Electric scooters such as Lime and Bird have been used for many years. These vehicles have become popular amongst individuals and families because of their easy-to-use nature and ability to be accessed at any time. However, electric scooter accidents can cause severe or life-threatening injuries when accidents occur. Understanding the dangers that these vehicles pose and the steps to take to recover is important for individuals around the world. 

E-Scooter Liability Waiver: An Overview

Most micromobility companies require users to agree to terms and conditions through their mobile app before renting a scooter. These electronic agreements often include:

• Assumption of risk provisions
• Liability waivers
• Arbitration agreements
• Class action waivers
• Requirements to report accidents
• Rider safety obligations

What May Prevent a Claim?

Liability waivers are designed to reduce a company's vulnerability to certain lawsuits, particularly those involving ordinary risks associated with riding an e-scooter. However, California courts do not automatically enforce every waiver under every circumstance.

The outcome often depends on questions including but not limited to the following. 

• What caused the accident?
• Was the injury related to an inherent risk of riding?
• Did another party act negligently?
• Was the scooter defective?
• Was there evidence of misconduct beyond ordinary negligence?
• Does the waiver comply with applicable California law?

It is important to understand that every case is different from one another and that each requires its own unique examination.

Company Liability: Questions and Concerns

When determining liability, the following components must be analyzed.

• Defective scooters
• Malfunctioning parts
• Poor maintenance
• Dangerous placement of the vehicle itself

Who is at Fault?

Determining liability is a complicated process, often involving many individuals. The following are potentially responsible parties.  

• Motor vehicle drivers
• Commercial truck operators
• Cyclists
• Pedestrians
• Property owners
• Government entities responsible for roadway maintenance

Product Liability Claims

Some accidents involve concerns about the scooter itself rather than rider behavior. Product liability claims may occur when there are allegations involving the following. 

• Manufacturing defects
• Design defects
• Failure to provide adequate warnings
• Defective components

Arbitration Provisions 

Many micromobility companies contain arbitration provisions within their user agreements. Instead of filing a lawsuit in court, users may be needed to resolve certain conflicts through arbitration if the agreement is enforceable. Whether arbitration applies depends on the following. 

• The wording of the agreement
• Applicable federal and California law
• Whether exceptions exist
• The facts surrounding the claim 

Since arbitration provisions can affect legal proceedings, it is crucial to understand them in detail and how they may be applied to the given circumstances. 

Maintaining Documentation and Evidence

After any type of accident, it is important to keep important records that may help investigators understand what exactly happened at the time of the initial incident. Examples of important evidence may include but are not limited to the following.

• Photos of the scooter
• Pictures of the accident scene if it is safe to do so
• Road conditions
• Witness contact information
• Medical documentation
• Police reports, if available
• Rental confirmation within the mobile app
• Screenshots showing scooter identification numbers
• Communications with the rental company

It is also important to preserve the necessary evidence as soon as possible, as many records are often deleted after the accident has occurred.

Comparative Negligence in California

California follows a comparative negligence system, which ultimately means that many parties may be able to share liability based on their percentage of fault in the initial accident. Oftentimes, this is a great way to go about an electric scooter accident as multiple parties may be involved. Examples of potentially liable parties may include but are not limited to the following.

• The scooter rider
• A motor vehicle driver
• A property owner
• A government agency
• A micromobility company
• A product manufacturer

In addition, it may be important to preserve and maintain important evidence and documentation when determining fault after an electric scooter accident. Oftentimes, these cases are complicated and may require extensive preservation of necessary evidence.

Seeking the Help of a Legal Professional

E-scooter accidents usually involve multiple parties and raise complicated legal questions and concerns. Many individuals who have been involved in these types of accidents face many challenges and are unsure of the necessary steps to take to make a full recovery. As a result, it may be beneficial to speak to a licensed personal injury attorney who can help you better understand your rights and responsibilities moving forward with your case. An experienced professional can potentially determine liable parties, speak to insurance companies, and explain the legal process moving forward. This can help victims have peace of mind while going through a difficult time.

How KAASS LAW Can Help

At KAASS LAW, we understand the challenges victims face when dealing with an electric scooter accident. These types of cases are usually very difficult to manage as they may raise various legal issues. Determining liability is also complicated as many parties are often involved. Our legal team is ready to help victims understand their rights and available options when suffering injuries from an electric scooter. If you know someone who has been involved in this type of accident, call KAASS LAW for a confidential consultation.

E-Bike & Electric Scooter Crashes in 2026: Why Injuries Are Rising and Who Pays When Riders or Pedestrians Are Hurt

Electric bikes and electric scooters have changed the way individuals travel. They are an efficient and environmentally safe method of transportation that people use to avoid traffic and save money. Individuals who often rely on electric bikes and electric scooters include the following:

• Tourists
• Commuters
• Delivery workers

On the other hand, serious accidents and injuries have begun to arise from these methods of travel. These accidents include individuals operating these electric bikes and scooters, as well as pedestrians on the road. Understanding the reasons for this and your rights can help keep you and the people around you safe. 

