Electric scooters are getting more popular because people see them as a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation.
In many cities, e-scooters are just standing on the streets and waiting for someone to ride with them. After a fun night out, it’s really tempting to rent a scooter instead of taking a taxi. By that, it’s possible to save a lot of money.
However, most people don’t know if it is allowed to ride an electric scooter after having some drinks. Also, is it possible to get a DUI on an electric scooter?
The short answer is YES, you can get a DUI on an electric scooter.
In this blog post, we will explain why you can get a DUI on an e-scooter, what are the consequences, and how to avoid getting one.
Why Can You get a DUI On an Electric Scooter?
First, let’s try to understand how DUI laws work in general.
In the United States, driving under the influence is illegal in every state. And it’s totally understandable because, after every 45 minutes, one person dies in drunk-driving crashes.
DUI laws typically involve two factors:
- impairment
- and operating a motor vehicle.
In most jurisdictions, impairment is defined if you have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
Operating a motor vehicle means if you physically controlling the vehicle while impaired. And it’s regardless of whether the vehicle is moving or not.
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Are electric kick scooters motor vehicles?
It depends on how the state’s law defines the term. In many states, the term “motor vehicle” is very broad. However, in some states, the DUI law forbids drunk driving on any vehicle. And e-scooters fall well under the scope of this law.
Because of this, if you are operating an electric scooter while impaired, you could be charged with a DUI.
How Can I Get a DUI While Riding My E-Scooter?
The process of getting a DUI on an electric scooter is actually very similar to a car.
Here are the main scenarios for getting a DUI on an e-scooter:
- A police officer pulls you over for some other traffic violation. During that, he discovers that you are intoxicated.
- You are involved in an accident with your e-scooter. The investigating officer finds out that you are under influence of alcohol or drugs.
- You are stopped at a DUI checkpoint.
Can You Get an E-Scooter DUI If You are On Private Road?
Yes, you can still get an e-scooter DUI even if you are on a private road.
The laws for e-scooter DUIs are not the same in different jurisdictions. But in most places, riding a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is forbidden regardless you are on a public or private road.
As a real-life example, you can even get a DUI while riding with a golf cart. So, electric scooters are no exception. If you are caught riding your e-scooter while impaired on a private road, you may still face legal consequences.
Can I Get a DUI On a Lime or Bird E-Scooter?
Yes, you can get a DUI on a Lime or Bird e-scooter.
Just like with any other motorized vehicle, operating a Lime or Bird e-scooter while under the influence is illegal in most jurisdictions.
What are the Penalties for a DUI On an E-Scooter?
The exact penalties for a DUI on an e-scooter varies depending on the location. However, the penalty can be severe.
In general, penalties for an e-scooter DUI are very similar to those for a DUIs while riding a car.
Here are the most common penalties for an electric scooter DUI:
- Fine
- License suspension
- Community service
- Mandatory alcohol education or treatment program
- Jail time
Related: Electric Scooter Laws in Europe
Can You Lose Your Driver’s License for a DUI On an E-Scooter?
Yes, it is possible to lose your driver’s license for a DUI on an e-scooter. It’s a very common penalty for a DUI.
Even though you are allowed to rent a shared electric scooter without having a license, you can still get your license suspended if you have one.
How a DUI Charge Can Affect Your Life?
A DUI charge may have a significant and long-lasting impact on your life. In addition to the penalties mentioned earlier, a DUI charge can affect your personal and professional life.
Some of the consequences to consider:
- Higher insurance rates
- Difficulty obtaining or keeping employment
- Damage to personal relationships
How to Avoid Getting a DUI On an Electric Scooter?
I think you already know what’s the most obvious way to avoid a DUI on an electric scooter.
Don’t drink and ride.
If you don’t touch an electric scooter after having a drink, it’s not possible to get a DUI.
Secondly, make sure you know the law. In some jurisdictions, there might be allowed to ride an electric scooter until some degree of blood alcohol content.
But if you are not sure, take a cab or use public transport. Then you keep yourself safe and don’t endanger others in the event of an accident.
DUI on an E-Scooter FAQs
Can you get a DUI on an electric scooter in Texas?
In short, yes, you can get a DUI on an e-scooter in Texas.
In Texas, you can get a DWI (driving while intoxicated or impaired) while operating a motorized vehicle. Since the definition of motorized vehicle in Texas is extremely loose, electric scooters fit into this.
Can you get a DUI on a scooter in NY?
In New York State, any vehicle that has a motor is considered a motor vehicle. So it doesn’t matter if you ride with a golf cart or electric scooter, if you are intoxicated, you can get a DUI.
Can you get a DUI on an e-scooter in Florida?
In Florida, you can get a DUI on any vehicle. Since a vehicle is anything that can be used to transport someone, electric scooters are vehicles in Florida.
Can you get a DUI on an electric scooter in Canada?
Yes, you can get a DUI on an electric scooter in Canada.
According to the Criminal Code of Canada, you can be charged for impaired driving if you operate a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Electric scooters are considered motor vehicles.
Conclusion
To sum it up, riding an electric scooter while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result in a DUI charge. Even if you are on a private road, you can still get a DUI.
You can get a penalty such as a fine or suspension of the driver’s license. The best way to avoid a DUI is just not to ride any motor vehicle while under the influence.
Don’t risk it, it’s not worth it!
The founder and the editor-in-chief of the Electric Wheelers blog. With a previous background in IT, sales, and video editing, he has now established himself as a micromobility expert.
He bought his first e-scooter over 5 years ago and since then has owned dozens of e-scooters and e-bikes. His deep understanding of the technical aspects, coupled with a keen eye for market trends, enables him to provide insightful and reliable content.
His commitment to promoting sustainable and efficient urban mobility solutions has made him a respected voice in the community of eco-friendly transportation enthusiasts.
I once witnessed the consequences of riding an electric scooter under the influence. A friend thought it was harmless, but he lost control and collided with a car, narrowly avoiding serious injury. It was a wake-up call for all of us. This incident highlights the importance of responsible riding and the potential dangers of not taking DUI laws seriously, even on electric scooters. Safety should always come first.