E-Scooter Accident Hotspots in Downtown Phoenix

Phoenix accident and injury law firms see e-scooter accidents in downtown Phoenix all the time. While there are no specific accident hot spots in downtown Phoenix, e-scooter accidents tend to be more common because there are more people, and in turn, more traffic.

The Rules of the Road

In Arizona, e-scooter riders are treated the same as bicyclists. In Phoenix, those rules and regulations get even more specific. Riders must:

• Ride on the road, not the sidewalk
• Be at least eighteen years old 
• Have a valid driver’s license
• Not go any faster than fifteen miles per hour

These laws were put into place to cut down on the risk and frequency in e-scooter accident hotspots like downtown Phoenix.

Downtown Can Be An Accident Magnet

Just as there are factors contributing to construction zone accidents in Arizona, there are plenty of factors that make accidents in downtown Phoenix more common.

To start, downtown streets can be congested and confusing. They’re full of drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and e-scooter riders, all trying to go about their day. With all that hubbub, it’s easy to fall victim to an accident with an e-scooter.

Whether you were riding the e-scooter or involved in a crash with one, here are a few common factors that can lead to e-scooter accidents in downtown Phoenix:

• Drivers opening doors: Because e-scooter riders aren’t allowed on the sidewalk, they have to stick to the street, often right next to parked cars. If a driver opens their door without looking, it can catch a rider off guard and lead to a really dangerous crash.
• Road hazards: There’s no denying the impact of road conditions on e-scooter accidents in Arizona, including in Phoenix. Because e-scooters only have two small wheels, they’re more likely to be heavily affected by road conditions like loose gravel, wet roads, sand, potholes and more. This can cause an e-scooter rider to lose traction and send them flying.
• Low visibility: E-scooter riders, like bicyclists, are admittedly hard to see when driving, especially at night. Drivers must be careful and look before changing lanes or merging into traffic to avoid hitting an e-scooter rider along the way.
• Distracted driving: In this day and age, distracted driving is incredibly common. Drivers who are distracted by texting, changing the music, snacking, or other factors may not see an e-scooter on the road.
• Impaired driving: Those who get behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol have slower reaction times, making it more difficult to make quick decisions.

Why Liability Can Be Complicated in E-Scooter Accidents

Unlike typical car crashes, figuring out who is legally responsible for an e-scooter accident isn’t always simple. This is because multiple factors can contribute, and liability might not fall entirely on one party.

Some examples include:

• Negligent drivers who fail to yield or check their blind spots
• Scooter riders who ignore traffic rules or weave between cars unpredictably
• Poor road maintenance by the city, which can make scooter riding hazardous.
• Faulty equipment, such as if a brake or steering mechanism fails on a rented scooter

Understanding the full picture takes a thorough investigation. This is where legal representation makes all the difference. A lawyer can collect the right evidence, analyze traffic footage or witness statements, and determine whether negligence or product liability played a role.

Tips to Stay Safe on an E-Scooter in Downtown Phoenix

While you can’t control other people’s behavior on the road, there are smart steps you can take to reduce your risk of an e-scooter crash:

• Wear a helmet: It’s not legally required for e-scooter riders in Phoenix, but it can save your life.
• Use lights or reflective gear: This is especially important if you’re riding at night.
• Stay in designated bike lanes where available: Avoid weaving through traffic or hopping between sidewalks and streets.
• Check your scooter before riding: Make sure the brakes work, the tires are in good condition, and nothing feels off.
• Avoid riding under the influence: You can be cited for DUI while riding an e-scooter in Arizona.

Remember that even safe riders can still be hit by a careless driver or hurt by road conditions. If that happens, know that Gage Mathers is here to support you every step of the way!

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 24 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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