Electric scooters have become a popular new mode of transportation in recent years. With 88.5 million people using an electric scooter to get around in recent years, it is likely you may have seen these scooters taking passengers from place to place in Pennsylvania.
The criminal defense attorneys of Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford have handled many cases in which their clients have been charged with a DUI. While DUI charges are commonly associated with an individual driving a car or motorcycle, driving an electric scooter while under the influence is also dangerous.
Can You Get a DUI on an Electric Scooter in Pennsylvania?
Under Pennsylvania law, you may be charged with a DUI if caught driving an electric scooter under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In Pennsylvania, if you are found operating any motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration over 0.08%, you risk being arrested for a DUI or charged with general impairment. Penalties you may face for this charge may be:
- Paying fines
- Spending time in incarceration
- Having your licenses suspended or revoked
Additionally, a DUI charge may affect you in other aspects of your life. This type of charge may go on your permanent record, showing up in background checks, and making it difficult for you to rent a home, get a job, or apply for a loan.
How Does Pennsylvania Law Define a Motor Vehicle?
While you may assume that a motor vehicle would only describe a car, truck, or motorcycle, you would be surprised to find that is incorrect. Under Pennsylvania Vehicle Code 102, a vehicle is defined as a device in which an individual or property is transported or drawn upon a highway. This does not include devices or vehicles used exclusively on rails or tracks, like trains or the subway. Under Code 102, an electric scooter would fall under the category of motor vehicle, making it possible to receive a DUI while driving one.
How a DUI Charge May Affect You
A DUI in Pennsylvania is a very serious charge. When charged with a DUI, you may risk having your license suspended or revoked depending on whether you have been a repeat offender. Additionally, this type of charge may go on your permanent record and be shown in background checks. This can make it very difficult for you to rent a home, lease a vehicle, apply for a loan, or get a job. Before beginning your next electric scooter ride, make sure you are sober, as the negative repercussions of receiving a DUI are not worth it.
Pennsylvania DUI Defense Lawyers Are Here to Help You
Taking a ride on an electric scooter may seem like a fun way to transport from one location to the next. However, you still hold a responsibility to be alert when operating a motor vehicle of any type. If you have been charged with a DUI while driving an electric scooter, you may feel helpless. If you are unsure of what to do next to help your case, you may want to contact an experienced team of DUI criminal defense attorneys.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford are a team of criminal defense attorneys experienced with helping clients charged with a DUI in Pennsylvania. For over 65 years, our seasoned legal team has been serving clients of Southeastern Pennsylvania and providing them with dedicated representation in the hopes of providing them with the second chance they deserve. For a free consultation, call (215) 822-7575 or contact us here.
