A recent survey conducted by ERideHero reveals that, among 1000 U.S. electric scooter riders, a significant gap in legal awareness. There are many other reasons which significantly illustrate that E-Scooter riders are breaking laws. Only 24.5% of riders consider themselves ‘very familiar’ with local laws.
Cities are transforming with the rise of micromobility. As electric scooters gain momentum, states respond with new laws. But the critical question remains: how effective are they?
A comprehensive survey of 1,000 U.S. electric scooter riders offers a unique window into the real-world impact of these laws, revealing how riders adapt and where the gaps lie in legislation, enforcement, and public awareness.
The survey also sheds light on helmet usage habits and riders’ perceived safety, offering a holistic view of urban scooter use in the United States, the reasons behind why E-Scooter riders are breaking laws.
Irrespective of whether they own or rent, E-Scooter riders are breaking laws, only a quarter of our surveyed riders, precisely 24.5%, reported being ‘Very familiar’ with the local laws governing electric scooter use resulting to E-Scooter riders are breaking laws.
This statistic highlights a significant gap in legal knowledge among scooter users showcasing E-Scooter riders are breaking laws. The majority of riders either possess only partial knowledge or are entirely unaware of the legal framework they are expected to navigate.
This lack of awareness underscores city authorities’ and scooter companies’ brining E-Scooter riders are breaking laws and thus need for more effective communication strategies to ensure safer riding practices.
Ownership vs. rental: There is no notable difference in legal knowledge between electric scooter owners and renters.
Gender knowledge disparity: 29.7% of male riders report being ‘very familiar’ with scooter laws, higher than the 19.3% among female riders.
Age-related knowledge gap: 28.9% of riders aged 16-44 are ‘very familiar’ with scooter laws, compared to just 15.9% among those over 45.
The survey revealed a surprising trend: nearly half of the electric scooter riders confess to occasionally breaking the law while using their scooters.
This statistic reflects a significant compliance issue within the electric scooter community. Despite the majority showing some level of adherence, a substantial proportion of riders admit to deviating from legislation in place from time to time.
Compliance by ownership: 57.4% of renters consistently follow scooter laws, higher than 47.8% of owners, despite similar legal familiarity.
Age and compliance correlation: Higher law adherence with age; 47.2% of 16-44 year-olds always adhere, compared to 58% of those above 45.
Author:
Rasmus is the founder of ERideHero. Through half a decade, he has tested more than 110 electric rides across more than 6,400 miles. He handles the review process, content creation, and all things web and video.
ERideHero mission is to empower electric ride enthusiasts and consumers worldwide. ERideHero achieve this with a data-driven approach backed by half a decade of expertise and hands-on testing of more than 100 models. With deep-dive product reviews, comprehensive round-up guides, and easy-to-digest technical resources, we go a step further to provide unique insights to our readers.
