Are E-Scooters Allowed in Crosswalks?

E-scooters are everywhere these days, offering a quick and eco-friendly way to get around in busy cities. But as more people hop on these electric scooters, it’s becoming less clear where they’re supposed to be used—especially when it comes to intersections and crosswalks.

This confusion was highlighted in an incident I discussed in my video below, where a Porsche collided with an e-scooter at a busy intersection.

The Incident: Who’s at Fault?

In a video that’s been making the rounds, a Porsche collides with an e-scooter in a crosswalk. The Porsche driver, even with a green light, had a duty to ensure the intersection was clear of pedestrians, cyclists, and e-scooters before proceeding. The impact seems to place the Porsche in the wrong, as the driver failed to yield to the scooter in the crosswalk.

The situation escalated when the scooter rider, in a fit of road rage, slammed his scooter into the Porsche. While the initial collision might have placed the Porsche driver at fault, the rider’s aggressive response could have led to legal consequences of its own. In Louisiana, such an act could be classified as Simple Criminal Damage to Property under Louisiana RS 14:56, penalties can include fines up to $1,000 and even jail time.

The Legal Status of E-Scooters in Louisiana

But what about the e-scooter's presence in the crosswalk? Was it legally allowed to be there? 

In Louisiana, the operation of e-scooters falls under a mix of state and local regulations. According to Louisiana RS 32:300.1.1, e-scooters are generally allowed on sidewalks unless otherwise restricted by local ordinances. This provision helps to ensure the safety of e-scooter riders by keeping them off busy streets where they might be at higher risk of accidents with motor vehicles.

However, when it comes to crosswalks, the law is less clear. Crosswalks are generally intended for pedestrians, and the legal status of e-scooters using them remains a gray area. In the absence of explicit laws, e-scooter riders often follow the same rules as cyclists, meaning they can use crosswalks but must yield to pedestrians and exercise caution when crossing.

Crosswalks: Pedestrians Only?

Despite the growing presence of e-scooters, crosswalks have traditionally been reserved for pedestrians. In many cities, including those in Louisiana, local regulations could be more restrictive, potentially prohibiting e-scooters from using crosswalks altogether. This lack of clarity means that while e-scooters are permitted on sidewalks, using a crosswalk may put the rider in a legally precarious situation.

That said, the specific legal interpretation can vary, and in the case of the incident involving the Porsche, both the driver and the e-scooter rider may bear some responsibility for the collision. The Porsche driver failed to yield, while the e-scooter rider may have been in a place where they weren’t supposed to be.

The Rise of E-Scooters and the Need for Clear Regulations

The popularity of e-scooters has skyrocketed in recent years, particularly in urban areas where they offer a convenient alternative to traditional forms of transportation. However, the rapid adoption of e-scooters has outpaced the development of clear regulations governing their use, leading to confusion and conflicts like the one involving the Porsche.

As e-scooters continue to become a common sight on sidewalks and streets, it’s crucial for lawmakers to address the gaps in existing regulations. Clear rules about where e-scooters can and cannot go, including crosswalks, will help reduce the risk of accidents and provide both riders and drivers with the guidance they need to share the road safely.

Who’s in the Wrong?

So, who’s really at fault here—the Porsche driver or the e-scooter rider? While the Porsche driver should have yielded, the fact that the e-scooter was in the crosswalk complicates things.  In Louisiana, the law doesn’t explicitly prohibit e-scooters from using crosswalks, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good idea.

This incident just shows how much we need better rules for e-scooters as they become more common in our cities. It’s crucial to know the road rules and how they apply to new forms of transportation like e-scooters.

In the meantime, both drivers and e-scooter riders should be careful and respectful to keep everyone safe. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to check out my videos on my channel for more legal insights on topics like this. 

And if you ever find yourself in a similar situation and need legal advice, don't hesitate to contact us—we’re here to help.