The emergence of scooter ride-share companies has changed the way people travel around cities. E-scooters are changing the way people use public transportation. The electric scooter system, such as Ojo, is an excellent solution for many people. As more people use scooters, states and cities are making changes to laws and regulations for this new industry.
How does Ojo work?
Ojo is a dockless electric scooter sharing rental company. Its scooters are different from the traditional stand-up scooter. Ojo’s e-scooters are sit-down scooters. These scooters allow for seated riding, plus they offer a trunk.
Like other e-scooter rental companies, to use an Ojo scooter, people have to download the Ojo app to locate a scooter near them. The app is also used to unlock the scooter.
Scooter laws
State and local laws, together with e-scooter companies’ guidelines, help scooter users stay safe. Ojo tells customers to never ride on the sidewalk. Instead, the company directs riders to use bike lanes. Moreover, they instruct their riders to obey all traffic laws.
New Jersey laws permit electric scooter riders to ride on the streets, highways, roadways and bicycle paths. It also requires e-scooter riders under the age of 18 to wear a helmet. Furthermore, state law provides that riders must comply with local laws regarding riding an electric scooter. Local municipalities can create their own rules regarding scooter usage.
Hoboken, New Jersey is the first city in the state to have an electric scooter rental program, which partners with scooter companies. Ojo as one of these ride-share companies. Some of the local laws that govern scooters include:
- Riders must be 18 or older to ride
- Scooters have to be used in the street
- Riders can ride in bike lanes
- Riding on sidewalks is not allowed
- Scooters must be parked in such a way as to not interfere with vehicles or pedestrians
- The maximum speed limit for scooters is 18 miles per hour
Scooter injuries
Electric scooter injuries do not happen frequently. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 injuries occur for every 100,000 trips on an e-scooter. However, when injuries occur, they can be severe or even fatal. While wearing a helmet may help to offset life-changing or deadly head injuries, scooter riders do not have any protection for their body.
Some of the most common scooter injuries include, but are not limited to:
- Bruises
- Scratches
- Scrapes
- Broken bones
- Fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Concussions
- Brain injuries
Recovering compensation
The injuries you sustain after a scooter accident may cause long-term or lifelong pain. They may also prevent you from working or doing daily activities. You may need to file a lawsuit to get compensation for your injuries and damages. Lawsuits, however, are often complicated and time-consuming, so it best to have an experienced and learned attorney representing you.
If you were injured while riding a Ojo electric scooter, call 856.249.9295 today for a free consultation with an experienced New Jersey attorney at Petrillo & Goldberg.
