Injured on a scooter by a negligent driver? We can handle the legal hurdles for you while you focus on healing.
Los Angeles Electric Scooter Accident Lawyer
Overwhelmed after a serious e-scooter collision? Do not worry—we are here for you. Our experienced personal injury lawyers fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. One call can start your path to recovery.
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Electric Scooter Accident Lawyers in Los Angeles
Electric scooters in Los Angeles have been popular for the past several years, and it is easy to see why they have caught on so well in Los Angeles and Southern California.
Lime and Bird e-scooter services are affordable, convenient for short trips, eliminate parking hassles, and do not require special skills to operate.
Despite these benefits of e-scooters, unfortunately, they pose potential dangers.
Not surprisingly, serious injuries resulting from electric scooter accidents are common. Legal help from a Los Angeles e-scooter injury lawyer is critical if you were involved in a serious collision.
You may have a legal claim under California law.
Our team at El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers is prepared to assist with your claim. We have over 60 years of combined experience representing clients in serious injury cases across Los Angeles County.
Schedule a free consultation with a member of our team. During your consultation, we will go over your legal options and answer any questions you may have.
Topics On This Page
Types of Electric Scooters
Commuter Electric Scooter
A commuter electric scooter is a fast and easy way to get around town. It’s light, foldable, and perfect for short trips to work, school, or the store. With a smooth ride and no gas needed, it’s a smart choice for city travel. Just charge it up and go.
Purpose: Ideal for daily travel to work, school, or short errands.
Features: Lightweight, foldable, decent battery range, speeds around 15–20 mph.
Example: Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter, Segway Ninebot.
Performance E-Scooters
Performance electric scooters are built for speed and power. They go faster, travel farther, and handle rough roads better than regular scooters. With strong motors and big batteries, they’re great for thrill-seekers or long rides.
Purpose: Built for speed and longer distances.
Features: Higher top speeds (up to 50+ mph), bigger motors, longer battery life, heavy-duty suspension.
Example: Dualtron Thunder, Kaabo Wolf Warrior.
Electric Kick Scooters
Electric kick scooters are the most basic type of e-scooter. They are small, lightweight, and portable, with a standing deck and handlebar for navigation. Best suited for smooth roads and flat terrain. They aren’t ideal for rough or bumpy surfaces. They are slower than other, more advanced e-scooters, making them appropriate for children.
Purpose: Fun and safe riding for younger users.
Features: Slower speeds (under 10 mph), lighter weight, safety features like limited throttle.
Example: Razor E100, Segway Ninebot ZING.
Three-Wheeled Electric Scooters
Electric scooters with three wheels, designed for increased balance and stability, have an additional wheel either in front or at the back. These scooters are typically designed for children who are unable to navigate two-wheeled scooters. Although there are adult versions of three-wheeled e-scooters, they are cumbersome to ride and not ideal for maneuvering through traffic.
Purpose: Added balance and stability.
Features: Two wheels at the front or back, suitable for seniors or people with balance issues.
Example: EW-11 Euro Style, Glion Balto.
Seated Electric Scooters
Seated electric scooters are similar to kick scooters, but they have a seat. This makes them a good option for people who have trouble standing for long periods but still want to enjoy riding an e-scooter. They are lightweight, and some models are foldable for easy transport.
Seated e-scooters are also more durable than other types of e-scooters. They are made from aircraft aluminum and can carry weights of up to 397 lbs. Their tires can handle rough roads, making them a good choice for people who want to ride on a variety of surfaces.
Purpose: More comfort for longer rides.
Features: Padded seat, often larger frames and batteries, good for people with mobility concerns.
Example: Razor EcoSmart Metro, eDrift UH-ES395.
Off-Road E-Scooters
Off-road electric scooters are perfect for cruising due to their sturdy construction. They have two large wheels with reinforced tires measuring at least 200 mm, and powerful suspensions for shock absorption.
Their higher profile and higher watt motors give them the power to handle rocky and muddy roads.
Purpose: For trails, dirt paths, and rugged terrain.
Features: Large tires, strong suspension, durable frames, high ground clearance.
Example: Apollo Ghost, Nanrobot D6+.
Risks with E-Scooters in Los Angeles
According to the US Department of Transportation (US DOT), there are almost 250 e-scooter ridesharing systems nationwide, serving 110 cities across the US.
These riders join other motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other road users to make busy city streets even more congested.
Heavier traffic increases the potential for crashes, but there are additional risks associated with electric scooters:
- Though users are required to wear a helmet, the company’s enforcement of this safety regulation is sparse.
- E-scooters are not required to pass a basic safety course to use Lime and Bird scooters, so they lack experience handling these unique vehicles.
- Lime and Bird do not have employees at e-scooter drop-offs to inspect vehicles after use, making it likely that damaged parts affect the next rider.
- E-scooter users often do not realize that California traffic regulations also apply to them.
Common Causes of Electric Scooter Accidents in Los Angeles
Electric scooter accidents are caused by a variety of factors, including:
Drivers Failing to See Scooter Riders +
Hazardous Road Conditions +
Malfunctioning Scooters +
Rider Behavior +All of these factors can result in serious injuries.
