{"id":5603,"date":"2018-11-13T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2018-11-13T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prd-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/?p=5603"},"modified":"2026-04-23T23:51:51","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T23:51:51","slug":"e-bikes-and-scooters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/updates-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/e-bikes-and-scooters\/","title":{"rendered":"E-bikes and scooters: What you need to know for a safe ride","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

Electric bikes and scooters have begun to show up all around Tacoma, on street corners and sidewalks from the Ruston Way waterfront all the way to downtown. While these options can be a cheaper \u2014 and more enjoyable \u2014 alternative to grabbing an Uber or Lyft, it is important to know the facts before getting on that scooter or bike.<\/p>\n

Before you ride<\/h2>\n

Two e-vehicle rideshare companies have vehicles available in the Tacoma, Seattle and Spokane areas at this time. Lime<\/a>, which offers electric bike and scooter options as well as traditional non-electric bikes, and Bird<\/a>, which offers e-scooters. Both companies require that you install an app on your mobile device in order to rent and use their vehicles.<\/p>\n

It is always recommended that you do a safety check of the bike or scooter before you begin. Check the brakes and lights, and make sure the seat is adjusted properly for your height.<\/p>\n

Helmet laws are enforced<\/h2>\n

The Lime user agreement<\/a>\u00a0does not require riders to use helmets \u2014 however, they remind all riders that you must follow the helmet laws in the city you are riding in. Bird, which strictly provides E-scooters at this time, follows a similar policy<\/a>:<\/p>\n

\u201cBird recommends that all Riders wear a Snell, CPSC, ANSI or ASTM approved helmet that has been properly sized, fitted and fastened according to the manufacturer’s instructions \u2026 Rider assumes all risk of not wearing a helmet or other protective gear.\u201d<\/p>\n

Washington state has no statewide laws requiring helmets for bicyclists, but many cities and counties do<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 including King County, Pierce County, Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Puyallup and Spokane. These laws apply to adults as well as children.<\/p>\n

You must follow traffic laws<\/h2>\n

You are required to follow all local traffic laws when using e-vehicles.<\/p>\n

Both Lime and Bird recommend that you ride e-vehicles in the bike lane or close to the right curb and avoid the sidewalk.<\/p>\n

Bird specifically prohibits users of their e-scooters from riding on the sidewalks, unless local law requires it: \u201cNo riding on sidewalks unless local law requires or permits \u2014 it endangers members of our community who want to walk freely. We\u2019re all in this together, so let\u2019s be good neighbors and look out for one another. Ride in bike lanes or close to the right curb.\u201d<\/p>\n

Just as with a traditional bike or scooter, it is important to pay attention to traffic flow, pedestrians and the weather to ensure a safe ride.<\/p>\n

You must be 18 or older to ride<\/h2>\n

Both Lime and Bird prohibit anyone under the age of 18 from using an e-vehicle (electric bikes and scooters). Both companies also require riders to have a valid driver\u2019s license.<\/p>\n

Lime does allow those 16 years and older to use their non-electric bikes, with parental or legal guardian approval. The parent or legal guardian must give their teen access through their Lime account, supervise them at all times while they are using the bike, and ensure they are wearing a helmet at all times. The parent\/legal guardian is also responsible for all financial and other responsibility while their teen is using the bike.<\/p>\n

With the prevalence of e-vehicles popping up in the area, we encourage all parents to talk to their children about the rules surrounding the use of these vehicles, to ensure they are not endangering themselves or others.<\/p>\n

Lime and Bird provide a convenient way to get around the city for a relatively low price, which can be a timesaver for those who avoid, or do not have, a car for traveling. And, when the safety rules and traffic laws are followed, they can be a great option for increasing accessibility throughout urban areas.<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Electric bikes and scooters can be a fun and affordable alternative to driving or taking the bus. Review these safety tips to ensure a great ride.<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"author":151,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[127],"tags":[170],"class_list":["post-5603","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-healthy-living","tag-summer-safety"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nE-bikes and scooters: What you need to know for a safe ride - MultiCare Vitals<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Stay safe while riding e-bikes and scooters. 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