Immediately After Your E-Scooter Accident
If you have been involved in an electric scooter accident, take these important steps when possible to protect your legal rights.
- Visit a medical professional for an evaluation, even if you think your injuries are minor. Keep any medical reports and paperwork.
- File an accident report (police report) if applicable (depending on the location of the accident).
- Take pictures and CCTV videos of the accident scene and any conditions that contributed to your crash, such as sidewalk cracks or scooter malfunctions.
- Collect witness statements and any dashcam evidence if it exists.
- Document your injuries and recovery. Take regular pictures of your progress and healing.
- Contact an electric scooter injury lawyer at Bisnar Chase as soon as possible.
Electric Scooters: A Rising Cause of Injuries
Electric scooters (also known as e-scooters) from rental companies like Lime, Bird, Spin, Lyft, and Uber have transformed short trips across California. But they’ve also caused a surge in serious crashes.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, you need an experienced California electric scooter accident lawyer who knows how to hold negligent drivers, rental companies, manufacturers, and city authorities accountable.
Why Choose Bisnar Chase?
At Bisnar Chase, our Orange County-based trial lawyers handle scooter, pedestrian, and micromobility accidents. We have secured hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients.
- 99% success rate
- Over $1 billion won for our clients
- Serving California for nearly 50 years
- Free consultation
- If we don’t win, you don’t pay
- Experienced trial lawyers familiar with local courts and defense teams
We offer a free consultation, and there is no fee unless we win. In such cases, we deduct our fees from the final settlement, ensuring you incur no out-of-pocket expenses.
Our superior representation has earned us a 99% success rate and recognition among California’s top trial lawyers. Call (800) 561-4887 now for a free case review – we look forward to assisting you.
Electric Scooter Accident Lawyers in California
All About Electric Scooters
An electric scooter is a type of micromobility device. It is just like a traditional kick or push scooter, with a standing deck, two wheels, and handlebars for steering. But they are also fitted with electric motors and rechargeable batteries.
E-scooters are designed to help people travel short distances at greater speeds on easy-to-use modes of transport. The electric motors fitted on common models allow riders to travel up to 15-20 mph.
Some people buy electric scooters for personal use. But many people use short-trip rental scooters available in city scooter-sharing systems, which effectively create another form of public transport.
Rental Scooters
Companies such as Bird and Lime will strike deals to supply e-scooters in certain cities. These electric rental scooters will either be docked or dockless.
Dockless scooters: You can use an app to locate your nearest scooter and pay to activate and use it. When you reach your destination, you can leave the scooter wherever you are and end your trip on the app.
Dockless scooters offer a more flexible solution for riders, but there have been complaints about trip injuries involving scooters abandoned on sidewalks. It is also more difficult for scooter companies to manage, as they have to arrange for the devices to be collected and charged.
Docked scooters: Some cities install docks in high-traffic areas, such as train stations or downtown areas. Riders can pay on an app or at the dock to release and use the scooter.
While the docked scooters are more restrictive over where you can rent them, they charge automatically while docked, do not get in the way of pedestrians, and are less likely to be vandalized.
E-Scooter Controversies
Electric scooters have transformed easy travel in some cities. But they are not without their critics. In some areas, rental e-scooters have been branded as dangerous nuisances. In fact, some local governments have issued outright bans.
For example, Bird scooters were placed in Newport Beach, CA, in 2018 without anyone asking for permits or permission. The city quickly removed the operation. It was a similar story in Palm Springs, where a cease-and-desist order was issued.
Elsewhere in the world, Paris also banned electric rental scooters after seeing a massive spike in injuries. In 2022, the city had 400,000 monthly e-scooter users. But many accidents were reported, resulting in hundreds of injuries and three deaths. A public vote was held, and a ban was enforced.
Rental E-Scooter Accident Lawyers California: Bird, Lime, Spin, Lyft and Uber Rental Liability
Some people own their own rides, but rental companies dominate California’s electric scooter landscape. If you were injured on a Lime scooter, a Bird scooter, a Spin scooter, or an e-scooter rented through Lyft or Uber, you may have a claim against the rental company.
As with any injury case, liability depends completely on the circumstances of the accident.
Common Causes of E-Scooter Accidents
The most common causes of electric scooter accidents include:
- Collisions with vehicles: Many accidents involve e-scooter riders colliding with cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Most areas require e-scooters and e-bikes to travel on the road rather than on sidewalks. But this makes them extremely vulnerable to crashes with larger vehicles.