Why E-Bike and Scooter Injuries Are Increasing

The increase in injuries from Electric bikes and electric scooters has sparked the attention and concern of many operating these vehicles on a daily basis. The following are reasons why there has been an increase in injuries resulting from E-bikes and scooters. 

1. Speed of These Vehicles

Many individuals who utilize these electric bikes and scooters do not realize the intense speeds at which they can go. Modern electric bikes usually reach speeds of 28 mph. That speed is often underestimated and not taken seriously. Operating these electric vehicles at high speeds can cause severe injuries to the rider and other individuals around them. Pedestrians on the road may miscalculate the speed at which the electric bike or scooter is operating, causing a collision to occur.  

2. Silent Operation

As opposed to motorcycles or cars, electric bikes and scooters are almost silent. Pedestrians on the road oftentimes do not hear these electric vehicles approaching them from behind. Pedestrians can be involved in severe collisions when they least expect it. Accidents can occur during the following instances:

• A pedestrian exiting a store 
• An individual opening their car door
• An individual stepping off a curb while looking for traffic

3. Sidewalk Riding

In many areas, riders illegally use sidewalks because they feel safer than riding in traffic. Sidewalks, on the other hand, are usually where pedestrian accidents happen. Injuries include the following: 

• Fractures 
• Head traumas 
• Spinal injuries 

4. Delivery Workers

Food delivery workers often will speed, run red lights, weave through crowds, and use sidewalks to arrive at their destinations faster, as many are paid per delivery. This causes unsafe roads and sidewalk conditions, as many individuals are unaware that these electric vehicles are approaching at such fast speeds. 

5. Inexperienced Riders

Unlike motor vehicles, electric bikes and scooters do not require a license to operate. Individuals with little to no experience utilize these electric vehicles without the proper training, causing severe collisions and injuries to themselves and other pedestrians. In addition, riders usually do not wear helmets, resulting in severe head injuries, including traumas and concussions. 

Common Injuries in Micromobility Accidents

Common injuries from pedestrians facing electric bikes and scooters include the following:

• Hip fractures
• Wrist fractures
• Facial injuries
• Traumatic brain injury
• Concussions

Common rider injuries from electric bikes and scooters include the following:

• Road rash
• Dental trauma
• Collarbone fractures
• Skull fractures
• Spinal injuries

Who Is Liable When an E-Bike Hits a Pedestrian?

Accountability when it comes to an electric bike or scooter colliding with a pedestrian ultimately falls on the individual who acted unreasonably under the given circumstances. Riders should obey the following rules when operating electric bikes and scooters:

• Yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks 
• Controlling their speed 
• Avoiding sidewalks 
• Maintaining awareness of themselves and their surroundings

If a rider collides with a pedestrian while speeding, weaving, or riding illegally, the rider can be held financially responsible for the injuries they caused.

Compensation may include:

• Medical bills
• Rehabilitation
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Future care needs

When the Rider Is Not the Only Responsible Party

In addition to riders, other parties can also be held liable for electric vehicle accidents. 

1. Rental Scooter Companies

If the crash involves a rented device, the rental company may be held accountable under product liability or negligence law when the following occurs:

• Faulty brakes
• Battery malfunctions
• Defective acceleration
• Poor maintenance

2. Government Entities

Road conditions play a significant role in electric bike and scooter collisions. When road conditions are inadequate, riders can become subject to harm, ultimately causing them to injure themselves and others. In these cases, cities may be held responsible for these electric vehicle collisions. These harmful road conditions can include the following:

• Missing bike lane markings 
• Broken pavement 
• Obstructed signals or signs 
• Poor lighting 

When a Pedestrian May Share Fault

Comparative negligence laws apply to ensure that liability is shared amongst all parties responsible for injuries and damages caused. In these cases, compensation can still be recovered, but is decreased by the pedestrian’s percentage of fault in the collision. A pedestrian may share responsibility in electric vehicle collisions in the following circumstances:

• Suddenly dart into a bike lane
• Walk while distracted 
• Ignore traffic signals 

What to Do After an E-Bike or Scooter Accident

When a collision involving electric bikes or scooters occurs, it is important to understand the steps to take to remain safe and protected from future harm. 

Immediately after an accident:

1. Call emergency services
2. Get medical care (even if injuries seem minor)
3. Document the scene (photos and videos) 
4. Obtain rider identification
5. Get witness contact information
6. Preserve the scooter or bike information (serial number or app rental data)

Why Legal Help Matters

Seeking legal guidance is essential to understanding your rights and the steps to take after an electric bike or scooter collision occurs. The proper legal guidance can help individuals make clear judgments about their case and allow them to recover from the damages and injuries caused.

How KAASS LAW Can Help

At KAASS LAW, we understand the fear and anxiety victims and their loved ones face when involved in an electric bike or scooter collision. KAASS LAW is committed to helping individuals understand their rights and seek the justice they deserve. Our experienced attorneys will guide victims through every step of the legal process and ensure that clients are focusing on making a full recovery. At KAASS LAW, we will investigate the collision, identify liable parties, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that our clients feel protected. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from electric bikes or scooters, you are not alone. Call KAASS LAW today to discuss your options and seek the justice and compensation that you deserve.