What Are the Current Regulations in SC for E-Scooters?
The State of South Carolina has taken a less-than-direct stance when it comes to electric scooters. Instead of enforcing statewide regulations, each city is responsible for implementing its own set of requirements, which tends to add to the confusion. The one constant, however, is that e-scooter accidents are extremely dangerous, and if you’ve been injured in one that was caused by another driver’s negligence, it’s time to consult with an experienced Charleston e-scooter accident attorney.
In Charleston
The City of Charleston allows privately owned e-scooters, but in the process, they impose a wide range of restrictions that are intended to enhance safety and maintain order. It’s also worth noting that Charleston – unlike many other cities throughout the nation – prohibits e-scooter rentals.
Use of the Road
You can take your e-scooter out on roads throughout the City of Charleston as long as the set speed limit is 25 miles per hour or lower. This is intended to limit your exposure to much larger vehicles zipping past you at highway speeds. As you ride, you are required to stay as far to the right as possible, which reflects the same rules that bicyclists must adhere to.
Use of the Sidewalk
For the most part, e-scooters are not allowed on sidewalks. For example, if your electric scooter can exceed 15 mph, it’s not permitted on any sidewalks in Charleston. If it doesn’t, however, there are limited spots that allow you to ride, but you must keep your speed under 15 mph and must yield to pedestrians.
Places You Can’t Ride
Charleston draws a clear line when it comes to the places where e-scooters are never allowed, which include all the following:
- Surface parking lots
- City parking garages
- Athletic fields – unless there is a sign that designates otherwise
- On sidewalks and roadways in commercial zones – unless there is a sign that designates otherwise
The Parking Rules
Leaving your e-scooter unattended on public property for more than 24 hours can lead to confiscation, which requires you to pay $45 to get it back. Further, you’re not allowed to park against streetlights, parking meters, stop signs, trees on the street, or boat docks. Finally, there are certain well-traveled streets on which your parked e-scooter can’t encroach on the public space even when you’re on private property.
These e-scooter regulations are shared by the Charleston, SC, Municode Codification.
Discuss Your Claim with an Experienced Charleston E-Scooter Accident Lawyer Today
The size differential between electric scooters and the vehicles they share the road with translates to very serious accidents. If you or someone you care about was injured by another driver’s negligence in an e-scooter accident, the trusted e-scooter accident lawyers at Parham Smith & Archenhold would welcome the opportunity to help guide your claim toward a favorable resolution that supports your most complete recovery. Your claim is important to your future, so please don’t put off reaching out and contacting us online or calling us at 864-432-1796 for more information about what we can do to help you today.