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Motorized Scooter Education
Attention Surfside community! Are you planning to ride a motorized scooter around Town? Before you hit the road, it's important to know the rules and regulations to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.
A motorized scooter sometimes called an electric kick scooter, micromobility device, or e-scooter is powered by a small electric motor built into the front or rear wheel. A motorized scooter is a vehicle that:
* Has three or fewer wheels
* Cannot exceed 30 mph on level ground
* Does not have a seat or saddle.
If you're considering using a motorized scooter as your mode of transportation, there are some important things you need to know to stay safe and follow the law. The following information will help you understand the rules and regulations regarding the use of a motorized scooter.
Legal Use
In Florida, motorized scooters are considered vehicles and must follow the same rules as other motor vehicles on the road. You are not required to have a driver's license to operate a motorized scooter. However, you must follow all Florida traffic laws just as you would if walking, bicycling, or driving a vehicle. The motorized scooter must be operated in the same direction as traffic, and you must come to a complete stop when required at all intersections.
A motorized scooter is not required to satisfy the State's registration and insurance requirements. A person is not required to have a driver's license to operate a motorized scooter.
As a motorized scooter rider, you have the same rights and responsibilities as bicyclists, including the opportunity to use bike lanes.
Safety Education
It's important to know how to properly operate a motorized scooter to avoid accidents and injuries. Always wear a helmet and other protective gear, and make sure to follow all traffic laws and signals. Keep both hands on the handlebars and avoid carrying any bulky items that could interfere with your balance. Additionally, it's important to never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
It's also important to keep in mind that you must yield to pedestrians on sidewalks and in crosswalks, and always signal your intentions when turning or changing lanes. Be mindful of your surroundings and always exercise caution when riding your motorized scooter.
Tips: To ensure visibility, it's best to make eye contact with other motorists instead of making sudden stops or turns.
Additionally, you should always wear protective safety gear, including a good-fitting helmet, closed-toe shoes, and long pants.
If under age 16, you are required by Florida Law to wear a helmet. Always wear a properly fitted helmet and securely fasten the strap.
Did you know that by wearing a Helmet riders cut down the risk of fatal head injuries by over 60 percent?
Motorized scooters are not designed for children, and you must be over the age of eighteen to rent one in Florida. All safety recommendations and guidelines should always be followed when operating any kind of motorized vehicle on the roadways and through traffic.
Where to Operate
To minimize the risk of injury or running into people, it's important to know where you can and cannot operate your motorized scooter. You are allowed to ride on roads with a speed limit of 30 miles per hour or less, in bike lanes, and on sidewalks if you are traveling at a walking pace. However, it is illegal to ride on highways, bridges, or any roads with a speed limit greater than 30 mph.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the convenience and fun of riding a motorized scooter while also keeping yourself and others safe. Remember, safety always comes first!
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