The City of Tampa has jumped on the motorized scooter bandwagon to at least partially solve the “last mile” transportation problem throughout the area. Three shared micromobility providers (LIME, SPIN and Helbiz) are providing eBikes and eScooters for short-distance travel. However, these scooters can be dangerous and pose a serious risk for motor vehicle accidents.
If you find yourself injured in a shared micromobility scooter accident, know that Ligori & Ligori Attorneys at Law in Tampa, FL, have a team of Vehicle Accident Attorneys ready to assist you.
Micromobility Scooter Accidents Across South Florida
A recent investigation of emergency room data at Tampa General Hospital revealed that nearly one-third of all scooter accidents involved individuals aged 21-30. The study also showed a sharp increase in injuries following the introduction of scooters in 2019, with a subsequent steady rise in accidents each year.
Beginning in 2019, several South Florida cities implemented bans on scooters and scooter companies to address safety concerns related to accidents. For instance:
- Hollywood prohibited the use of all types of scooters on city streets, roadways, sidewalks and other public or private properties accessible to motor vehicles.
- The City of Miami rescinded permits from multiple scooter companies in 2022, resulting in a decrease in accidents, as indicated by a 2023 study conducted by a trauma center.
- In February 2024, Key Biscayne banned scooters.
- In late March 2024, Miami-Dade County began considering a speed limit on scooters and e-bikes.
It’s important to note that privately owned scooters are often unregulated in many cities, despite their growing popularity. This lack of regulation, coupled with the fact that scooter-riders are often categorized with pedestrians or other mobility devices in official reports, makes it difficult to accurately track scooter accidents. A 2022 National Transportation Safety Board report on eScooters and eBikes highlighted the lack of law enforcement and injury data as a major safety concern.
Get Experienced Legal Help After a Tampa Motorized Scooter Accident
Although the City of Tampa has established a series of codes to regulate motorized scooter use in the city, accidents have been on the rise. Victims are often young, including several college students. These eScooters are small, slow and hard to spot in regular vehicle traffic. Most accidents occur in crossings when the scooter has the right of way but is not detected.
Similar to bicycle and motorcycle accidents, motorized scooter accidents can cause catastrophic injuries requiring long-term medical care and rehabilitation, and even fatalities. If you or a loved one were injured in an eScooter accident in Tampa, you have rights and options.
Ligori & Ligori Attorneys at Law has Tampa, FL, Vehicle Accident Injuries Lawsuit Lawyers available to review your case and recommend possible next steps. We can guide you through pursuing a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for your injuries. Such a lawsuit can provide vital financial resources to help with:
- Medical expenses
- Long-term rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Compromised future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Damaged property
- More…
Call or text us at (888) 254-7119 or begin an online chat with one of our attorneys. Our Tampa office is conveniently located on West Kennedy Boulevard near the Walmart Neighborhood Market, and close to I-275 and the Selmon Parkway. Schedule a FREE consultation now to explore your options.
Posted on behalf of .