A 27-year-old Florida woman has been in a vegetative state for six weeks after being hit by a car while riding a Lime rental scooter. Ashanti Jordan was struck on December 28 in Fort Lauderdale, near Broward Health Medical Center where she worked in security. She now lies unconscious in the same hospital's intensive care unit.
Jordan suffered a fractured skull, severe brain injury, and multiple broken ribs. She has also had a portion of her skull removed. Her mother, Tracy Jordan, described the situation as heartbreaking and said the family is praying for her recovery.
The family is calling for scooter companies to clarify where users can ride. Fort Lauderdale city regulations require scooters to be ridden on sidewalks, but Lime's app and scooter markings instruct riders not to use sidewalks, according to attorney Todd Falzone. This contradiction, he argues, forces riders into traffic.
City Attorney Alain Boileau acknowledged that the language on the scooters is legally incorrect and causes confusion. Under Florida law, scooters cannot be used on streets, bike lanes, or paths, and sidewalk use is at the discretion of individual cities. Fort Lauderdale allows up to 1,700 scooters from four companies.
No charges have been filed against the driver who hit Jordan. Traffic homicide detectives investigated the scene due to the severity of her injuries. The family's lawyer is urging residents to contact legislators about a proposal that would permit scooters in traffic.
