Can I ride an electric scooter on the sidewalk?

Whether you can ride electric scooter on the sidewalk depends on local laws. Many places ban sidewalk riding to protect pedestrians.

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If you’re traveling with your scooter, check whether it’s allowed on airplanes: Can I bring an electric scooter on a plane? Electric scooters can become dangerous if left in the way or not handled carefully. Because of this, many cities in the U.S. and around the world have rules that either restrict sidewalk riding or guide scooters to designated lanes to keep everyone safe. However, sidewalk riding isn’t always as risky as it seems.

Sometimes, it might be a practical choice, depending on the circumstances. This article will explore how to ride safely on sidewalks, the risks involved, and what different cities say about it.

Why Do Some Riders Prefer Sidewalks?

In areas without bike lanes, many riders find sidewalks safer. For more insights on riding safely, read: How to ride an electric scooter safely? Riding on sidewalks helps them avoid competing with larger, faster vehicles on the road. A scooter vs. a car is usually a mismatch, with the scooter rider at a greater risk of injury.

Electric scooters are small, fast, and pretty quiet, which can make them hard for drivers to notice. Studies show that 80% of fatal scooter accidents involve cars. This highlights the danger of riding on busy roads.

So, many riders choose sidewalks, especially where roads are narrow, lack bike lanes, or have heavy traffic. While sidewalks aren’t entirely safe (pedestrians can be in the way), they might offer a lower risk compared to cars.

Risks of Riding Electric Scooters on Sidewalks

Here’s a look at some of the main risks:

Pedestrian Safety: Sidewalks are for pedestrians, not for scooters going 15-20 mph. At these speeds, scooters can pose a serious risk to pedestrians, especially those who are elderly, disabled, or young. Even with bells, scooters can startle people. Sidewalks are often crowded and people might be distracted, which can make things worse. Many accidents involve shared scooters used by inexperienced riders. Private scooter owners are usually more cautious since they know their scooters and have a personal stake in their safety.
Rider Safety: Sidewalks aren’t designed for scooters. They can have bumps, cracks, and obstacles like benches or signs that can make riding dangerous. Hitting a bump can lead to a fall or crash. Riders need to be careful and watch out for these hazards. Riders might choose sidewalks in heavy rain or when roads become slippery. Curious about rain safety?
Improperly Parked Scooters: Scooters left haphazardly can become tripping hazards for pedestrians, especially those with visual impairments. This was a bigger issue in the early days of shared scooters, but regulations and better parking options have helped improve the situation.
Legal and Reputation Issues: Laws about sidewalk riding vary widely. Riders might accidentally break the rules if they don’t know the local regulations. This can lead to a bad reputation and stricter rules. Scooter riders already face some skepticism, and breaking rules on sidewalks can make things worse.

How to Ride Safely on Sidewalks

If you need to ride electric scooter on the sidewalk, here are some tips to stay safe:

Yield to Pedestrians: Pedestrians always have the right of way. Slow down or stop if needed, and don’t rush past them. Be polite and respectful as you share their space.
Keep a Safe Speed and Distance: Don’t weave through people at high speeds. Go slowly to keep better control and have more time to react. Aim to ride at walking speed (about 3 mph) in busy areas. If the sidewalk gets too crowded, dismount and walk your scooter.
Use Audible Signals: Scooters are quiet, so use a bell or your voice to let people know you’re coming. Ring your bell from about 20 feet away to give pedestrians time to move. If they don’t move, slow down and let them know which side you’re on.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Always keep an eye out for potential hazards like obstacles, other people, and vehicles coming from driveways or parking lots. Be ready to react to unexpected situations.
Avoid Distractions: Don’t use your phone or wear headphones while riding. Your full attention should be on the road.
Use Lights and Reflectors: Being visible is key. Use lights at night and consider wearing reflective clothing. This helps ensure both drivers and pedestrians can see you. Wondering how fast scooters can go at night? Read: How fast electric scooters can go?

Who is Responsible for Scooter Accidents on Sidewalks?

If there’s an accident on the sidewalk, different parties might be responsible:

Rider: If you’re speeding, distracted, or riding recklessly and hit a pedestrian, you’re likely at fault. Private scooter owners are usually responsible for their own actions. Since many places don’t require scooter insurance, getting compensation can be tricky. If you have other types of insurance, it might cover some costs, but often, you may need to file a lawsuit.
Shared Scooter Companies: Many cities require shared scooter companies to have insurance. This can cover damages if a rider causes an accident. However, some rental agreements may make riders responsible for accidents. Companies can also be liable if improperly parked scooters create hazards.
City or Municipality: Cities may be liable if poor sidewalk conditions cause accidents. Sometimes, scooter companies must waive the city’s liability, making claims against the city difficult. If obstructions are on a business’s property, that business might be liable.
Pedestrian: If a pedestrian is at fault, such as by texting while walking and stepping into a scooter’s path, they might be responsible for the accident.

Legal Status of Riding Electric Scooters on Sidewalks

Laws about sidewalk riding vary:

United States: Rules differ by state and city. Some places allow sidewalk riding, while others restrict it to bike lanes or roads. Check local regulations for specific rules or consult guides on U.S. scooter laws.
Europe: Most European cities ban sidewalk riding. For instance, Paris allows only private scooters and bans shared ones on sidewalks. Cities like Berlin, Madrid, and Amsterdam also prohibit sidewalk riding.
Australia: Regulations vary by state. Queensland allows scooters on footpaths at up to 12 km/h, while Victoria and South Australia ban footpath use. New South Wales permits scooters under trial programs.
Canada: Sidewalk riding is mostly banned. Some provinces, like Alberta, allow it on sidewalks with low speed limits, while others, like Quebec and British Columbia, generally prohibit it.

Conclusion: Riding Safely and Sharing the Path

Ride electric scooter on sidewalk involves risks, but with the right approach, you can minimize those risks. Always look for safer options like bike lanes or low-traffic roads. If you must ride on sidewalks, prioritize pedestrian safety by going slowly, using signals, and being mindful of your surroundings. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a safer experience for everyone on the sidewalk.