- Scooter defects: When you’re traveling at about 15 mph, you rely on the motor, brakes, and steering to work properly. But rental e-scooters get a lot of use and are left out in the elements. They require very careful maintenance, and even then, technical issues can occur.
- Poor road or sidewalk conditions: Rental scooters have small wheels and are vulnerable to accidents when they hit cracks and potholes. If road and sidewalk surfaces are not well-maintained, it puts e-scooter riders at risk.
- Crashes involving pedestrians: In most areas, e-scooters are not allowed on sidewalks and should be used on streets or bike lanes. However, many rental riders may be inexperienced and unaware of those laws. It is only too easy for a rider to crash into an unsuspecting pedestrian and cause an injury. Some successful legal claims have also involved pedestrians who fell over e-scooters left lying on the sidewalk and sustained injuries.
- Rider error: Some accidents are caused by inexperienced riders on rental scooters making mistakes. They might misjudge their speed, turn too sharply, or fail to see approaching dangers.
E-Scooter Accident Liability
Of course, if a scooter rider is injured in an accident due to their own mistake, they are unlikely to have a legal claim. But if someone else is to blame, you may be able to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
For example, if you are struck by a negligent driver in a car or truck, the driver will likely be at least partially liable. Driver negligence can include speeding, running red lights and stop signs, making unsafe turns, and merging lanes without looking.
A city authority could be held liable if poor street conditions caused an accident. City negligence may include failing to maintain roads and sidewalks, leading to dangerous cracks and potholes.
But when the accident is caused by a problem with the scooter itself, the manufacturer and rental company might be legally liable.
Can I Sue Lime or Bird After an E-Scooter Accident?
Yes, you can take legal action against electric scooter rental companies like Lime and Bird, but only under certain circumstances.
You might be able to file a lawsuit against the company if the scooter was defective, the company didn’t maintain it properly, or the reckless deployment of the scooter played a role in an injury.
A defective scooter could include problems with the throttle (affecting acceleration and power), faulty brakes that prevent the scooter from stopping when needed, issues with the battery, and problems with the steering.
The rental companies are also responsible for maintaining their scooters. When they fail to do so, and a rider is injured as a result, the company could be liable.
In addition, they may also be liable for crashes involving scooters being left on sidewalks, as many dockless rental scooters are. In some cases, California courts have allowed product-liability and negligence claims against rental operators despite their user agreements.
Who Pays for an E-Scooter Accident?
Where does the compensation come from for your e-scooter injuries? This can be a complex question. Rental companies carry insurance, but they often deny claims or shift blame to the rider. But the right attorneys can counteract these tactics.
The first step in most personal injury cases is to file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance policy. That could be the scooter company’s liability insurance, or a negligent driver’s auto insurance policy.
If the insurance company doesn’t agree to a fair settlement, the next step is to enter litigation and file a lawsuit. This means filing a case with the California courts and preparing for trial.
Don’t let the rental company’s waiver intimidate you — there are plenty of examples of negligence that are not covered by the waiver. It is always worth reaching out to our team to find out if you have a case.
Average Electric Scooter Accident Settlement in California: What is My Case Worth?
Electric scooter accident settlement amounts in California can vary massively. It always depends on injury severity, medical bills, lost wages, and fault.
Electric scooter injury compensation in California typically includes:
- Past and future medical bills and expenses.
- Lost wages if your injury forced you to miss work.
- A reduced earning capacity, if the accident impacts your ability to work moving forward.
- Property damage.
- Pain and suffering.
Bisnar Chase has recovered over $1 billion for injury victims – including payouts for electric scooter and other micromobility victims. E-scooter accident settlement amounts in 2026 continue to rise in line with medical inflation and stricter safety rules.
There are never any guarantees, but you can trust our team to secure the best possible results and maximize the value of your case.
Case Study: Major Electric Scooter Injury Verdict
The largest electric scooter injury settlement reported so far involved a rider hitting a pothole in the street and sustaining catastrophic injuries. Justin Almeida sustained life-altering injuries, including a skull fracture, a traumatic brain injury, and neck and shoulder damage.
A lawsuit was filed against the city of Detroit for failing to fix the pothole. The city tried to have the case dismissed, claiming that the victim had waived his right to legal action by agreeing to the Bird rental terms.
But a federal judge ruled in favor of the plaintiff, finding that the rental waiver did not remove the city’s violation of its statutory duty. The city agreed to pay a $7 million settlement.
