Texas Border Business
RIO GRANDE VALLEY – Electric scooters are a common way for Texans to get around, especially in urban areas. But while they offer convenience and flexibility, e-scooters also introduce new safety challenges on streets and sidewalks.
Crashes involving these nearly silent vehicles are on the rise in Texas, and while they represent a small share of overall incidents, any collision can lead to serious injury.
To help keep scooter riders and drivers safe on the road, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is reminding Texans that safety depends on being predictable, alert and respectful of others sharing the road. That’s what it means to drive like a Texan: kind, courteous and safe.
Tips for e-scooter riders to safely share the road:
• Follow the same rules as bicycles. Stop at red lights and stop signs, ride in the same direction as traffic, and use bike lanes when available.
• Be predictable. Ride in a straight line, avoid sudden swerves and signal your turns and stops early so others can anticipate your movements.
• Slow down in shared spaces. When riding on sidewalks (where allowed), reduce your speed, watch for pedestrians and be ready to stop.
• Don’t ride distracted. Wearing headphones or earbuds can limit your awareness of traffic around you.
• Keep both hands available to control your ride. Avoid carrying items that make it hard to steer or react quickly.
• Wear a helmet. It’s one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of serious injury.
• One rider per device. Most scooters and many e-bikes are designed for a single rider.
• Know where to ride. Use dedicated bike lanes, but if they’re not available, stick to roadways with a speed limit of 30 mph or less and ride as far to the right as possible. Check local ordinances, since counties or cities can prohibit e-scooters from certain sidewalks, paths and roadways for safety reasons.
Drivers can also help to keep everyone safe with these tips:
• Give scooter riders space. When passing, it’s safest to allow at least three feet between your vehicle and a scooter.
• Look twice before turning or changing lanes. Scooters can be difficult to see at busy intersections or in blind spots. It can also be hard for drivers to judge a scooter’s speed correctly.
• Check before opening your door. Look for scooters to avoid opening your vehicle’s door in the path of an oncoming scooter.
• Be patient. Scooter riders may need extra time to cross intersections or navigate traffic safely.
• Expect to see riders. Stay alert for them, especially in urban areas where e-scooters are popular.
Be Safe. Drive Smart. is an important part of TxDOT’s Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. initiative. Drive like a Texan is about embracing the pride, camaraderie and responsibility of being a Texan on the road. By making thoughtful choices, we can all help keep each other safe. Learn more at DriveLikeATexan.com.
