With the advent of electric scooters, e-bikes, and other micromobility tools, urban commuting has taken a new form. These vehicles have rapidly gained popularity not only in the United States but around the globe, owing to rental options and personal ownership and have transformed from just being a working concept to a reality.
But, unfortunately, this growing trend also saw an increase in the number of electric scooter injuries. This article will help e-scooter riders understand scooter accidents, especially with regard to personal injury claims.
The Increase of Electric Scooter Accidents
Recent statistics paint a sobering picture of the growing safety concerns surrounding e-scooters. According to the League of American Bicyclists, approximately 60,000 scooter-related injuries occurred in 2024.
Even more alarming, a study published in the American Journal of Public Health revealed a dramatic increase in injuries between 2019 and 2022, with e-bike injuries rising by 293% and scooter injuries increasing by 88%.
Common Injuries in E-Scooter Accidents
A study in Tampa, Florida found something alarming: while 40.8% of injured riders had head injuries, only 2.1% were wearing helmets when they crashed. Of the 442 cases analyzed, 30.8% involved individuals aged 21 to 30. Most accidents occurred on weekends and at night, often linked to alcohol consumption.
Here are the most common injuries from e-scooter accidents:
- Head injuries, from mild concussions to serious brain trauma
- Broken arms, wrists, and legs
- Cuts and scrapes on the face
- Damaged teeth
- Bruises and road rash
- Back and neck injuries
- Internal injuries from hard impacts
Legal Framework for E-Scooter Usage
Different states have different rules for e-scooters. However, most of them agree on these rules:
- How old you must be to ride (usually 16 or 18)
- Where you can ride (roads, bike lanes or sidewalks)
- Speed limits (typically 15-20 mph)
- Whether you must wear a helmet
- Whether you need lights at night
- If you need insurance
Electric Scooter Regulations in Florida
Florida has specific regulations governing the use of electric scooters to enhance safety and reduce accidents. E-scooter riders in Florida must follow these specific rules:
- Follow the same traffic laws as bicycles
- Give pedestrians the right of way
- Use bike lanes when they’re available
- Wear a helmet if you’re under 16 (though everyone should wear one)
- Never ride while drunk or on drugs – it’s against the law
Some cities, for example Miami, have extra rules:
- There are specific speed limits
- Some areas are marked as “no-ride zones”
- You must park in designated areas
Liability in Electric Scooter Accidents
After an accident, figuring out who’s at fault isn’t always simple and it is recommended to consult with experienced personal injury attorneys after an electric scooter crash. Several people might be responsible for the accident:
You might be at fault if you:
- Break traffic laws
- Ride recklessly
- Ride while drunk or under the influence
- Don’t properly maintain your personal e-scooter
Others might be at fault, including:
- Car drivers who hit you
- Pedestrians who walk in front of you
- Companies that make faulty scooters
- Rental companies that don’t maintain their scooters
- Property owners who don’t fix dangerous conditions
- Cities that don’t maintain roads
If involved in an electric scooter accident, immediately seek medical attention, even for minor injuries, to have proper documentation. Then file a police report to create an official account of the incident. Collect every piece of evidence you can, such as photos of the scooter accident scene, witness statements and contact information of involved parties.
Consulting a personal injury attorney experienced with e-scooter cases helps victims navigate legal claims and secure fair compensation.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim After a Scooter Accident
Victims should file a personal injury claim and with the help of personal injury lawyers, they should demonstrate negligence. To do so and win the electric scooter accident case, they need to prove:
- Someone else was careless
- Their carelessness caused the scooter accident
- The victim was hurt because of the accident
- Victims have costs and losses from their injuries
Compensation typically covers medical expenses, lost wages from missing work, pain and suffering and damaged property. A personal injury lawyer who knows about e-scooter accidents can help you get fair compensation.
How to Prevent E-Scooter Accidents
You can stay safe on an e-scooter by following these simple rules. These steps protect both you and others on the road:
- Check your scooter, look at brakes and tires before every ride. Report any problems with rental scooters right away.
- Always wear a helmet to protect your head. It could save your life if you fall or crash.
- Never ride after drinking alcohol or taking drugs. You need to stay alert and react quickly while riding.
- Ride in bike lanes. Stop at red lights and stop signs and let pedestrians cross first. Follow all road signs just like you would in a car.
Even after all these precautions are put in place, accidents happen. This is why people should be careful and know the regulations of the area they are riding in. But, in case you do have a scooter collision, immediately take a physician’s help, and speak to a scooter accident lawyer if you feel your rights have been violated. If you know what to do and what precautions to take, you can ride it safely and know exactly what actions to take in case the unforeseen occurs.
Free Consultation for Electric Scooter Accident in Miami
If you were injured in an electric scooter accident in Miami or any city in Florida, you don’t have to deal with that alone. At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein LLP, we offer a free consultation with a scooter accident lawyer to analyze your case without applying pressure on you. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe us nothing until we successfully recover a monetary award for you.
Make sure you call us as soon as possible at 305-371-2692 for a free consultation. We are here to take your calls and resolve your queries and help you figure out your next step.