- There have been many other lawsuits filed following scooter accidents. For instance, Lime reached a $2.5 million settlement with another rider injured in a pothole-related crash. Bird also paid out $12.7 million before filing bankruptcy to settle over 300 other claims. But the terms of most electric scooter accident settlements have been kept private.
Key California 2026 Electric Scooter Accident Laws
Micromobility devices like e-scooters and e-bikes are still relatively new, and the laws are still evolving. Most of the laws are outlined in California Vehicle Code 21235, though some others also apply.
Some of the key California electric scooter laws 2026 include:
- You can’t ride a motorized scooter on the sidewalk. Stick to the cycle lanes, or as close to the edge of the road as is safe.
- In most areas, the speed limit for motored scooters is 15 mph.
- Police can cite you for leaving a rental scooter on its side across the sidewalk if it creates an obstruction for pedestrians.
- You can get a DUI for riding an electric scooter under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- If you are under the age of 18, you must wear a helmet. Helmets are not required for all riders under California law, but some cities or areas might have stricter requirements.
- A new law for 2026 (SB 1271) requires all micromobility device batteries to be tested by accredited labs, and manufacturers must be able to provide valid certified test certificates for devices.
- Another new 2026 law (AB 544) requires e-bikes to be equipped with reflectors and lights. It can also hold parents and guardians liable if a minor rides unsafely or unlawfully. The law refers specifically to e-bikes, and it remains to be seen whether the same principles may be applied to other micromobility devices.
- California’s comparative negligence laws mean that multiple parties can be legally responsible for a single accident. The victim might be partly at fault. But they could still take legal action against someone else whose negligence contributed to the accident. Any compensation will be reduced in accordance with their level of fault.
If you are unsure which laws apply to your case, contact Bisnar Chase for a free consultation and case analysis.
Who is Liable in California Electric Scooter Accidents?
Fault and legal responsibility can belong to any of the following parties:
- Negligent drivers of other vehicles
- Rental companies like Lime and Bird
- Manufacturers, if faulty components caused an accident
- Cities – for poor road maintenance
- The scooter rider
In any given incident, multiple parties can share responsibility. Even if a scooter rider was inexperienced, not wearing a helmet, or riding unsafely, they may still have a successful lawsuit or claim if another party was also at fault. It is always worth checking.
What to do After an Electric Scooter Accident in California: Step-by-Step Guide
Use the steps below as a guide if you or someone you know is involved in an e-scooter accident in California. Following these steps will protect your legal rights and give you the best chance to win maximum compensation.
- Call 911 and get medical attention (even if your injuries seem minor).
- Should I call the police after a scooter accident? Yes — obtain an official report if possible.
- Document everything: take photos and video, record witness contact information, and carefully document the scooter’s condition.
- Do NOT sign anything from the rental company.
- If you are contacted by an insurance company representing one of the at-fault parties, do not give a statement. Tell them you will contact them after consulting with an attorney.
- Contact Bisnar Chase immediately.
It can be tricky, but one key step after an e-scooter crash in California is preserving the scooter when possible.
The scooter rental company will usually try to remove them quickly. But if you can take extensive pictures or, better yet, preserve the scooter for analysis or expert reconstruction, it can be a big boost to your case.
Most importantly, we advise contacting our team at Bisnar Chase as soon as you can. We have handled countless injury cases and can guide you through every step of the process.
Why Do I Need an Attorney?
The right law firm will handle every aspect of your case so that you can focus on your recovery, secure in the knowledge that your claim is taken care of.
Every personal injury case is different. When you collide with a vehicle or fall from an e-scooter, you could be left with wide-ranging injuries. That’s enough to deal with by itself, without having to face insurance interrogations and court deadlines alone.
At Bisnar Chase, we will provide the support and guidance you need.
- The B|C team will investigate your accident and build a winning case.
- Depending on the case, our pre-litigation professionals may begin by submitting a demand letter to the insurance company and engaging in settlement negotiations.
- In some cases, we can help arrange and coordinate medical appointments and treatment.
- If your case progresses to litigation, we will handle filing and court deadlines.
- We will conduct discovery and build a case.
- Even after a lawsuit is filed, some actions are still settled before going to court. We will continue to conduct negotiations and do what is best for your case.
- If it reaches trial, we will provide superior courtroom representation.
Our team has decades of experience handling serious injury cases of all kinds. You can trust us to do what is best for your case, while keeping you updated and consulting with you every step of the way.
Statute of Limitations – Electric Scooter Accidents California
The statute of limitations is the period of time you have to start a claim or legal process.
