Driving around the often-busy and often-narrow roads of Charleston can feel like running an obstacle course on the best days. Throw in the rising prevalence of electric scooters dipping, diving and ducking on and off the streets, and you’ve got a growing problem.
State and local officials agree they’re seeing more motorized scooters in Charleston. And Charleston Police Department Public Information Officer Christopher Stinson said the increase is probably not unique to the Lowcountry as e-scooters have grown in popularity nationwide over the last several years.
The popularity is often reflected in local rental companies that allow people to grab a scooter to get around and drop it off elsewhere. Cities like Charlotte and Atlanta are home to several such businesses, for example. Charleston, however, banned the businesses in 2018. According to Stinson, there are no other laws on the books governing the vehicles at the city level, which leaves regulation up to the state.
“Things do get a little tricky sometimes with the way the state breaks a ‘moped’ down, the way they break these scooters down — and then you have electric bicycles,” said S.C. State Trooper Nicholas Pye. “You have to be careful.”
S.C. Code of Law 56-5-3310 governs electric personal assistive mobility devices (EPAMD), the closest equivalent to these individually owned and operated scooters, Pye said. But EPAMDs are defined as self-balancing vehicles with a max speed of less than 20 mph, leaving out many popular scooter models being ridden today.
Being safe: Use common sense, avoid roadways
With few laws and regulations governing the scooters, Stinson said it really comes down to common sense.
“E-scooters should be driven safely, responsibly and with common sense,” Stinson said. “Ideally, riders should avoid roadways when possible, yield to pedestrians on sidewalks and take due care at intersections and crosswalks.
“Additionally, parents should pay attention to what they are buying their children and insist that riders wear appropriate safety gear,” he added. “There are e-scooters currently being sold that go upward of 30 mph, and several brands are not equipped with lights, reflectors or turn signals.”
While Charleston is considering no scooter measures now, Myrtle Beach City Council passed the first reading of a new ordinance in late September. It would restrict electric scooters to bike lanes and require riders to stay off busy highways. The move came after the Myrtle Beach Police Department reported 12 collisions in 2023 involving e-scooters hitting vehicles.
Stinson said he was unable to determine how many similar accidents occur in Charleston, as electric scooters are not specifically categorized in collision reports or traffic citations.
According to state law, EPAMDs are allowed to be operated on sidewalks, roadways, bike lanes and more. Operators must maintain speeds below 15 mph. Additionally, riders must yield the right-of-way to any pedestrians and other vehicles. Riders are also required to give an audible signal before overtaking pedestrians or other vehicles.
Other regulations provided by state law include:
- Scooters ridden in bike lanes must conform to the direction of traffic.
- Scooters must, when practicable, stay on the right-hand side of a crosswalk when crossing.
- Scooters must not be used to carry more people than it is designed and equipped to carry.
- Operators of electric scooters must stop for traffic signals when attempting to cross bridges or railroad crossings.
See scstatehouse.gov/code for more information about provisions regarding electric scooters and other similar vehicles.
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