by Denver introduces new rules for e-scooters
E-scooters have become a popular means of transportation in large cities, offering speed and convenience without the need for parking or refueling. However, they have also turned sidewalks into obstacle courses and sometimes into places of unexpected hospital visits. Now, Denver, Colorado, is taking steps to control their use.
The city has adopted new regulations requiring all scooters to be equipped with technology that automatically shuts them off when driven onto sidewalks. Additionally, users must pass a test before their first use.
This legislation is not just about scooters and bicycles but also about saving lives, ensuring safety for all pedestrians, and setting national standards for responsible micromobility.
Technology and safety
In 2024, local hospitals recorded around 2,000 cases of scooter-related injuries, including fractures, cuts, and concussions. Starting in 2027, additional rules will be introduced, requiring users to leave scooters only in designated areas.
Currently, sidewalk detection technology is in the testing phase, but precise details of its operation are not disclosed. Meanwhile, in the U.S., only a few states allow riding scooters on sidewalks, while most have their own restrictions regarding age, helmets, and riding locations.
Denver is becoming one of the first cities to systematically approach micromobility regulation. These steps may serve as an example for other cities facing similar problems. Implementing new technologies and rules could significantly reduce the number of accidents and improve street safety.
