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E-scooter rider charged with manslaughter after deadly crash in NE Portland. Learn about the August 2025 incident involving Jayden Calkins, DUII charges, and the growing concerns over e-scooter safety in Portland.
A tragic incident in Portland’s Lloyd District has brought e-scooter safety into sharp focus after a 21-year-old was arrested on charges including manslaughter following a crash where he drove a scooter carrying another person into a tractor-trailer in northeast Portland. The e-scooter rider charged with manslaughter after a deadly crash in NE Portland now faces serious legal consequences that highlight the dangers of impaired riding on shared mobility devices.
Jayden S. Calkins, a 21-year-old from Beaverton, Oregon, has been arrested and charged with manslaughter and other offenses following a deadly e-scooter crash in Portland’s Lloyd District in August. The incident has sparked conversations about e-scooter regulations, rider responsibility, and the risks associated with operating these vehicles while under the influence.
The Fatal Lloyd District Crash: What Happened?
The accident occurred in August 2025 in Portland’s bustling Lloyd District neighborhood. The rider of a Lime e-scooter struck a passing tractor-trailer, resulting in manslaughter and other charges related to the death of his passenger.
According to authorities, Calkins was operating the Lime e-scooter with a passenger aboard when the collision with the semi-truck occurred. The crash proved fatal for the passenger, leading to an extensive investigation by the Portland Police Bureau’s Traffic Division.
Portland Police say Jayden S. Calkins, 21, of Beaverton, was arrested after turning himself in on Wednesday, demonstrating cooperation with law enforcement following the incident. The decision to turn himself in came after investigators gathered evidence and filed charges related to the deadly crash.
What Charges Does the E-scooter Rider Face?
The charges against Calkins reflect the severity of the incident and the alleged circumstances surrounding the crash. He faces charges that include second-degree manslaughter, DUII and reckless driving.
These charges indicate that investigators believe Calkins was operating the e-scooter while impaired, which contributed to the fatal collision. The manslaughter charge is particularly serious, carrying significant potential penalties under Oregon law. Second-degree manslaughter in Oregon typically involves causing the death of another person through criminal negligence or while committing a misdemeanor.
The DUII (Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants) charge suggests that authorities have evidence Calkins was impaired at the time of the crash. While many people associate DUII exclusively with automobiles, Oregon law applies these regulations to various vehicles, including e-scooters and other micro-mobility devices.
The reckless driving charge adds another layer to the case, indicating that Calkins’s operation of the e-scooter demonstrated a willful disregard for the safety of others on the road.
Can You Get a DUI on an E-scooter?
One question that often arises from cases like this is whether riders can actually receive DUI charges while operating an e-scooter. The answer is definitively yes. In Oregon and most other states, DUI laws apply to a broad range of vehicles, not just cars and trucks.
E-scooters are considered vehicles under the law, and operating one while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal.
The same blood alcohol concentration limits that apply to drivers of motor vehicles also apply to e-scooter riders. In Oregon, a BAC of 0.08% or higher constitutes legal impairment for adults.
This legal framework exists because impaired operation of any vehicle poses risks to the rider and others sharing the road. E-scooters can reach speeds of 15-20 mph, and an impaired rider may have reduced reaction times, impaired judgment, and difficulty maintaining balance and control.
E-scooter Safety Rules in Portland
Portland has established specific regulations governing e-scooter use to promote safety and prevent accidents. Understanding these rules is crucial for anyone using shared mobility devices in the city.
Key e-scooter safety rules in Portland include:
- Helmet requirements: While not always legally mandated for adults, helmets are strongly recommended and required for riders under 16.
- No tandem riding: E-scooters are designed for single riders only. Carrying passengers is prohibited and significantly increases the risk of accidents.
- Sidewalk restrictions: Riders must use bike lanes or streets, not sidewalks, in most areas.
- Speed limits: Riders must obey posted speed limits and ride at safe speeds for conditions.
- Sobriety requirement: Operating an e-scooter while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal.
- Age restrictions: Riders must meet minimum age requirements set by rental companies and local regulations.
- Parking regulations: E-scooters must be parked properly to avoid blocking pedestrian pathways.
