You go out to the bar with friends and have a few drinks after work. Next, the bunch of you are having fun on the streets riding bird or lime scooters. DUI charges are most commonly associated with motor vehicles, such as trucks, cars, and SUVs. However, with electric scooters being an ever so prevalent means of transportation now, it’s important to understand the rights that you have when riding and the laws that apply to electric scooters while under the influence.
Can You Get A DUI On A Scooter?
Yes, you can be charged with DUI while riding an electric scooter. Under Pennsylvania law, operating any vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of between 0.08 and 0.10 percent can be cause for a DUI arrest or charge under “general impairment.” Punishments for such charges can range from paying high-value fines, months to years of incarceration, or, depending on if it’s your first charge or not, having your license suspended or revoked.
In addition, DUIs can go on your permanent criminal record and show on future background checks, making it difficult to rent an apartment, get a job, or apply for a loan. However, there are gray areas when it comes to certain motorized vehicles. Motorized or mobility devices for people with disabilities can be used to get from place to place in order to alleviate a disability. While this is sometimes an unclear area in terms of DUI law, those under the influence using these vehicles could also receive DUIs.
Pennsylvania DUI Law
Pennsylvania law states that you can get a DUI not just from riding motor vehicles, such as cars or trucks. People driving or riding other forms of vehicles with a BAC over 0.08 can also receive DUIs. Specifically, under Pennsylvania Vehicle Code 102, a “vehicle” is defined as “Every device in, upon or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, except devices used exclusively upon rails or tracks.” In this way, electric scooters can be considered a vehicle by which a person could receive a DUI on.
Charged with DUI on a Bird / Lime Scooter?
Driving any sort of vehicle or heavy machinery while under the influence is dangerous and should be avoided. If you’ve been arrested or charged with a DUI on an electric scooter, our experienced and aggressive legal counsel at Kwartler Manus could help you with your case and possible defenses.
Contact our firm at (267) 457-5570 to discuss your rights.