Doing anything while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and poses a safety risk to both cyclists and pedestrians.
Some may find it surprising that riding a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or other substances while impaired can result in DUI charges and license suspension through Georgia Law’s OCGA SS 40-6-291 definition of it as a vehicle.
Scooter DUIs
Electric scooter rentals from services such as Bird and Lime have become an increasingly popular form of short-term transportation across cities across America. While many might believe riding one after consuming alcohol poses no significant risks, there can be serious repercussions associated with doing so.
People may be shocked to discover that riding an electric scooter under the influence of alcohol or drugs could land them a DUI charge in Georgia due to Georgia’s expansive definition of vehicle. Any moving vehicle including tractors, bicycles, mopeds, taxi-cabs, buses and electric scooters fall within this definition and thus should be operated responsibly when under influence of either alcohol or drugs.
An accident or ticket related to the use of an e-scooter or moped can result in criminal charges that will follow an individual for years and make certain jobs more difficult to attain. An experienced attorney can help defend these allegations and minimize their effects on a client’s life.
E Bike DUIs
Although many believe it to be safe to operate a motorized vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other substances, any person operating such an enterprise must remain fully attentive and have full reflexes at all times; otherwise they risk placing both themselves and other motorists’ lives at risk.
According to Georgia law, any individual operating a “moving vehicle” while under the influence of alcohol or drugs could face DUI charges. This applies to cyclists, moped riders, e-bikers, taxicabs and buses as well as tractor pulls, lawnmowers and any other human power powered vehicle that needs human intervention such as animal-drawn wagons and bicycles.
A DUI conviction will leave a permanent mark on your criminal record and may prevent you from qualifying for discounted car insurance policies. Furthermore, your license could be suspended temporarily; depending on the severity of your case you may also need to undergo substance abuse testing and treatment programs.
Scooter and E Bike DUI Charges
People may be surprised to learn that riding an electric scooter while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and may result in criminal charges. According to Georgia law, anyone operating any moving vehicle while impaired will face similar penalties as when operating a car – such as DUI charges, jail time and fines.
Additionally, all e bike riders must abide by the same traffic rules and laws that apply to other roadway drivers, including laws regarding cell phone usage, helmet use and hands-free devices. They should avoid blocking sidewalks and store entrances with their E-scooters.
As is widely recognized, it is absolutely paramount to upholding safety standards when using these popular modes of transportation and to park them in designated racks to avoid blocking pedestrian walkways. Unfortunately, we have seen numerous instances in which individuals have been charged with DUI for operating Bird or Lime scooters in a way which violated state traffic laws.
E Bike DUI Defense
E bikes have become incredibly popular in Atlanta for their ease of use and low costs, yet it is crucial to understand their legal ramifications before using one. DUI charges can have serious repercussions that have lasting repercussions; therefore, you need an experienced Atlanta DUI lawyer fighting on your behalf to defend your rights and freedoms.
Georgia laws establish bicycles as vehicles subject to DUI regulations, including ride-sharing services like Bird or Lime which offer electric bicycles or scooters for ride-sharing services like Bird. Operating these e-bikes under the influence is illegal in any jurisdiction and even more so when operating them while impaired.
Prosecutors have successfully prosecuted individuals for DUI who ride both regular bicycles and scooters provided through new services. If arrested while operating an e-bike or scooter for DUI, penalties include jail time, fines, community service hours and possible license suspension.