The fatal crash in the Lloyd District violated at least two critical safety rules: the prohibition on tandem riding and the requirement to operate the vehicle sober. These violations proved fatal and resulted in serious criminal charges.
Growing Concerns About E-scooter Accidents in Portland
This tragic incident is not an isolated occurrence. Portland has experienced a concerning pattern of e-scooter-related accidents in recent months. Recent news reports indicate multiple serious incidents involving e-scooters in the Portland area, raising questions about rider safety and infrastructure adequacy.
The proliferation of e-scooters in urban areas has brought convenience and new transportation options, but it has also introduced new safety challenges. Riders often lack experience with these vehicles, and the mix of e-scooters, bicycles, pedestrians, and motor vehicles on city streets creates complex traffic situations.
Common factors contributing to e-scooter accidents include:
- Inexperienced riders unfamiliar with the device’s handling characteristics
- Impaired operation due to alcohol or drug use
- Poor road conditions, including potholes and uneven pavement
- Conflicts with motor vehicles at intersections
- Mechanical failures or maintenance issues with rental scooters
- Distracted riding while using mobile phones
- Carrying passengers on single-rider devices
Legal Consequences of E-scooter Accidents
When e-scooter accidents result in injuries or fatalities, riders may face both criminal and civil liability. In this case, the criminal charges include manslaughter, which carries potential prison time if convicted. Oregon’s second-degree manslaughter charge is a Class B felony, which can result in up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $250,000.
Beyond criminal penalties, riders who cause accidents may also face civil lawsuits from victims or their families. These civil cases can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in fatal cases, wrongful death damages.
Insurance coverage is another important consideration. Many standard homeowners or renters insurance policies may not cover accidents involving e-scooters, leaving riders personally liable for damages. Some e-scooter rental companies provide limited liability coverage, but this coverage may not apply in cases involving illegal conduct such as impaired operation.
How to Stay Safe While Riding E-scooters
For those who use e-scooters as part of their daily transportation routine, following safety guidelines is essential. Here are critical safety tips:
Never operate an e-scooter while impaired by alcohol or drugs. The effects of intoxication significantly increase accident risk and can result in criminal charges if you’re involved in a crash.
Always ride solo. E-scooters are designed for single riders, and adding a passenger dramatically reduces stability and control. The weight of a second person can overwhelm the scooter’s braking system and make steering difficult.
Wear a helmet. While adult helmet laws vary, wearing proper head protection can prevent serious injuries in the event of a fall or collision.
Stay aware of your surroundings. Keep your eyes on the road, watch for obstacles and opening car doors, and anticipate the actions of other road users.
Follow traffic laws. E-scooter riders must obey the same traffic signals, signs, and right-of-way rules as other vehicles.
Maintain your equipment. If you own an e-scooter, regularly check brakes, tires, lights, and other critical components. If using a rental, inspect the scooter before riding and report any issues.
Adjust your riding to conditions. Slow down in wet weather, at night, or when navigating crowded areas. Recognize that e-scooters have limitations in certain situations.
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What Happens Next in the Case?
As the legal process unfolds, Calkins will face court proceedings that will determine his fate. After turning himself in and being arrested, he likely appeared for an arraignment where the charges were formally read and he entered a plea.
The case will proceed through the criminal justice system, with prosecutors presenting evidence and the defense challenging the charges. If the case goes to trial, a jury will determine whether Calkins is guilty of the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
The victim’s family may also pursue civil action seeking damages for the loss of their loved one. These civil proceedings would be separate from the criminal case but could be influenced by its outcome.
The Broader Impact on E-scooter Regulations
This tragic incident may influence future e-scooter regulations in Portland and beyond. City officials and lawmakers often respond to high-profile accidents by reviewing and strengthening safety requirements.
Potential regulatory changes could include stricter enforcement of existing rules, enhanced safety features on rental scooters, mandatory safety education for riders, or restrictions on where and when e-scooters can be operated.
The e-scooter industry itself may also respond with improved safety measures, better rider screening, or enhanced monitoring of scooter usage to identify and prevent dangerous behavior.
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Last updated Wednesday, October 1st, 2025
