Personal electric vehicles are becoming a common sight on the streets of Asheville, NC. While these devices offer convenience and fun, they also come with risks. This article will discuss the benefits and dangers of personal electric vehicles and provide guidance on what to do if you suffer an injury in a personal electric vehicle accident in Asheville.
What Are Personal Electric Vehicles?
Personal electric vehicles (PEVs) like e-bikes, one-wheelers, Segways, and electric scooters are revolutionizing the way people get around Asheville, NC. These devices are not only practical and fun but also help reduce traffic congestion and pollution. However, with their growing presence on the streets and bike lanes, the risk of personal electric vehicle accidents in Asheville has increased.
PEV History and Prevalence in Asheville
In October 2018, Bird, a California-based company, introduced 200 e-scooters to Asheville without prior authorization, leading to significant controversy and safety concerns. This prompted the Asheville City Council to consider a ban on e-scooters. By April 2019, a judge ruled that the City had the right to prohibit motorized scooter services from operating without permission, effectively banning e-scooters in Asheville.
Despite the ban, many Asheville residents continue to ride their own personal electric vehicles, including e-scooters and one-wheelers. While the ban has affected ride-share businesses like Bird, it hasn’t deterred many individuals from riding these devices. You can still see a variety of PEVs being used around the city, often in bike lanes, which increases the potential for personal electric vehicle accidents in Asheville.
Convenience at a Cost
Despite their convenience, PEVs are not without hazards. Nationally, PEV-related injuries have been on the rise. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), injuries associated with micromobility devices, including e-scooters, increased by nearly 21% in 2022 compared to the previous year. This trend is evident in North Carolina, where more than 300 scooter crashes have been reported since 2018, with a significant number occurring in urban areas like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Durham. The compact and often crowded spaces of Asheville’s urban areas can lead to accidents, sometimes resulting in severe personal electric vehicle accidents in Asheville.
Learn more about PEV safety in this 3-minute read: Why E-bike Accidents are Different: 7 Reasons Why Electric Bicycles Crashes Can be More Serious
Given the rising popularity and associated risks, it’s crucial to understand how to safely enjoy PEVs and reduce the likelihood of personal electric vehicle accidents in Asheville. Here’s what you need to know:
- Safety Gear: Always wear a helmet and other protective gear to reduce the risk of serious injuries in the event of a PEV accident.
- Obey Traffic Laws: Follow the same rules as cyclists and motorists to ensure your safety and that of others, helping to avoid personal electric vehicle accidents in Asheville.
- Designated Lanes: Stick to bike lanes and avoid sidewalks to minimize the risk of collisions with pedestrians.
- Visibility: Use lights and wear reflective clothing, especially during nighttime rides, to reduce the chances of a personal electric vehicle accident in Asheville.
By following these safety tips, you can enjoy the benefits of PEVs while minimizing the risks. However, accidents can still happen, and it’s important to be prepared in case of a personal electric vehicle accident in Asheville.
FAQs About Personal Electric Vehicle Accidents in Asheville
Q: Are electric scooters allowed on sidewalks in Asheville?
A: Generally, it’s safer to ride electric scooters in bike lanes rather than on sidewalks to avoid collisions with pedestrians, reducing the risk of personal electric vehicle accidents in Asheville.
Q: What should I do if I’m involved in a personal electric vehicle accident in Asheville?
A: Seek medical attention immediately, document the incident, and contact a personal injury attorney to understand your rights and options.
Q: Are there specific laws for riding PEVs in Asheville?
A: Yes, PEV riders must adhere to the same traffic laws as cyclists, which include riding in designated lanes and following traffic signals to help avoid personal electric vehicle accidents in Asheville.
Action: Get Legal Help for Personal Electric Vehicle Accidents in Asheville
If you or a loved one has been injured in a personal electric vehicle accident in Asheville or Western NC, don’t hesitate to seek legal help. Personal injury cases involving PEVs can be complex, and having an experienced attorney on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
The attorneys at Fisher Stark P.A., have years of experience in handling personal electric vehicle accident cases in Asheville and are eager to help you navigate the legal process and help you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at 828-505-4300 to schedule a free consultation or visit our contact page to reach out to us online.
We will work hard to get you the justice & fair compensation you deserve. Fisher Stark, P.A. is a highly respected personal injury law firm in Asheville, NC. We provide experienced legal help for clients in Asheville, NC, and all the communities in Western North Carolina. Collectively, our legal team – Perry Fisher and Brad Stark – have more than 50 years of trial practice and have participated in more than 1,000+ injury cases. Call 828-505-4300 for a free consultation.