Tougher E-Scooter Safety Laws for Washington DC

The lack of "rules of the road" set this in direct conflict with Vision Zero

We need a fix. The bikes aren’t safe for riders or pedestrians.

Strongly needed

7 years ago Featured

my mother was hit by a scooter on the sidewalk yesterday. She was alright, but could have been crippled. There is no precedent for etiquette for these vehicles, unlike bicycles, and harsher laws must be put in place.

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Toys don’t belong in the street. Period. Allow them on sidewalks, but limit their capable speeds to 5 mph.

If we left our wheelchairs in the middle of the sidewalk or our crutches across the sidewalk....do you think anyone would mind?

Wrong way down a 1 way street, on the sidewalk, cutting around and across pedestrians in a crosswalk, 2 people on 1 scooter. I could go on.

first of all this sets a dangerous precedent. Blind people can trip. Old people can trip. Anyone can trip over these items. Secondly it's an eyesore to see these scooters just strewn all over the place. It looks horrible and shows a total disregard for people and for the beauty of our city. totally agree that riders should be fined for not wearing helmets, or using cellphones or headphones, while using these scooters. They are a danger to themselves and to others. They should have to obey the same laws as any other vehicle in DC.

I have come to hate scooters--they zoom around everywhere like a swarm of gnats. They especially should never be on sidewalks! Nor should they be just dumped anywhere when riders are through with them. Total lack of consideration by many scooter riders. I also fear for their safety, as unlike cyclists, few if any wear helmets, much less knee and elbow guards. We need sensible, and enforced, regulation of this insane traffic.

Hate the scooters!

They are a menace when used and an eyesore when left

Please for safety sake, ban scooters all together., NYC has done this and its already saved many lives.

I was hit, mildly, by a scooter from behind las week and the rider and her husband who was on another scooter thought it was funny. It did not hurt me but it did frighten me. I can no longer walk peacefully on the sidewalk with my dog for fear she will be run over. They belong on the bike lanes not the sidewalk.

France it appears to have them banned on sidewalks. We should also.

While I like the idea of scooters as a method of city transport, I believe that since they have a motor and wheels they should be on the street. Bikes need to be on the street - why not these? I have an 8 month old and while I walk around our neighborhood (Gtown), we are often (daily) almost run over by these scooters on the sidewalk! It's not safe for pedestrians - that sidewalks are made for - especially children and the elderly.

The way these are used they tepresent a danger to pedestrians and motorists alike. They are motorized transport that requires no experience and no age limit for use and no controlling rules of the road

Scooters are left just anywhere including crosswalks where they are especially dangerous to navigate for those who walk with a cane or walker. In addition to scooters and bicyclists must be accountable for following traffic laws. Bikes and scooters often glide through red lights and will ride the opposite direction on a one-way street.

Why is there ZERO enforcement regarding both scooters and bicycles in the District? Daily I have to yield to both on sidewalks in the "Central Business District" where they are illegal on sidewalks but you are constantly dodging them. Scooters are the worse. Drivers tear down sidewalks as if they are for their own personal benefit. No enforcement! Why?

-You can’t enforce helmet laws on adults. -Who decides what an “unsafe” place is for scooters? -Many young adults who cannot afford other transportation options use these scooters. You can’t go around imposing huge fines on these people. Perhaps you have the money. -Again, how do you decide what an “unsafe” place is? Reduce scooters by 100 every time this happens? Okay, good luck. -Oh, the whole “reporting” idea won’t be abused to make money or anything... -When you see a scooters lying down on the sidewalk, often due to something bumping into it or wind, is it really so difficult to pick up? I know taking a picture of a scooter is easier than picking up a scooter, but come on... -You can’t go around enforcing a bunch of rules with arbitrary penalties and incentives. Solution? -Have Scooter companies require a small safety test on the app. -Say something to people to leave their scooters in such a dangerous way, but there’s no need to yell. -If you are passionate enough about the subject, hold free classes in your home for DC residents who use these scooters. -Do not impose penalties on those who use these scooters responsibly. Punishing everyone for *very few* riders’ mistakes is not the answer. -If anything of this goes anywhere, which I doubt it will, scooter companies will raise prices. Those who use scooters as cheaper means of transportation will suffer. There are always two sides to every conversation. Try to listen.