Electric scooters have become incredibly popular in recent years. But are they street-legal? In short, electric scooters are legal in Georgia as long as you meet the requirements for riding one. Specifically, you must be at least 15 years old and follow traffic laws like other vehicles.
As long as you follow these rules and exercise caution, e-scooters can be a convenient, eco-friendly, and fun way to get around. However, if you want to avoid any electric scooter accidents, you should first take the time to understand where you can ride, how to ride safely, and what’s expected of you when operating a scooter.
In this article, the personal injury attorneys at Bayuk Pratt explain what you need to know about these vehicles.
Are There Age Requirements to Use an Electric Scooter in Georgia?
Georgia law permits anyone 15 years or older to use an electric scooter. This rule applies to any e-scooter, whether rented from Bird or Lime or privately owned. Riders under 16 must also wear a helmet at all times.
Just because you’re of age doesn’t necessarily mean you’re ready to hop on an e-scooter and ride. Electric scooters may not be as big and imposing as a car, but they can still be dangerous if you don’t operate one safely. They’re still motorized vehicles and reach relatively high speeds, and riding them can result in serious injuries if you’re not careful. Take the time to learn how to ride safely and give yourself some practice before riding in crowded areas.
Where Can You Legally Ride an Electric Scooter in Georgia?
Electric scooters are compact and convenient. So, people can use them in a wide variety of locations. However, that doesn’t mean you can legally ride them everywhere. Protecting your safety and legal rights depends on understanding where you can and cannot use your scooter.
You are legally allowed to ride electric scooters on the following:
- Roadways – Electric scooters are allowed on public roadways with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less. This law helps protect electric scooter riders and motor vehicle operators from devastating, high-speed collisions, severe injuries, and potential liability in a personal injury claim. Stay as far to the right as possible when using these roadways on a scooter and remain alert for any upcoming hazards.
- Bike lanes and multi-use paths – Bike lanes and multi-use paths are ideal areas for electric scooter riders. They offer greater protection from motor vehicles and generally have less traffic and hazards. However, when using a multi-use path, ensure no specific signs prohibit electric scooters.
- Private property and campuses – No laws explicitly prohibit using electric scooters on private property, businesses, or college campuses, but discretion is up to the property owner. That means every one of these locations may have different rules regarding electric scooters. It’s important to inquire before riding in these areas if you want to avoid any liability issues in the event of an electric scooter accident.
However, you are generally not legally allowed to ride electric scooters on sidewalks. It can be hazardous for you and everyone attempting to navigate a busy sidewalk full of vulnerable pedestrians, obstacles, and hazards.
Is Insurance Required to Operate an E-Scooter in Georgia?
Under Ga. Code § 40-6-10, it’s illegal to operate a motor vehicle in the state without insurance, so it makes sense to wonder whether the same is true for electric scooters. While there is no legal requirement for electric scooter insurance in Georgia, maintaining some insurance coverage can be a lifesaver in an emergency.
Are Helmets Required for E-Scooters?
If you’re under 16, you’re legally required to wear a helmet when riding an electric scooter. Anyone 16 or older may not be legally obligated to wear a helmet, but the Georgia Department of Public Health strongly encourages it. Electric scooter accidents can be severe. They can potentially result in head trauma. Wearing a helmet can prevent tragedy.
We strongly recommend wearing a helmet, as well — not only to protect your head, but also to protect your rights. Suppose you suffer injuries in an electric scooter accident due to someone else’s negligence, and you’re not wearing a helmet. In that case, the other person’s insurance company may attempt to use that against you, which could weaken your personal injury lawsuit.
Must an E-Scooter Operator Adhere to the Rules of the Road?
Yes, electric scooter operators must follow all the traffic laws as other vehicles on the road in Georgia. Some of the most important rules of the road to keep in mind include the following:
- Obeying traffic signals and signs – Riders must stop at all red lights and stop signs, obey “One Way” and “No Turn” signs, follow the speed limit, yield when indicated, and adhere to every other traffic sign.
- Ride with the flow of traffic – Riders must operate scooters on the right side of the road. Riders cannot go the wrong way down one-way streets, which helps to prevent potentially deadly head-on collisions.
- Use hand signals when turning – Electric scooters don’t have blinkers, meaning their operators must signal their intent by extending their left or right arm, depending on their direction. They must also signal that they’re stopping or slowing by extending their left arm downward at a 90-degree angle.
- Follow Georgia’s Hands-Free Law – Georgia law prohibits electric scooter operators from using or holding a phone while riding. Hands-free mounts are allowed for navigating or communicating safely.
Contact a Georgia E-Scooter Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve suffered injuries in an electric scooter accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you need an experienced personal injury attorney to fight for your right to fair compensation. The team at Bayuk Pratt has over 50 years of combined legal experience, and we’ve recovered over $300 million for our deserving clients. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and discover how we may help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
