Did you suffer injuries in a preventable accident while you were riding a scooter, bike, or other motorized device in Wisconsin? You might feel shaken, hurt, and unsure of what to do next. A personal injury lawyer can look at what happened, determine who was at fault, and handle every aspect of your injury claim while you focus on your recovery.
Types of Motorized Scooters and Bikes Covered by Wisconsin Law
Wisconsin law groups motorized scooters, bikes, and similar devices into several categories. Each one has different definitions, rules, and restrictions:
- Electric scooters have handlebars, weigh under 100 pounds, and can run on electric or human power. They can have maximum speeds of 20 mph.
- Electric personal assistive mobility devices include two-wheeled, self-balancing devices like Segways. They are designed to carry one person and reach a maximum speed of 15 mph.
- Personal delivery devices carry property, not people. They weigh less than 80 pounds, travel under 10 mph, and can operate with or without someone controlling them.
- Electric bicycles, or e-bikes, have motors that assist with pedaling and can reach various speeds depending on the model. E-bikes are subject to the same traffic laws as traditional bikes.
Where Riders Are Legally Allowed to Operate
Wisconsin law generally lets people ride electric scooters and assistive mobility devices on sidewalks and crosswalks, but local governments can set their own rules. For example, Milwaukee has banned scooters from sidewalks and pedestrian paths in parks. This can be confusing for riders who move in and out of city limits. Additionally, Wisconsin courts have ruled that a sidewalk is not a “pedestrian way,” which affects how cities apply their own rules. Riders must pay close attention to where they operate since sidewalk use might be legal in one place and illegal just a block away.
Right-of-Way Laws and Motorist Responsibilities
Wisconsin law requires drivers to watch out for riders crossing at crosswalks. Drivers must wait when someone enters a crosswalk on a green light or walk signal. That includes people on motorized scooters, e-bikes, and personal assistive devices. If someone is riding through a crosswalk while a driver is waiting to turn right, the driver must stop and let the rider pass. Drivers who cut in front of riders or hit riders during a turn could be held responsible for injuries and property damage that result.
Common Causes of Motorized Scooter/Bike Accidents
Motorized scooters, bikes, and personal assistive mobility devices give people an easy way to get around, but riders face considerable risks on streets built mostly for cars. Common causes of accidents involving these vehicles include:
- Drivers turning without checking crosswalks
- Drivers opening car doors into riders
- Distracted driving
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Cars drifting into bike lanes
- Faulty scooter or bike parts
- Missing or obstructed traffic signs
- Riders or drivers ignoring signals or stop signs
- Lack of bike lanes or safe paths for riders
Fault in Scooter and Bike Accident Cases
Multiple parties could be at fault in a motorized scooter or bike accident case. A driver might be responsible if they ignored traffic signals or failed to yield the right of way. A rider could also be at fault if they were operating in a prohibited area or riding while distracted. In some cases, a government entity could share fault if a broken sidewalk or missing traffic signs contributed to the accident. Finally, a rental company or manufacturer could be at fault if a product defect was a factor.
Injured riders can still seek compensation from other parties even if they were partially responsible, as long as their percentage of fault does not exceed 50 percent.
How Warshafsky Law Firm Helps Injured Scooter and Bike Riders
If you were injured in a traffic accident while riding a motorized scooter or bike, Warshafsky Law Firm can investigate what happened and fight to hold the other side responsible. You don’t have to handle everything on your own. Contact our team today for your free consultation. We’ll listen to your story and give you the clear guidance you need.
