Electric scooters have surged in popularity across California cities, offering a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around. But as their use grows, so do accidents and legal disputes. Whether it’s a collision with a car, a pedestrian injury, or a malfunctioning scooter, determining liability can be complex. If you were injured in a scooter-related accident, understanding who is responsible is key to protecting your rights and pursuing compensation.
What Is Scooter Liability?
Scooter liability refers to the legal responsibility for injuries or damages resulting from electric scooter accidents. Unlike traditional vehicles, scooters occupy a gray area in traffic law, complicating fault assessments. Liability can fall on various parties: riders, motorists, scooter companies, city governments, or even manufacturers.
Common Causes of Scooter Accidents
Scooter accidents may result from:
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Motor vehicle collisions
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Poor road conditions (potholes, broken sidewalks)
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Scooter malfunctions (brake failure, battery fires, software glitches)
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Improper rider behavior (recklessness, intoxication, lack of helmet)
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Inadequate signage or infrastructure
Each scenario presents unique legal issues and different potential defendants.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
1. Scooter Riders
Riders must follow traffic laws, yield to pedestrians, and operate the scooter safely. If a rider runs a red light and causes an accident, they can be found liable for negligence.
2. Motor Vehicle Drivers
When a car hits a scooter rider, the driver may be at fault if they failed to yield, were speeding, or acted negligently. California law requires drivers to share the road with all vehicles, including scooters.
3. Scooter Companies
Lime, together with Bird and Spin, operates an app rental service for their scooters. Under product liability regulations and through negligence maintenance laws, these companies become responsible. Legal authorities can impose strict liability on scooter companies for accidents stemming from brake failures or software system malfunctions, regardless of whether the company displayed negligence. Lime’s user agreement contains liability-limiting disclaimers, although these attempts to limit liability often fail to withstand court scrutiny.
4. Cities or Municipalities
When road maintenance failures or missing signs result in accidents, local governing bodies can become responsible for compensating victims. Local governments must maintain safe infrastructure because they possess this legal responsibility. The California Tort Claims Act prescribes detailed time requirements that apply to all claims submitted against local governments.
5. Manufacturers
People who suffer personal injuries because of defective products can file lawsuits against manufacturers according to California product liability rules. People who suffer injuries need to prove that a product was dangerously defective and caused their injuries as they operated it correctly.
How to Prove Negligence in Scooter Accidents
To win a claim, the injured party must show that:
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A party owed a duty of care
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That party breached the duty through action or inaction
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The breach caused the accident
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Injuries or damages resulted from the accident
Evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and expert analysis strengthens the case.
Compensation for Scooter Accident Victims
Compensation exists for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, future rehabilitation, and therapy costs.
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Future rehabilitation or therapy
Family members in wrongful death claims can seek compensation for the cost of funeral services, alongside support lost during the relative’s lifetime, and diminished companionship.
Learn more about wrongful death claims in California
Real-World Data on Scooter Injuries
According to the CDC, head injuries account for 45% of electric scooter accident injuries. Many of these accidents involve riders who weren’t wearing helmets or who hit unexpected hazards.
What to Do After a Scooter Accident
If you’ve been involved in a scooter accident:
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Seek medical attention – Even minor symptoms could worsen.
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Photograph and document the scene – Include vehicle positions, road hazards, and scooter defects.
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File a police report – Obtain a copy for your records.
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Save the scooter – Avoid returning or moving it before legal or technical inspection.
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Contact a personal injury attorney – Legal counsel helps identify liable parties and collect evidence.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Scooter accidents involve multiple layers of responsibility and legal nuance. Insurance companies often deny claims or offer inadequate settlements. At KAASS LAW, we have experience in personal injury and product liability litigation. Our legal team investigates every angle—from rider behavior to manufacturing defects—to build a strong case.
We help clients fight back against powerful scooter companies and insurers who try to avoid paying fair compensation.
Know Your Rights After a Scooter Accident
Electric scooters may offer convenience, but a moment of malfunction or negligence can lead to serious consequences. If you or a loved one was injured while riding a scooter or was hit by one, you don’t have to navigate the legal maze alone. Know your rights and take action today.
Contact KAASS LAW now for a free consultation, and let us help you pursue the compensation you deserve.