The use of electric scooters and bikes is growing in popularity, including with children. Whether you are an adult looking for a simple way to get around to save on gas costs or your child wants to use an e-scooter to get back and forth to school, chances are good that safety will be a priority. For children, it is even more important to provide clarity on how to be safe. Children are less likely to expect an accident. If your child suffers injuries in an accident, speak with a personal injury lawyer from Kwartler Manus.
You can minimize the risk of an e-bike or electric scooter accident by providing your child with clear steps to take to be safe. That includes educating them on both the risks and the ways they can keep themselves safe. Here is what you need to talk about, as noted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Know and Follow Local Traffic Laws
Many states and some cities have put in place very specific rules about the use of e-bikes and e-scooters. In most situations, riders typically must follow the rules for bike riding. That typically means obeying all traffic signs as any car driver would. Some of the local laws to learn and teach your children include those related to:
- Helmet use (typically required for anyone under the age of 17)
- Riding locations, including whether these devices can be used on sidewalks (most of the time, they cannot), and how to ride on the street appropriately with them
- Laws related to turn signals and hand gestures for passing and turning on roadways
- Following posted speed limits and traffic signals on roadways
- Use bike lanes or those designated as riding areas when possible
It can be a bit confusing to know what the rules are in your city. The best way to find out is to contact your local police department. Have your children learn firsthand from police what they can and cannot do.
Gearing Up Matters
Teach your child the importance of being protected. When a heavy and fast-moving car strikes them, the risk of serious injuries is very high. They may not be able to control the other person. They can control what they wear to protect themselves.
- Clothing can work as a clear warning. Bright colors with reflectors help others see the rider from a distance, reducing risk.
- Wear a helmet. Even if your local laws do not require it, helmets are always wise, including for adults. Make sure your child knows how to properly put them on to safeguard their health.
- Talk about shoes and clothing, too. Wearing jeans or heavier material, when possible, may offer limited protection. Choose shoes that are safe for use.
These steps help your child to have some level of protection from accidents or their resulting impact. Yet, even then, that is not enough to really keep them safe.
Talk About Proper Use of Their Scooter or Bike
Before allowing your child out onto the road, be sure they understand what they are doing and also what they are operating. Today’s e-scooters and e-bikes are more powerful than ever. Many include ample technology and numerous systems to make them easy to ride. Your child should know how to properly use the bike according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. To help in this area, do the following:
- Teach your child how to check the e-scooter or e-bike before they head out onto the road. Visual inspections of the handles, brakes, lights, bells, and all framing help minimize risks.
- Provide your child with information on what the manufacturer recommends for operation. That includes how to store them, charge them, and use them. Go over all safety strategies the manufacturer recommended.
- Teach your child how to maintain their e-bike or e-scooter. They should know how to charge it, including how to recognize when it needs to be charged. They should understand the age and weight limits and how to avoid mistakes by trying to have more than one person use them.
- Talk about proper function on the road. That might include not suddenly braking or making out-of-place movements. Make sure they know to keep both hands on the handlebars at all times. Discuss slowing down at corners and looking for traffic.
- Talk about what to do if a crash happens. This is not something most parents want to think about, but it could save your child’s life.
There are a lot of videos online that can set the groundwork for clear communication. Take the time now to make sure you sit down and review them with your child. When you do, allow them to ask questions. Encourage your child to be a responsible operator.
Know That You Have Legal Support When You Need It
Kwartler Manus does not take e-scooter and e-bike accident cases lightly. These are big and life-changing accidents that deserve experienced professionals. Turn to our legal team at Kwartler Manus to learn more about how we can help you if an accident happens and your child suffers injuries caused by another person’s negligence or irresponsibility. Set up a free consultation now.
Blog Disclaimer – Kwartler Manus, LLC
The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Reading or interacting with this content does not establish an attorney-client relationship with Kwartler Manus, LLC. Every legal matter is unique, and past results, settlements, verdicts, or case outcomes do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future matter. This content may be considered Attorney Advertising under the rules of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. You should not act or rely upon any information contained in this blog without seeking the advice of a qualified attorney regarding your specific situation. Kwartler Manus, LLC is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and this blog is intended for residents of those jurisdictions.