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Morning commutes and evening rides through downtown Midtown Sacramento have undergone significant changes with the rise of electric scooters. While these devices have added a new layer of convenience and mobility, they’ve also introduced fresh risks — especially when they intersect with motorcycles on city streets. At Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora, LLP, we’re seeing how the growing presence of e‑scooters and motorcycles can lead to collisions, and what each rider can do to stay safer.
The Changing Street Scene: E‑Scooters + Motorcycles
Electric scooters have soared in popularity — and so have related injury rates. Statewide, collisions involving motorized personal devices (including e‑scooters) rose from 545 in 2022 to 700 in 2023. In Sacramento and elsewhere, e‑scooter injury reports have exploded; for example, one study found e‑scooter injuries jumped from 8,566 in 2017 to 56,847 in 2022.
Meanwhile, motorcycle crashes remain a serious concern. In Sacramento, motorcycles account for approximately 3% of registered vehicles but are involved in roughly 14% of traffic fatalities in California. In dense city areas like Midtown — where motorcycles, scooters, cars, bicyclists, and pedestrians all share space — the chance of conflict rises.
Why the Collision Risk Increases
Here are some factors driving the uptick in scooter‑/motorcycle‑related collisions:
Visibility & Speed Differentials
Scooters are small, quieter, and often less visible than motorcycles. Drivers expect larger vehicles, and may not anticipate a scooter or motorbike zipping out of a blind spot. That same lack of visibility creates a risk for motorcycles weaving or changing lanes: when scooter riders or drivers misjudge speed or path, surprises can occur.
Mixed Usage Zones
In Midtown, roads and intersections are shared by transportation types. Scooters may be used on streets, bike lanes, or sidewalks (sometimes insecurely). Motorcycles may accelerate, lane‑split, or suddenly change direction. The mix of very slow-moving (scooters) and faster-moving (motorcycles) vehicles in constrained spaces increases the chance of collisions.
Infrastructure & Regulation Gaps
Infrastructure built for bicycles and cars often fails to serve scooters and motorcycles effectively. Potholes, uneven surfaces, lack of dedicated lanes, or unclear signage create trouble. According to a Sacramento injury attorney resource, scooter accidents often stem from uneven surfaces, a lack of rider awareness, and unclear device regulations.
Rider Behavior & Risky Decisions
Scooters and motorcycles both carry the risk of risky behavior, including speeding, disregarding traffic rules, weaving through traffic, or riding where prohibited. Riders of e‑scooters may not always understand the rules or may ride aggressively, and motorcyclists may encounter these unpredictable users. For example, one injury law firm in Sacramento notes that the lack of speed limit enforcement on scooters has contributed to a rise in accidents.
What This Means for You
If you ride a motorcycle in Midtown and share the road with scooter traffic — or if you're an e‑scooter user near motorcycle zones — awareness and caution are critical. Here are the steps you should take:
- Slow down and stay visible. No matter what you’re riding, assume other road users may not see you.
- Maintain safe following distances and lane positioning. Especially in mixed‑traffic zones, avoid tight spacing around scooters or motorcycles.
- Avoid blind‑spot zones. Vehicles may not see you until it's too late.
- Adhere to traffic rules. Whether you ride a scooter or motorcycle, obey signs, signals, and safe speeds.
- Wear protective gear. For motorcyclists: a helmet and protective clothing. For scooter riders: Ideally, a helmet and reflective gear are recommended.
- Document your ride if possible. If you’re involved in a collision, any video evidence or photos of the scene can be helpful.
When a Collision Happens
If you’ve been involved in a collision in Midtown between a motorcycle and/or an e‑scooter, you may face complex questions of fault and liability. Who was riding where? Were they visible? Did they follow the law? What were the road and infrastructure conditions? At Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora, LLP, our team has experience investigating collisions involving motorcycles, scooters, and multi-vehicle scenarios — helping to secure compensation for injury victims.
Get Trusted Help Today
Don’t navigate a scooter‑ or motorcycle‑related accident alone. If you’ve been injured in Midtown Sacramento (or elsewhere in Northern California), contact Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora, LLP for a free consultation. Our experienced trial attorneys will review your case, help you understand your rights, and fight for the recovery you deserve. Call (916) 999-9132 or reach out online today.
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