Scooters Are Back In Milwaukee. Here’s What You Need To Know!

After the initial pilot program in 2019, electric scooters are coming back to Milwaukee streets from June 1 to November 15, 2021. Three scooter operators, Lime, Bird, and Spin will operate 1,000 scooters each, distributed through seven city “zones.”

Wondering what to expect when riding a scooter, driving near people using them, or walking around the city while electric scooters drive by? In this blog, we explore the laws surrounding electric scooters in Milwaukee, and provide some safety tips for riders.

What Laws Apply To Electric Scooter Riders In Milwaukee? 

Electric scooters are treated just like any other means of transportation, including bicycles, motorcycles, and cars. Electric scooter riders must abide by all road laws and rules in Wisconsin and Milwaukee. 

That means if you ride an electric scooter, you must obey stop signs, red lights, and all other such road elements, and drive and park responsibly. In other words, you have to follow the law! Additionally, all electric scooters in Milwaukee must have brake lights and other lighting elements for safety. These scooters are also speed-limited to a maximum of 15 mph.

Riding an electric scooter on the sidewalk was a common problem back in 2019 when Milwaukee launched its first e-scooter pilot program. You may not ride an electric scooter on the sidewalk at any time, as this is a danger to pedestrians. 

Safety Tips For Riding Electric Scooters In Milwaukee 

Looking to get out there and start riding on electric scooters? They’re a fun, cheap way to get around town. But as any Milwaukee scooter accident attorney can tell you, accidents happen, and resulting injuries can be devastating. 

So here are a few things you should do to ride safely if you choose to ride electric scooters in Milwaukee this summer. 

• Wear a helmet – Helmets are not legally required, but are essential for protecting your head during a crash. Without a helmet, your risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI) will be much higher. Safety first!
  
  
• Follow the rules of the road – Drive your scooter like a car. You are subject to all of the same laws as all other road users. Don’t blow through red lights or ignore stop signs.
  
  
• Don’t ride on sidewalks – As mentioned, this is illegal and dangerous. You could hit a pedestrian, causing serious injury to them and to yourself. Sidewalks also often have cracks and uneven surfaces that could cause you to crash.
  
  
• Avoid distractions – Keep your phone in your pocket, and your eyes on the road. Distracted scooting is dangerous, just like distracted driving.
  
  
• Keep both hands on the handlebars – Take a hand off the handlebars, and you could be in for a nasty fall. Keep both hands on at all times to maintain control of your vehicle. 
  

Need A Milwaukee Scooter Accident Attorney? Call Now!‍

Just like any other method of transportation, electric scooters can cause injuries to riders, other road users, and pedestrians. If you’ve been involved in an e-scooter accident in Milwaukee, Natasha Misra Law is here to help. Contact us online or call at 414-635-2858 to get a free consultation and the assistance you need after a Milwaukee electric scooter accident.