New Orleans Scooter Lawyer Near You
Electric low-speed scooters, motorized scooters, or mopeds have gained significant popularity in recent years as a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation. These compact vehicles offer a cost-effective solution for short-distance travel, allowing riders to maneuver through New Orleans traffic with ease. However, because these vehicles are much smaller than a car or truck, and because they move slower than a motorcycle, requiring them to operate on the shoulder of roads, they can be quite easy to miss leading to a greater potential for an accident to occur. As with any form of transportation, it is crucial to understand the local laws and prioritize safety to reduce the risk of injury while operating an electric scooter. If you have been injured in a New Orleans scooter accident due to someone else’s negligence then it is always best to speak with a reliable scooter lawyer near you.
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- Understanding Scooter Laws
- Safety Tips for Riding Electric Low-Speed Scooters
- Contact a New Orleans Scooter Accident Lawyer
Understanding Scooter Laws
Before hitting the streets with your electric low-speed scooter, it is important to familiarize yourself with Louisiana’s scooter laws, since each state has its own laws regarding the use of low-speed vehicles. In Louisiana, electric low-speed scooters are considered “motorized scooters,” and are subject to certain regulations. According to Louisiana law, a motorized scooter is defined as a vehicle with:
- Two or three wheels
- Handlebars
- A floorboard with the ability to be stood upon while riding
- Has 1.5 brake horsepower or less.
Doesn’t exceed 50 cc - Has an automatic transmission
- An electric motor with a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour on a flat surface.
Under Louisiana law, motorized scooters are not allowed on sidewalks or limited access highways, including interstates and bridges. They should be operated in designated bicycle lanes or on the right side of the road, following the same traffic rules as bicycles. Riders must also be at least 15 years old, wear a helmet if under 18, and have a valid driver’s license or instructional permit.
New Orleans scooter laws can get complicated which is why we always recommend contacting a New Orleans scooter lawyer near you.
Safety Tips for Riding Electric Low-Speed Scooters
To avoid a scooter accident and to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride on your electric low-speed scooter, consider the following moped/scooter safety tips:
Wear protective gear: Always wear a helmet, even if it is not required by law. Additionally, consider wearing knee and elbow pads, as well as reflective clothing to increase visibility.
Observe traffic rules: Follow all traffic rules, including stopping at red lights and stop signs, signaling turns, and yielding to pedestrians.
Stay visible: Use lights and reflectors on your scooter, especially when riding at night or in low-light conditions. Make sure other road users can see you.
Be cautious of road conditions: Watch out for potholes, loose gravel, or any other hazards that may affect your ability to maintain control of the scooter. Slow down when approaching uneven or slippery surfaces.
Avoid distractions: Do not use your phone or any other electronic devices while riding. Stay focused on the road and your surroundings.
Be aware of your surroundings: Constantly scan the road for potential obstacles, vehicles, and pedestrians. Stay vigilant and anticipate the actions of others.
Contact a New Orleans Scooter Accident Lawyer Near You
Despite taking safety precautions, accidents can still happen. If you find yourself involved in an accident with your electric low-speed scooter and suffer serious injuries as a result it is essential to seek the assistance of a professional who specializes in New Orleans scooter law. There are a number of ways a person could end up hurt while operating a scooter, being rear-ended or side-swiped by a car or falling off the scooter due to poor road conditions to name a few. The injuries from scooter accidents can be quite serious and commonly include:
- Head injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Road rash/abrasions
- And more
Here at Lavis Law Firm, we offer free case consultations to people living in or near New Orleans who have been injured in an accident. We urge you to contact our office to set up an initial case evaluation if you have been injured in a New Orleans scooter accident, we would be happy to hear your story and advise you on how to proceed.