Ty Robinson | April 22, 2025 | Personal Injury

How Safe Are Motor Scooters In Charleston?

Motor scooters and electric bikes have become important modes of transportation in cities across the U.S. They are forms of “micro-mobility,” an overarching subset of transportation that also includes mopeds and other small, personal motorized vehicles. 

As enjoyable as it may be to ride a motor scooter around the historic city of Charleston, safety is a major concern. The number of micromobility-based accidents is soaring, and some researchers have found that e-scooter riders are more likely to sustain internal injuries than people who ride conventional scooters. 

As such, before you choose to use a motor scooter as your primary means of getting around, you must take the time to learn about how to properly protect yourself.

What Is A Motor Scooter?

A motor scooter is much like the aforementioned moped; it has two wheels, a seat, and a platform where the driver can rest their feet. In fact, motor scooters are legally considered the same as mopeds in South Carolina. If the scooter has a gas engine over 50cc or an electric motor between 750 to 1500 watts, you must purchase liability insurance for it.

All About South Carolina Motor Scooter Safety

A frequent question about motor scooters in Charleston is: “Can scooters ride in bike lanes in South Carolina?” Since scooters are legally considered the same as mopeds, they can be ridden anywhere a moped can be ridden, including bike lanes. 

Furthermore, when properly registered and insured, motor scooters can be operated on most streets in Charleston, though not on interstates or freeways. Scooter riders must follow all the same traffic laws as any other vehicle on the road, including traffic signals and right-of-way rules. 

Specifically, scooters aren’t allowed to impede traffic; if it accumulates behind a slow moped or scooter, the rider must pull over as soon as it is safe and let faster-moving traffic pass. 

Violating South Carolina’s scooter laws may result in fines, a suspended license, or criminal charges. Operating without a license, for instance, could result in a misdemeanor charge, a $100 fine, and a 30-day jail sentence. 

Additionally, riding under the influence is just as serious as driving under the influence. First-time DUI charges could cost riders hundreds of fines and fees, as well as a six-month license suspension and mandatory participation in an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program. 

Common Motor Scooter Accident Injuries

Even though motor scooters travel at lower speeds, accidents involving them can be just as (or even more dangerous) as auto accidents. With no protective metal barrier or airbags, there is nothing between a scooter rider and another vehicle in the case of a collision. 

According to one study, moped and motorcycle accident survivors are the two highest-risk groups for fatal accidents. Fractures to the spine, pelvis, and appendicular skeleton are common. In addition, a high death rate is associated with traumatic brain injuries following e-scooter accidents. 

Other injuries associated with moped and scooter accidents include the following:

  • Head injuries
  • Skin abrasion (road rash)
  • Lacerations
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Neck injuries

Even a slow-speed accident on a scooter can result in serious injury, especially if the rider isn’t wearing a helmet. That is a more common scenario than you might think, seeing as South Carolina only legally mandates helmet usage for those under the age of 21. 

Are You Riding A Motor Scooter In Charleston?

A motor scooter is a fun, low-cost way to get around Charleston, but accidents involving them can be as dangerous as motorcycle accidents. Make sure your scooter is licensed and registered, if required, and always stick to roadways where such vehicles are allowed. Wear all recommended safety equipment and obey speed limits to reduce the risk of injury. 

Contact Our Charleston Personal Injury At Ty Robinson Personal Injury & Car Accident Law Firm Today

If you were injured in an accident in Charleston, South Carolina, and need legal help, contact our Charleston personal injury lawyer at Ty Robinson Personal Injury & Car Accident Law Firm to schedule a free case review today.

Ty Robinson Personal Injury & Car Accident Law Firm
28 Broad St Suite 204-2
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 278-2222