DUI Scooters

Tampa DUI Lawyer

For a driver who has been convicted of DUI or has otherwise had his or her driver's license suspended, getting around can be difficult. Losing your license, even on a temporary basis, can have a significant impact on your ability to get to school or work or even to go to the local grocery store or run other necessary errands. Fortunately, Tampa drivers may have found a useful alternative. So-called "DUI scooters" offer an alternative means of transportation by way of electric bicycle, which a person may legally operate without a license. These vehicles are still relatively new on the market and may therefore bring up some confusion with law enforcement. If you have been arrested for driving on a suspended license while you were riding an electric bike or "DUI scooter" it is important to talk to a Tampa DUI lawyer about your options.

At Thomas & Paulk, we understand how to deal with criminal cases involving DUI scooters. Take a case where the Tampa Police Department arrested two people for driving with a suspended license and violation of probation because they were riding electric bicycles. In these DUI scooter cases, these individuals initially faced felony charges, but our attorneys were able to get involved and have the clients released on their own recognizance (without bail) and actually have all charges dismissed. The probation violation allegations were also dismissed.

Riding a "DUI Scooter" / Electric Bicycle after License Suspension

DUI scooters are a type of vehicle that fit state and federal descriptions of low-speed electric bicycles. These vehicles have foot pedals, which may or may not be used by the rider. They also have electric motors that run for approximately 25 miles on a charge. The vehicles travel up to 20 miles per hour and have headlights and windshields. As long as riders do not remove the pedals or modify the bikes to enable them to travel faster than 20 mph, they fit the classification of electric bicycles and may be used without a driver's license. They should also not be driven on the sidewalk, instead following the rules of the road that apply to standard bicycles. The approximate cost of this vehicle is $1,200 to $2,000.

For a person who has had his or her license suspended or permanently revoked as the result of a drunk driving conviction, obtaining a DUI scooter may be essential. Due to their slight resemblance to a small motorcycle, however, it is no wonder that some riders of DUI scooters in the Tampa area have been arrested and held on charges of driving on a suspended license. Instead of facing potentially bogus charges and harsh penalties, involve a DUI defense lawyer who is familiar with handling cases involving these electric bicycles.

Contact a Tampa DUI attorney today.