you go, the more control you have over the scooter, giving you more time to react to any unexpected events. Additionally, the severity of a collision is greatly reduced at lower speeds.
Electric scooters are practically silent, so use that bell or your voice to alert folks you're approaching. Many states in the US require a bell that can be heard from a distance of at least 100 feet.
When approaching a pedestrian from behind, ring the bell once or twice at a distance of about 20 feet to give them sufficient time to react. Don’t wait until you’re right behind them and startle them into your path. If they do not move aside, slow down and call out the direction you're approaching from, such as "on your left" or "on your right."
Pedestrian behavior can be unpredictable, so it's crucial to adopt a defensive riding approach. Always anticipate the actions of others and be prepared to react accordingly. Do not assume that pedestrians can see or hear you.
Scan ahead and be prepared to take evasive action if necessary. Look for obstacles such as street furniture, signage, curbs, and other irregularities on the sidewalk that could pose a hazard, as well as vehicles entering the sidewalk from alleyways, driveways, or parking lots.
Also, be sure to always check for and follow any traffic rules and signals on your path.
Stay off your phone, and don't use headphones. Your eyes and ears must be 100% focused on the sidewalk.
Visibility is important not only for vehicle drivers but also for pedestrians. A pedestrian might be distracted or wearing headphones and fail to hear your audible signal, but a light on your scooter might catch their attention from the corner of their eye, potentially preventing an accident. Using lights at night is self-explanatory; you must have them if you ride during low-light periods.
Ensure your lights are sufficiently visible, and consider wearing a reflective jacket for added safety. If your scooter does not have indicators, use hand signals to communicate your intentions when turning or stopping.
Accidents happen, so gear up. A certified helmet is a no-brainer. Gloves, elbow pads, and knee guards can also save you some serious injuries.
Determining responsibility in the event of an electric scooter accident on a sidewalk requires carefully examining the specific circumstances surrounding the incident. Riders, shared electric scooter companies, city or municipal agencies, and even pedestrians may be held liable depending on their actions and the factors contributing to the accident.
If a rider speeds, is distracted, or just rides recklessly and slams into a pedestrian, the rider will almost certainly have to pay up. For private scooter owners, liability is generally straightforward since the rider and owner are often the same person.
However, unlike cars or motorcycles, electric scooter riders typically aren’t required to carry insurance in many areas, meaning compensation might be a little bit tricky. If the rider has renter's or homeowner’s insurance, they can use it for claims (but most exclude electric scooters). Otherwise, the only option left may be to file a lawsuit.
Riders injured during an accident are typically responsible for their own medical bills.
Many local governments require shared scooter companies to carry commercial liability insurance and umbrella or excess liability coverage. If a shared scooter rider injures someone, third-party insurance can help cover the damages. But beware: some sharing services have riders sign rental agreements that strip them of liability, leaving customers responsible for accidents.
A sharing company can also be held liable if a poorly parked scooter creates a tripping hazard for other sidewalk users.
The city or municipality in charge of keeping the area safe may be liable if a poorly maintained sidewalk causes an accident. Unfortunately, some municipalities force scooter-sharing companies to waive the city’s liability, which makes such claims challenging to pursue. If the incident happens due to obstructions on a business's property, that business may be liable.
If an accident happens due to a pedestrian’s negligence, say they're texting while walking and suddenly step into a scooter’s path, they may be at fault.
Riding electric scooters on sidewalks presents some risks and challenges for riders and pedestrians. As a responsible scooter rider, your best bet is to seek safer alternatives like shared paths, bike lanes, or low-traffic roads. Ultimately, always ride where it is safest. If sidewalks are your best option, use them, but ensure they're permitted in that area.
Then, prioritize pedestrian safety above all else, as pedestrians always have the right of way. Stay courteous, maintain a safe speed, and use hand signals or audible alerts to communicate your presence to those around you. Stay mindful of your surroundings, follow traffic laws, and wear the proper gear. You can minimize the risk of injury and ensure a peaceful coexistence on sidewalks.
Electric scooters are here to stay; our cities will evolve to accommodate them.
In the U.S., most states don't require a license. For those that do, they usually just ask for a regular driver's license or a learner's permit.
Yes, you can bring an electric scooter on a plane, but it needs to have a lithium battery smaller than 100 watt-hours, which most don't.
Manufacturers advise against riding electric scooters in the rain. The main reasons are: water can fry the electronics, make the ride dangerous, and void your warranty.
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*Disclaimer: Unagi, INC. has used best efforts, but does not in any manner guarantee the accuracy of the below findings regarding electric scooter laws in the United States or internationally. Electric scooter riders or those considering to purchase or begin…
