How Safe Are Motor Scooters in Bedford, TX?
Motorized scooters are quickly becoming a popular way to get around. Less than a decade ago, you probably wouldn’t see even one on the road in an entire year. Today, though, multiple corporations rent scooters, and thousands of people travel daily on them.
If you are considering joining the craze, you probably have questions. Chief among them is likely whether these devices are safe to use on Texas streets.
Texas Scooter Laws
Texas law defines a scooter as a self-propelled device that has at least two wheels that contact the ground, a braking system, and a motor that doesn’t exceed 40cc. Any similar device with a more powerful motor is considered to be a motorcycle.
If you want to drive a scooter on Bedford streets, you need to obtain a class C license from the Texas Department of Public Safety. You will also need to register your scooter with the state.
Motor Scooters on Public Streets
Assuming that you have the proper license and that your scooter is properly registered, you can ride it on some public streets. Regardless of where you are, scooters are prohibited on any road with a speed limit that is higher than 35 miles per hour.
Furthermore, individual municipalities and counties can further restrict scooter usage if the local government finds them unsafe. Bedford doesn’t have any additional restrictions.
Motor Scooters on Sidewalks
Scooters can also be operated on sidewalks or on other paths that are exclusively designed for bicycles.
Safety Concerns for E-Scooters
Scooters have roughly the same safety concerns that motorcycles have. When you ride a scooter, you don’t have a seat belt, and there is no frame to protect you from the impact of a collision. And while Texas encourages you to wear safety gear while using a scooter, state laws don’t require it.
In any accident involving a scooter, the scooter driver is likely to be thrown from the vehicle at the same velocity as they were traveling before the crash.
This can cause:
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Head injuries
- Death
Wearing a helmet and other safety gear (like leather pants or jackets) will greatly increase your odds of surviving an accident or avoiding serious injury.
Not only are car accidents more dangerous when you are riding a scooter — they are also more likely. Scooters are much less visible than other vehicles. And depending on the vehicle’s height, someone in a large car or truck may not even be able to see you while driving.
If you drive on the road, you need to be aware that you will typically be traveling more slowly than the rest of the traffic. As a result, some drivers might not be aware of you. To avoid accidents, you should keep a close eye on your surroundings.
Sidewalk Dangers
The dangers on a sidewalk are different. For instance, you are likely to be the fastest traveler on a sidewalk, which is the opposite of your circumstances when driving in vehicular traffic. This means that pedestrians might not get out of your way quickly enough to avoid an accident.
If you choose to ride on the sidewalk, you should slow down more than you would on the road. It’s also a good idea to give pedestrians plenty of space while passing them.
Scooter Safety Depends Mostly on You
Scooters are inherently more dangerous than most other types of vehicles when operated on roadways. But if you wear proper protective gear, are aware of your surroundings, and avoid dangerous situations, you should be able to enjoy driving your scooter in Bedford, TX.
Contact the Texas Scooter Accident Law Firm of Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers in Bedford for Help Today
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Fort Worth and Bedford, Texas.
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth
209 N Hampton St,
Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 839-3143
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Bedford
2317 Plaza Pkwy #100,
Bedford, TX 76021
(817) 503-9200
