NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – Norfolk police are investigating a hit-and-run incident after a woman was struck by a vehicle while she was riding a Lime scooter.
A 20-year-old woman was found lying in the 800 block of Ballentine Boulevard next to a Lime scooter at the intersection of Middle Town Crescent at around 9 p.m. on July 20, police say.
According to reports, the woman was heading North on Ballentine Boulevard on a Lime scooter and was attempting to continue North through a crosswalk at the intersection.
The woman claimed that the traffic lights were correct as she crossed the intersection when she was hit by an unknown grey SUV with bright white/blue headlights that was turning right.
After officials found her, the woman was sent to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital with non life-threatening injuries.
If you’ve been anywhere in Norfolk or Virginia Beach the last couple of weeks you’ve probably noticed these bright green scooters.
They do have rules.
but just looking around not everyone follows them. While its fun for some – its concerning for others.
“It’s helpful you know getting around,” said Jimmy Brown. he says riding a lime scooter around downtown Norfolk is all he needs to get from one place to another.
“Instead of walking you get on one of these things pop it and you’re down there in no time.”
It looks like it’s as easy as just kicking up the kickstand and pressing go but there is a lot more to it before you can hit the road.
For one you’re required to wear a helmet – Jimmy and other riders don’t
“I don’t know I just, nobody is gonna walk around with a helmet for the most part,’ Brown said.
According to the rules on the machine, You’re not supposed to block traffic, you have to be 18 years or older to ride and on the website it says it only gets up to 15 miles per hour.
Brown said he hit 17 miles an hour
While he is waiting to audition for the first fast and furious movie featuring scooters – not everyone is a fan.
“I don’t think they are safe completely I wish the city had taken a better look at it, some places are even calling a ban of those scooters,” said resident John James
Just across the street from John James home off Ballentine Boulevard a woman was involved in a hit and run on a Lime scooter. She claims a grey SUV hit her and kept driving.
“The scooters are out there sometimes they cut in and out. I’m quite sure its happened and people on the sidewalks that are walking can’t hear them coming up behind them,” said James.
Jimmy and John don’t agree on using them they do believe it’s on everyone to be safe
“Be a little bit more careful and to the drivers you have to watch out at all times,” said James
“Pay attention always think about you know what someone else might do,’ said Brown.