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The Use of Rideshare Scooters in Accidents and Crimes & What You Need to Know
Rideshare scooters, also known as electric scooters or “e-scooters,” are becoming increasingly popular, particularly in metropolitan areas around the US, including Atlanta. These relatively easy-to-ride e-scooters are an efficient and inexpensive means of transportation. An electric scooter typically has handlebars, a floorboard, or a seat, and is powered by a small electric motor directly built into the front or rear wheel. Some more powerful versions have two motors, one in each wheel. The rideshare component comes in when a rideshare company supplies these scooters to the public. For example, Uber and Lime partnered several years ago to offer e-scooter rentals through the Uber app.
Unfortunately, as with many new technologies and conveniences, criminals have found a way to exploit these e-scooters to commit crimes. Before diving into the downside of e-scooters and the related criminal activities, let’s first understand more about e-scooter availability in and around Atlanta.
Finding and Renting a Rideshare E-Scooter in Atlanta
The City of Atlanta granted 2021-2022 permits to three companies: Bird, Lime, and Spin. Lime scooters are easily spotted by their lime green color and logo. As are Spin scooters by their orange color. You’ve probably noticed those as well as the black and silver Bird scooters around the city. E-scooters are “dockless” meaning they have no home location and are instead picked up and dropped off at specific locations. The corresponding app shows rental availability. They are easy to use: download the app to find the nearest e-scooter, scan the QR code on the e-scooter to unlock, and ride. Only a smartphone and an electronic method of payment are required.
Are E-Scooters a Wrongdoer’s Ride to Crime?
Recent reports from Atlanta’s city officials indicate that an increasing number of electric scooters have been involved in carrying out crimes in and around the city despite a ban on e-scooter rentals between 9:00 PM and 4:00 AM. Perhaps because it is easy to get around on e-scooters. They can (but shouldn’t) be ridden on the sidewalk, or through tiny alleyways, cut-throughs, and other areas inaccessible by larger vehicles. Additionally, a perpetrator on an electric scooter may not stick out as a criminal to passersby. They are also easy to access.
According to the Atlanta Police Department, many crimes involving e-scooters are correlated to youth, particularly teenagers. As mentioned above, an e-scooter can be rented with only a smartphone and an electronic method of payment (including pre-paid cards which aid anonymity). A government-issued ID is not required allowing easy access for those under the age of 16. Atlanta’s local CBS46 news reported that city officials are pushing for legislation requiring scooter rental companies to 1) install ID scanning systems so that those 16 years old and under will not be able to rent scooters and 2) enforce the existing curfew for older teens.
As criminal activity involving e-scooters increases, we must all remain vigilant. While the e-scooter “bump, steal, and flee” scam – where an e-scooter rider “bumps” into a vehicle and fabricates injury causing the driver to get out of their vehicle to check on the rider’s wellbeing while the rider’s partner in crime steals the vehicle – remains prevalent, other crimes are on the rise and are increasing in severity.
When to Seek Legal Consult
Victims of any crime related to an electronic scooter should seek legal advice. As should anyone injured in an accident involving an electric scooter. Whether the accident involves a collision with another vehicle or bicycle, a trip and fall over scooters left on walkways, or injuries resulting from a defect in road conditions or the electronic scooter, it is important to understand your legal options.
If you were seriously injured in an accident involving an e-scooter, we encourage you to contact our office at The Baer Law Firm or call us at 404.THE.BAER (404.843.2237). We will provide honest advice and help you understand your legal options.
Attorney Bryan Baer has twenty (20) years of legal experience representing clients in serious and catastrophic personal injury and medical malpractice cases. He has been first chair in more than a dozen twelve-person jury trials on both the plaintiff and defense sides. Recognized as a leader in his legal community, he is frequently asked to speak at legal seminars on trial topics ranging from “Best Practices in Voire Dire” to “Maximizing Damages at Trial” as well as insurance issues such as “Navigating the Insurance Landscape” and “Injury Demands & Negotiations.” Learn more here.