What to Do After an E-Scooter Accident in Los Angeles
You can trust El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers to handle the legal process if you were hurt in a crash involving an e-scooter.
Our electric scooter accident lawyer will work hard to get you the best compensation. This will cover all your losses, whether from the driver’s insurance or the scooter company’s policy. If the insurance company refuses to pay a fair amount, we will take your case to court.
You can help protect your case and support the efforts of our Los Angeles scooter injury attorneys by:
Getting proper medical care right away
Exchanging contact information with everyone involved and from eyewitnesses
Not admitting fault
If contacted by an insurer, declining to answer questions without your attorney present
Declining recorded conversations with the insurance company
Never sign a release or any other document without talking to your electric scooter accident lawyer.
Liability in E-Scooter Accidents
Everyone sharing California’s roads is required to comply with traffic laws and exercise reasonable care. Liability personal injury claims is based on negligence–examples of negligence include:
- Speeding
- Running red lights
- Texting, talking on the phone, and other forms of distracted driving
- Failure to yield
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failure to make proper repairs or allowing defective vehicles to remain in service
E-scooter companies may be held liable if they fail to maintain the fleet of scooters. Failure to make inspections and repair damaged vehicles is an act of negligence.
Do I Need an Electric Scooter Accident Lawyer?
Yes, you should consider hiring an electric scooter accident lawyer—especially if you were hurt. A lawyer can help you figure out who was at fault and make sure the insurance company treats you fairly.
In some cases, the scooter company—like Bird or Lime—may be responsible, especially if the scooter was damaged or unsafe. These companies have their own rules and lawyers, so it’s important to have someone on your side who knows how to deal with them.
Medical bills, lost wages, and pain from your injuries can add up fast. A lawyer can fight for the maximum compensation you deserve and handle the legal stress while you focus on healing.
Consultations are free, so it’s worth asking questions and learning your options.
Medical Bills
If your incident results in injuries, your claim should cover the cost of emergency treatment, surgery, hospitalization, medication, medical equipment, medical treatment, and physical or rehabilitative therapy.
Loss of Wages
If your injuries cause you to miss work, you can claim lost wages. If they result in a permanent disability affecting your income, you can also claim future income loss or diminished earning capacity.
Punitive Damages
Traffic collisions can affect both, victims and families. Non-monetary claims cover emotional distress, mental anguish, and pain and suffering.
Summary of California Electric Scooter Laws and Regulations
To ensure the safety of all road users, California has implemented specific laws and regulations pertaining to electric scooter usage. These regulations encompass age restrictions, helmet requirements, speed limits, and permissible riding areas.
General Electric Scooter Regulations in Los Angeles:
- Minimum Age: 16 years old
- Speed Limit: 15 mph
- Required Use of Bike Lanes: When available
- Prohibited Use of Sidewalks
- No Passengers Allowed
- Valid Driver’s License or Permit Required
- Helmet Required for Minors Under 18
- All Traffic Laws Must Be Followed
- Dismount and Walk Scooter Across Roadway When Making Left Turns
- Crosswalk Regulations Must Be Followed
- Parking Restrictions: Do not block pedestrian walkways, driveways, or access points
Steps in the Legal Process
The specific requirements will depend on your role in the accident and who was responsible.
If another driver caused the collision, you would typically file a claim with their auto insurance company. You will need evidence showing that the driver was negligent.
However, Lime or Bird may also be involved if their negligence contributed to the accident. Our experienced Los Angeles e-scooter injury lawyers at El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers will pursue the company through an insurance claim or a lawsuit.
We will seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
FAQs About Electric Scooter Accidents
Are e-scooters legal in California?
Yes, e-scooters are legal in California. Riders must be at least 16 years old and possess a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit. E-scooters can be operated on bicycle paths, trails, or bikeways, but not on sidewalks. The maximum speed limit for e-scooters is 15 mph.
Do I need to wear a helmet when riding an electric scooter?
In California, electric scooter riders under 18 are required to wear a helmet while operating an electric scooter. Adults 18 and over are not legally obligated to wear helmets, though it is strongly recommended for safety.
Can I make a claim even if I’m partially at fault for the e-scooter crash?
Yes, California follows a comparative negligence system. This means you can still file a claim if you’re partially at fault, but your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What’s a Dockless E-Scooter?
A dockless e-scooter is an electric scooter that doesn’t require a fixed docking station for pick-up or return. Users can locate and unlock these scooters via a smartphone app, ride to their destination, and leave the scooter at a designated area or permissible location for the next user.
Discuss Legal Options with a Los Angeles Electric Scooter Accident Lawyer
When recovering from a major e-scooter accident, growing medical bills, missed days at work, having an experienced lawyer handling your claim is critical after an e-scooter collision.
For more information on your rights and legal options, call El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers at 213-985-1120 or fill out the form below. We can schedule a free consultation with an e-scooter injury attorney who can provide additional details.
