Scooters in College Towns in Pennsylvania

If you have recently visited a campus town, you already know how difficult parking can be. It

is not uncommon for students to pay hefty fees for designated parking spaces that are thousands of feet, and maybe even one or more miles, away from campus. 

With such limited parking and an increasing interest in sustainability, many campus administrators and student leaders are encouraging the use of alternative transportation, with electric scooters as one of the most, if not the most, popular modes of alternative transportation. In fact, Penn State is ranked as the 10th most scooter-friendly campus in the country by College Magazine. The school provides 16-plus designated parking areas for scooters. Penn State students pay only $62 for an annual parking permit, a relative bargain.

Unfortunately, as with any new type of personal transportation, accidents are far too common. If you have been involved in a scooter accident, either as an automobile driver or a scooter rider, a Bethlehem accident attorney can help.

Avoiding Scooter Injuries in Pennsylvania

Many states and campuses are just beginning to develop safety measures for electric scooters, which typically travel between 10 and 18 m.p.h., although some can reach speeds up to 30 m.p.h. While the road rules and regulations are being rolled out, there are a few simple safety measures that scooter drivers can take, including:

• Wear a helmet to avoid head injuries. Also, keep in mind there is a difference between owning a helmet and wearing a helmet. If you’re not going to wear it every time you mount your scooter, you might as well save the money. Some scooter-share companies have promised to donate them.
• Ride sober. Some studies have shown that one-third of riders admitted to consuming alcohol within 12 hours of riding.
• Ride solo. It’s tempting to double-up, but electric scooters generally do not have the room or the weight capacity for two riders.
• Plan your route in advance. Do your homework and find the safest, not necessarily the quickest, route to your destination.
• Keep your scooter in good working condition. Out on the road with traffic is not the time to find out you have bad brakes.
• Practice. Like motorcycles, scooters aren’t necessarily second-nature to new riders. It’s a good idea to practice in a large parking lot or a deserted street before joining traffic.

Contact a Bethlehem Accident Attorney at Drake, Hileman & Davis

Electric scooters are an exciting new inexpensive mode of transportation, especially in campus towns. However, the rules and regulations for electric scooters are still being developed. This is why anyone involved in an electric scooter-related accident needs the help of a Bethlehem accident attorney at Drake, Hileman & Davis. We can help you understand the rules and file any claims that may be needed. If you need our help contact us online.