Statute of Limitations Electric Scooter Accident California: In California, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim.
It is important to note that government claims have a shorter statute of limitations. When you are filing against a government entity, such as a city authority, you usually have only 6 months to file.
Since some of the largest electric scooter accident claims have been brought against cities for negligent maintenance, it is important not to wait. Contact us at Bisnar Chase as soon as you can.
Common Injuries from Electric Scooter Accidents
Scooter riders are vulnerable to injuries, in part because they are not required to wear helmets or other protective equipment.
It doesn’t sound too fast, but traveling at about 10-15 mph is very quick for a micromobility device that lacks stability. They have small wheels and no seat, and the smallest bump or crack in the floor can be extremely dangerous to an unsuspecting rider.
When a rider falls from an electric scooter, they are likely to sustain serious injuries, including:
- Neck injuries and head trauma
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken bones, such as wrist, arm, and leg fractures
- Road rash and scarring
- Dental and facial injuries
We handle cases involving all levels of physical injuries, from sprains and tears to catastrophic damage.
Types of Scooter Defects
Electric scooters are motor-powered devices. While their inner workings are pretty simple compared to those of cars or trucks, they still have the potential for defects or faults that can make them dangerous to ride. At this point, it might become a product liability injury case.
Examples of dangerous e-scooter defects include:
Brake Failures
Some scooters use disc brakes that slow the scooter through manual friction. Other scooters have hydraulic brakes for more stopping power, while e-brakes slow the scooter by reversing the motor’s current. All of these brakes are made up of technical components, such as brake discs, pads, and electrical or hydraulic lines. If any of these parts are not fitted properly or fail without warning, it can put the rider in danger.
Uncontrolled Acceleration
Most electric scooters have a thumb or twist grip throttle. When you press or activate them, these switches send power to the scooter through the electric motor. But a faulty throttle, controller, or wiring can cause acceleration issues. The scooter might be left without power or, more dangerously, get stuck with an open throttle that the rider cannot control.
Steering Issues
Scooter steering is extremely simple. You turn the handlebars to direct the front wheel and point the e-scooter where you want it to go. But that doesn’t mean things can’t go wrong. A loose or wobbly steering column stem, or bolts, bearings, or welds that are worn or damaged, can compromise the steering.
Wheels and Decks
Defects involving the wheels or the standing deck on a scooter can endanger the rider. In some cases, the devices are fitted with unsuitable wheels, and the bolts and bearings that hold them in place have been known to fail. Using cheap or weak materials for the deck structure is also dangerous.
Batteries
Most electric scooters are fitted with rechargeable batteries that allow the devices to travel about 15-30 miles on a single charge. However, we have handled cases involving micromobility device fires resulting from lithium-ion battery malfunctions and explosions.
Bisnar Chase is a nationally renowned law firm that has handled countless vehicle and product defect cases. You can trust us to secure the best possible results in your case, no matter the type of defect involved.
E-Scooter vs E-Bike vs Motorcycle Accidents
There are some key differences between e-scooters, electric bikes, and motorcycles. Those differences matter when it comes to the finer details of accident legal cases.
E-bikes have class-specific rules that depend on the bike’s specifications. In contrast, motorcycles require licenses and insurance. As stand-up devices topping out at about 15 mph, e-scooters are treated more like bicycles under California law.
Riders don’t need insurance, and helmet laws vary by age and location. But that means that e-scooter riders are often more vulnerable to hazards and injuries. At Bisnar Chase, our team has secured life-changing results for the most vulnerable victims.
FAQs About Electric Scooter Accidents
E-scooter accident attorney – do I need one immediately?
Yes, you should consult an attorney immediately after a scooter accident. The right attorney will help preserve the evidence, negotiate with insurers, and file any legal claims within the statute of limitations. This is especially important in cases against the government, which have a much shorter time limit.
How much is my e-scooter accident case worth in California?
The amount of money you can recover in an e-scooter injury case will depend on several factors, such as the severity of the injuries and the cause of the accident. Compensation can cover economic and non-economic damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Who is liable in electric scooter accidents in California?
Legal liability for the e-scooter injury lies with the party at fault, and that will depend on how and why the accident occurred. In most cases, accidents are caused by the negligence of a city authority, scooter manufacturer, or scooter rental company.
Lime/Bird scooter company liability – can they be sued?
Yes, you can often sue an electric scooter rental company like Lime or Bird if its negligence caused injuries. These companies have waiver agreements that protect them from some legal actions, but there are often still opportunities to fight back.
