Colorado State Patrol Urges Extra Caution for E-Bike and E-Scooter Riders at Intersections

Description: Colorado State Patrol is asking parents to teach kids safe e-bike and e-scooter habits at intersections, including obeying traffic signals and avoiding distractions...

E-XTRA Caution for E-Device Riders at Intersections

Troopers ask parents to educate their kids about the rules of the road

(COLO) – Intersections can be confusing and dangerous for drivers, pedestrians, and e-device users of all ages. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), each year, intersections are responsible for roughly one-quarter of traffic fatalities and about half of all traffic injuries in the United States. Troopers want to send a special message to parents, asking for help educating kids as they gain independence as roadway users. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and e-device riders all need to know how to handle intersections legally and safely. 

"Because e-devices accelerate much faster than typical bikes or pedestrians, riders and their parents need to pay particularly close attention to this growing concern," stated Col. Mathew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. "Micromobility devices frequently catch drivers off guard because they are small, quick, and quiet. Ride defensively; e-device riders are vulnerable road users."

Some of the most violent crashes between e-devices and vehicles happen when moving violations like running red lights, failing to yield, or driving distracted occur. The Colorado State Patrol recommends modeling safe behavior and working with your kids in real scenarios as they mature to help them understand traffic signals, improper turns, and how to judge the speed of oncoming traffic.

Ways to Increase Safety

• Walk the Device: Many safety coalitions recommend dismounting and walking your e-bike or e-scooter across crosswalks, which allows drivers to better gauge your speed and increase your visibility.

• Obey Traffic Signals: Never assume a driver sees you. Treat e-devices exactly like vehicles at intersections—obey stop signs, red lights, and pedestrian walk signals.

• Avoid Device Distraction: Riders should never use electronic devices like smartphones or earbuds while navigating or crossing intersections.

Defensive tactics are recommended for all roadway users. Pedestrians and e-device riders should scan intersections before turning or crossing. Motorists need to remove distractions and check their blind spots for smaller devices and people on the road, especially while making turns.

 The Colorado State Patrol is raising awareness of the risks and requirements associated with micromobility devices. Riders and caregivers should know the rules and local ordinances of where they ride to ensure they are operating both legally and safely. Don't be an e-DIOT, be safe, and be seen as a responsible e-device rider.

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