Michael D. Kelly, ESQ 
Even though an electric scooter is a fun and easy way to bypass traffic jams and travel through the city, it still poses injury risks. If you’ve been involved in an e-scooter accident or just want to understand your legal rights should you sustain injuries during the ride, this page is for you. Below, we discuss the most common scooter-related injuries, what you can do after a crash, injury prevention methods, and more.
Understanding Electric Scooter Injuries
As e-scooters become a more common part of daily traffic, scooter-related injuries are becoming more frequent as well. The number of injuries caused by e-bikes and e-scooters in the U.S. increased by approximately 8,500 to almost 57,000 in 2017 and 2022, respectively. Understanding the most common injury types and how they occur is the initial step to being safe on our Massachusetts streets.
Most Common Electric Scooter Injuries
The most frequent e-scooter injuries are fractures, followed closely by contusions and abrasions on upper and lower limbs, according to this study by CPSC. However, there are some other injury patterns, such as head and brain injuries, that often lead to hospital admissions.
Head and Brain Injuries
Head injuries are one of the most serious outcomes of motor scooter accidents. A concussion or traumatic brain injury can be caused by even a simple fall, and this may result in permanent memory problems, balance difficulties, and problems with focus.
The best protection is the helmet. Studies indicate that helmet use reduces the chance of head injuries during e-scooter rides: 24% as opposed to 46.8% among those who weren’t wearing a helmet.
Fractures and Broken Bones
During an e-scooter crash, the body usually reacts instinctively — the riders extend their hands to cushion their landing, and this often results in fractured wrists, arms, or collarbones. Legs and ankles can also be injured, particularly when a rider is thrown forward or falls off the scooter.
Lacerations, Road Rash, and Soft Tissue Injuries
When electric scooter riders fall, they often get scratches, cuts, and road rash as their skin touches the ground. If these e-scooter injuries aren’t looked after properly, there’s a chance of infection or scarring.
E-Scooter vs. Bicycle Injuries
Bicycles are heavier and more stable; they have larger wheels and a seat that helps riders maintain balance. E-scooters, in contrast, come with smaller wheels and a slender deck. The rider has to stand straight, which makes it more difficult to balance.
Due to these design differences, scooter-related injuries tend to focus on the upper body. This is because riders typically fall forward, causing harm to their head, face, or wrists. Bicycle-related injuries, on the other hand, are more common in the lower body. Bicycle injuries usually involve the legs and hips, since bicycle riders tend to either topple sideways or get hit from that direction.
Causes of E-Scooter Accidents
According to the same report published by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, the most common causes of e-scooter accidents in 2017-2022 were:
- Dark conditions or poor visibility: 23%.
- Distractions from cell phones or music: 11%.
- Carrying or holding objects while operating the e-scooter: 32%.
The primary causes of e-scooter-related fatalities in the US during this same time period included:
- Collisions with other vehicles (cars, SUVs, buses, and trucks): 75 deaths out of 111 total fatalities.
- Loss of control resulting in crashes into fixed objects, pavement, or road curbs: 18 deaths.
- Battery-related fires: 4 deaths.
What to Do After a Scooter Crash
What requires your attention after an e-scooter collision first is your health — see a doctor as soon as possible to assess the injury severity. Secondly, save evidence, especially if you suffered serious injuries, for further investigation.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel just a little hurt, it’s necessary to get checked by a doctor quickly. Some traumatic injuries might not be obvious immediately but can lead to complications over time. A medical evaluation also records your scooter-related injuries in case you decide to make a claim in the future.
Preserve Evidence and Your Rights
Once you’ve taken care of any urgent injuries, take photos of the location from different perspectives, including debris and any road defects. If possible, also collect phone numbers of witnesses, as well as save the rental information if you used a rented scooter.
Last but not least, you should report to the police to make an official record. It will also support your story when interacting with insurance companies.
Legal Rights and Personal Injury Claims for Scooter Riders
If you’ve been injured in an e-scooter crash in Massachusetts due to someone else’s actions, you may be entitled to compensation. You may recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The most common parties you can hold responsible include:
- A motor vehicle driver, especially if they were distracted or failed to yield
- A reckless scooter rider or cyclist who caused a collision
- A scooter company that provided a defective or poorly maintained vehicle
- A property owner or city agency that failed to address dangerous road or sidewalk conditions.
When You May Have a Case
To see whether you have a solid foundation for a compensation claim, consider whether you can determine the following factors:
- Someone had a duty of care (e.g., drivers having to follow traffic laws).
- They breached their duty (e.g., were driving under the influence).
- The breach directly caused or contributed to the accident and your injuries.
- You have suffered actual damages, whether economic or non-economic.
A specialized attorney can help you demonstrate who caused the scooter-related injuries and how their behavior directly impacted you.
Working with an Accident Lawyer
Once you pursue a claim, insurance companies can doubt your story, downplay the seriousness of your scooter-related injuries, or delay the payment. This is where a skilled scooter accident lawyer can assist.
They will collect all the necessary proof, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and handle all the tedious paperwork to build a strong claim for you. When it comes to the personal injury lawyer cost, most firms don’t charge upfront, as they’re paid only if they win your case.
Get a Free Case Evaluation
How to Prevent Electric Scooter Injuries
Riding safely often comes down to a few simple habits:
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Wear a helmet
It’s one of the most effective ways to prevent head and brain injuries related to scooters.
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Check your scooter regularly
Confirm the brakes, tires, and lights are in good condition.
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Stay visible using protective gear
Reflective clothing or lights can help drivers notice you sooner.
Boston E-Scooter Policies & Trends
Electric scooters are now an integral part of Boston’s city life, but not everyone is happy about that. The rise in popularity has created safety issues, with Boston College banning these devices on campus. Still, it’s allowed to ride them in the city under state regulations. Massachusetts law states that scooters can only go up to 20 miles per hour, and riders must have either a valid driver’s license or a learner’s permit.
FAQs
Who pays for medical bills after an electric scooter accident?
If a driver was involved, their car insurance company might cover your medical expenses. The provider of a rental scooter might be held accountable if it wasn’t safe to use. Your health insurance steps in initially, and any extra costs could be included in a personal injury claim.
Can I file a claim against a rental scooter company?
Yes, if the scooter was poorly maintained or had a mechanical issue. However, these cases can be tricky because user agreements often limit their liability.
Do I need a driver’s license to ride an e-scooter in Massachusetts?
Yes. State law requires e-scooter riders to have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit.
How much time do I have to file a personal injury claim after an e-scooter accident?
Most Massachusetts personal injury claims, including e-scooter accidents, must be filed within three years of the incident.
Free Consultation for Scooter Accident Victims
At Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers, we provide a free consultation for anyone who has suffered injuries associated with micromobility products. Whether you’re looking for an attorney specializing in e-scooter collisions or a Boston bicycle accident lawyer, our team has extensive experience with Massachusetts traffic and road safety laws. Contact us, and we’ll review your situation and discuss the next steps toward fair compensation!
