Woman dies in Salt Lake City scooter crash, police say

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — A woman in Salt Lake City died after crashing while riding an electric scooter early Friday morning, March 22, according to the Salt Lake City Police Department.

SLCPD confirmed with ABC4 the crash happened around 1 a.m. near 450 South and West Temple. Police said the 33-year-old woman, who has yet to be identified by authorities, suffered “critical injuries” from the crash.

Paramedics took the woman to the hospital where she later died due to her injuries.

Police did not release further details, saying the crash was still under investigation as of Monday morning. The Utah Office of the Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death, according to SLCPD.

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Rental scooters, such as Lime, have been available in Salt Lake City for several years now, first being introduced in 2018. While the scooters offer a quick and eco-friendly way to get around the Wasatch Front they haven’t come without their share of issues.

Shortly after their introduction, Utah emergency rooms reported a spike in visits due to e-scooter crashes and injuries. There have been other incidents of deaths and injuries as a result of crashes with scooters and vehicles.

Salt Lake City ordinance prohibits e-scooter riders from riding on the sidewalk due to the high speeds to keep riders and pedestrians safe. Riders instead must ride in the street on bicycles or travel lanes.

Visit Salt Lake warns riders to use the throttle and brake “conservatively,” as the bikes can reach 15 miles per hour.

“[It] doesn’t seem like much, but [it] can pack a punch if you run afoul and hit a pothole or gravel patch,” Visit Salt Lake’s website read. “Go slow and you won’t biff it.”

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