Georgia Electric Scooter Laws: What Atlanta Riders Need to Know
Riah Greathouse, Esq. · September 14, 2021Electric scooters have become increasingly popular in Atlanta and its surrounding neighborhoods. There are currently three electric scooter companies in Atlanta, namely Bird, Lime, and Spin. However, there are certain laws required to operate an e-scooter in Atlanta. Here are Georgia’s electric scooter laws.
Larger, gas-powered scooters are very different from the smaller, electric scooters currently available in Atlanta. Electric scooters do not currently require a driver’s license, registration, or any insurance in order to ride them.
Electric scooters are also dockless, meaning a rider can rent it, ride it to their destination, and leave it for the next person. However, they cannot be left on vegetation, over a grate, in a shared use path, or within five feet of a docking location. Atlanta’s ordinance also bans leaving them where they may obstruct traffic, vehicle parking, access to buildings, or emergency service infrastructure. They must also be left upright.
These scooters can be ridden on bike paths, bike lanes, and on roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. However, they cannot be ridden on sidewalks or crosswalks. But, a rider can dismount and walk the scooter across the crosswalk or on the sidewalk. The vehicle itself only goes up to 15mph, so it’s important to be safe when riding on the road with cars.
When it comes to who can ride a scooter, it is mostly open to everyone as long as it is only one person riding the scooter. While there is no set minimum age to ride a scooter, riders 16 or younger are required to wear a helmet when riding.
Electric scooters are governed by the same laws as Georgia. Since Georgia is a hands-free state, texting and scooting is not allowed. Scooters must also follow all traffic rules. They must follow the flow of traffic and yield to pedestrians as well.
Electric scooters are an excellent way to get around; however, they can still be dangerous. If you’ve been injured in an electric scooter accident, contact Greathouse Trial Law today for your free case evaluation. We aim to serve the great people of Atlanta and to give a voice to the voiceless.
Greathouse Trial Law
100 Galleria Parkway
Suite 1460,
Atlanta GA 30339
(678) 310-2827
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