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Electric scooters, both private and rental, have become increasingly popular in Colorado Springs. However, this rising popularity brings increased risks on the road, especially when encountering negligent drivers. If you’ve been injured while riding an electric scooter, a Colorado Springs scooter accident lawyer at McCormick & Murphy, P.C. can provide the legal guidance you need.
Although scooters and motorcycles share similarities, Colorado law treats them as distinct categories.
According to the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), a low-power scooter is any self-propelled vehicle with:
This classification typically includes privately owned scooters and rental options from companies like Lime or Veo. Any scooter with a more powerful engine is legally considered a motorcycle, requiring a special license to operate.
It’s important to note that these definitions don’t apply to toys, bicycles, wheelchairs, or mobility assistive devices.
Even though low-power scooters aren’t classified as motorcycles, riders must follow specific regulations:
Safety requirements under CRS § 42-4-220(1) include:
Like motorcyclists, riders over 18 aren’t legally required to wear helmets. However, all drivers and passengers under 18 must wear helmets meeting federal safety standards with:
While adult riders aren’t legally mandated to wear helmets, doing so can prevent serious or fatal traumatic brain injuries. Not wearing a helmet doesn’t disqualify you from pursuing compensation after an accident.
Due to their small size and quiet operation, scooters are less noticeable than other vehicles, increasing accident risk. Here are safety tips from our Colorado Springs scooter accident lawyers:
Lane splitting is illegal in Colorado under CRS § 42-4-1503. Many drivers don’t check for scooters between lanes, creating serious accident risks. If you lane split and get into an accident, you’ll likely be deemed at fault.
To maximize visibility, ride in the bike lane or as far right as possible. Stay off sidewalks, as Colorado prohibits low-power scooters on pedestrian ways. Avoid riding in vehicle blind spots – it’s safer to ride behind or in front of vehicles rather than beside them. Never ride on highways or interstates, as this is illegal in most areas.
Scooter riders face significant injury risks due to limited protection. Common injuries include:
Multiple parties may be liable in scooter accidents:
If injured in a scooter accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:
If you’ve been injured while riding a low-power scooter due to another’s negligence, contact McCormick & Murphy. With over 50 years of combined experience representing motor vehicle accident victims throughout Colorado, our attorneys understand the complexities of scooter accident cases.
To schedule a free case review, contact us online or call (719) 800-9407.
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Disclaimer: The information on this website is for information purposes only. This website should not be taken as legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This information should not be taken as the formation of a lawyer or attorney client relationship.
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