Helmet laws for e-scooters California – am I required to wear one?
Scooter riders under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet under California law. Some local laws might also require adult riders to wear helmets, but that is location-dependent.
What to do after an electric scooter accident in California?
After an electric scooter accident in California, you should get checked by a medical professional, preserve evidence, take pictures of any hazards and your own injuries, and contact a lawyer at Bisnar Chase. Don’t post on social media or provide information to insurers before consulting with an attorney.
What is the statute of limitations for an electric scooter accident in California?
The statute of limitations for an electric scooter accident is usually two years from the date of the accident. If you’re taking legal action against a government entity, you must file a claim within 6 months. Consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss the deadline.
What are some common injuries from electric scooter accidents?
The most common electric scooter injuries include traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and road rash. These accidents often involve falls and collisions with riders not wearing helmets.
Do I qualify for a scooter accident case?
You may qualify for a scooter accident lawsuit if you have sustained a physical injury and the accident was caused by an element of negligence. Consult with a lawyer for a case evaluation.
Can a pedestrian sue after being hit by an electric scooter?
Yes, a pedestrian hit by an electric scooter can often sue the rider or claim against their insurance. They may also be able to target the scooter rental company or the city to recover damages for their injuries. It will depend on how the accident happened.
Can I file a legal claim if I signed the scooter rental waiver?
Yes, you may still be able to file a claim against a scooter rental company, even if you signed the waiver. It will depend on the type and circumstances of your accident, and you should contact an attorney for advice specific to your case.
About Bisnar Chase
Bisnar Chase is a top-rated personal injury law firm that has been representing clients throughout California for 47+ years. The firm is headquartered in Newport Beach and serves every Orange County city—including our local areas such as Costa Mesa, Santa Ana, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Anaheim, and beyond.
We also handle cases throughout SoCal, including Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, and San Diego, as well as statewide claims for injured plaintiffs across California.
We have made it our mission to provide superior representation for Californians. Beyond legal work, we also take great pride in volunteering, getting involved in charitable causes, and supporting our communities.
Whether your crash happened on a rental scooter in downtown Santa Ana or a private e-scooter in Irvine, our team knows the local roads, courts, and the unique challenges of California electric scooter accident cases. We fight for maximum compensation while you focus on recovery.
Looking for a California electric scooter accident lawyer near me? Our attorneys are ready today.
The Status of Rental Scooters 2026
Some e-scooter rental companies have had difficulties, but are still very much operational.
Bird
Bird filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy at the end of 2023. The company was restructured and acquired by Third Lane Mobility. It entered into a partnership with ridesharing company Lyft, and now offers Bird electric scooter rentals in 25 U.S. cities and several international cities through the Lyft app.
Lime
Lime pulled back from select smaller markets but has become a major player in urban areas. It offers rentals in 30 countries worldwide, including major cities such as New York, San Francisco, and London. It partnered with rideshare company Uber, and its services are available through the Lime and Uber apps.
Spin
Spin was founded in San Francisco and has expanded into many U.S. cities. It has also established partnerships with several U.S. universities to provide on-campus scooter rentals.
Unagi
Unagi offers a different spin on rental scooters. They aren’t scattered throughout cities; you pay a monthly subscription and a personal scooter is sent to your door.
The Best Electric Scooter Accident Lawyers in California
Don’t let insurance companies or rental giants undervalue your electric scooter injury compensation. If you or someone you know has been injured in an e-scooter accident, our team at Bisnar Chase can secure the compensation you deserve.
While you focus on your recovery, we will do everything in our power to fight for you. You can trust our track record of success. We have a 99% success rate, recovering over $1 billion for our clients.
But we also take pride in the support that we provide. We know that we are helping people when they need it the most, and we don’t take that responsibility lightly. We treat our clients like family.
Contact Bisnar Chase for a free consultation with no obligations. Call (800) 561-4887 today to speak to one of our intake experts. We look forward to hearing from you.
Brian Chase
Articles, blogs, and content have been reviewed by legal in-house staff. Brian Chase is the managing partner of Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP. He is the lead trial lawyer and oversees cases handling dangerous and defective products that injure consumers. Brian is a top-rated injury attorney with numerous legal honors and awards for his work relating to auto defects and dangerous products. His firm has recovered over $1B for its clients. Brian is a frequent speaker for CAOC, Dordick Trial College, and OCTLA, covering personal injury trial techniques.
