Specific Road Rules in Key West for Scooter Rentals

05/28/2021

Renting a scooter by yourself or with a group of friends and family members can be an exciting part of a trip to Key West. However, before you decide to sign a contract and hit the road, it’s best to be aware of the rules of the road. Being prepared for any situation will give you peace of mind while you whip through the streets and explore all the nooks and crannies that this city in Florida has to offer. 

Preparing to Ride a Scooter

Before you get on your Key West rental scooter and head out into the streets, be aware of the road rules. One of the first things you may want to know is whether a helmet is required when driving a scooter. As long as the scooter has a motor of no more than 50cc, a helmet is not required. However, it is still a good idea to wear one. You never know when you will end up in an accident or another situation where you want to be fully protected.

Rules About Lane Splitting

Lane splitting is illegal in every state except California, so it should be avoided in Key West. Lane splitting is a practice where a scooter is used between two lanes of traffic on a public road. Based on Florida-specific law, someone who is on a scooter is entitled to use a full lane so other drivers can’t use the lane at the same time or take it over from you. 

Keep in mind that lane splitting is only useful for getting ahead of traffic and can be dangerous. As such, it isn’t a good practice and doesn’t offer an advantage to you or other people who might be on the road.

What to Know About Lane Sharing

Lane sharing is another law that is contested as far as scooter drivers go. In reality, Key West makes it legal for two people to ride next to each other in the same lane. However, most safety courses will indicate that this practice should be avoided whenever possible. It’s more likely that you could end up in an accident where you are injured or damage the scooter you are riding.

Instead, consider staggering riders along the lane if you are riding with a friend or a group. This will keep you all together but gives everyone their own space to enjoy the road.

Texting While Riding a Scooter

In the state of Florida, texting while driving is illegal. This applies to all drivers, whether in cars, on scooters, or operating motorcycles. Most scooters will come with a storage compartment where you can secure your phones or tablets so you aren’t tempted to use them while on the road. You can also stick the phone in your pocket until you pull over. This is an important law to follow as texting while driving is a common cause of accidents.

Renting a Scooter in Key West

If you are ready to rent a scooter in Key West, consider visiting A&M Scooter Rentals Key West. We offer a variety of scooters, as well as mopeds and bicycles to get around the city. We have several locations so you can get the best scooter rental in any part of Key West. You can get in touch with us by phone, drop by our office, or visit our website to learn more. When you rent a scooter from A&M Scooter Rentals, you get access to the largest selection of Key West scooter rentals, Key West bike rentals, and even Key West electric car rentals. Stop by today to get started!