The short answer is no, you can’t get a DUI in Spokane on a Lime Scooter. This doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to drink too much and hop on an electric scooter. You could injure yourself by running into a curb or you could strike a pedestrian crossing the street. You could also come across a law enforcement officer who mistakenly arrests you for DUI. Bottom line is that you are not risking a DUI when riding an electric scooter while intoxicated in Washington State.
You’d think it would be easy to define a motor vehicle for DUI purposes, however, it’s not as simple as just checking one statute. The primary motor vehicle definition excludes Lime Scooters because they aren’t vehicles that are “propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires but not operated upon rails.” This is most likely why Spokane law enforcement doesn’t think Lime riders can be charged with DUI.
There are two additional statutes, Neighborhood Electric Vehicle and Medium Speed Electric Vehicle, whose titles appear to be related to electric scooters. However, these two statutes address four-wheeled electric vehicles with top speeds of 20 miles per hour or above. Lime scooters are two-wheeled and have a top speed of just under 15 miles per hour so they don’t fall within the definition of motor vehicle for these statutes, either.
There are occasions where folks are accused of a DUI in a non-traditional motor vehicle. If you or someone you care about are facing a DUI or any other criminal charge, call the experienced attorneys at Cooney Law Offices today. We can help!