5 Tips for Ride-Sharing Scooters
If you spent time in downtown Spokane this summer, you probably noticed more bikes and scooters on the road. That’s because earlier this year, the City of Spokane launched a bike-sharing trial run with the company, Lime. The program helped bring both ease of transportation to the downtown area and a new form of recreation to the city.
The trial wrapped up in November and was a great success with more than 139,000 rides recorded. While Lime plans to return next year, safety remains a major concern around the city. While Lime lists their terms and conditions before each ride, few riders followed through with all of the requests. Riders refusing to wear helmets and opting to ride on the sidewalk instead of designated bike lanes were just a few of the safety concerns noted.
Safety Tips for Lime Scooters
To keep safety the top priority, we compiled some tips to be mindful of the next time you decide to ride.
- Wear a Helmet
Helmets are as important as wearing your seatbelt. Lime scooters can travel up to 15mph and, in a crowded area like downtown Spokane, it's hard to avoid obstacles. Wearing a helmet helps to prevent trauma to the neck or spine that can result in long-term damage. Accidents happen but injuries can be preventable when people take proper precautions. - Park Safely
Lime scooters and bikes are intended to be parked on the sidewalk for the next person to use; however, it’s important to not park scooters or bikes in front of doors, crosswalks, garage doors, and private properties. Likewise, bikes and scooters can easily become a tripping hazard leading to minor scrapes, sprained ligaments, or fractured bones. Falling on the sidewalk or paved road may result in minor injuries for a younger demographic, but for people with fragile bones, a fall such as this could easily result in a broken hip. Instead, park Lime scooters or bikes upright and on the curbside.
- Abide by Traffic Laws
Motorized scooters are just like any other motorized vehicle; everyone must know the rules of the road to operate one. Previously, it was acceptable to ride Lime scooters and bikes on sidewalks but now, they are illegal to ride where people walk. Stay in clearly marked bike lanes and be mindful of pedestrian and vehicle traffic. - Watch for Road Obstructions
Motorized scooters do not have large tires like a car or a bike. Potholes and rocks in the road can easily cause someone to lose their balance and crash. People should be aware of obstructions in the road and ride at an appropriate speed that allows them to see everything in front of them. - Be Responsible
While riding can be fun, Lime scooters and bikes should not be treated as a toy. Avoid doing any tricks or taking pictures while riding. Lime scooters can reach up to 15 mph but should not be ridden at that speed at all times. Everyone riding a scooter should be aware of their surroundings and brake when necessary. There is a lot of foot traffic in downtown Spokane which can increase the chances of injuring yourself or others. A high-speed crash caused by inattention can lead to multiple broken bones and serious head injuries.
Lime scooters and bikes can be a fun way to get around town, but it’s important to ride safely. In the event you experience an injury such as a fracture or neck pain, schedule an appointment with one of our providers at Northwest Orthopaedic Specialists. Visit NW Orthopaedic Express Walk-in Clinics for specialized care without an appointment.
Tags: Scooters, Scooter Safety.