Electric Scooter Accidents: The Hidden Dangers
If you live in Southern California, you’ve probably noticed the latest rage in urban transportation – the pay-as-you-go electric scooter. They are convenient, fast and easy to operate, and – best of all—you can find one on just about every street corner. E-scooters are marketed as an eco-friendly alternative to cars for short distance travel, and at just $1 a pop, they are incredibly affordable to boot. Simply download the app, locate your nearest scooter, press a button and you’re zooming around city streets at 15 mph.
At present, the Santa Monica-based Bird heads the market in rentable electric scooters. Like other start-ups in this industry, Bird absolves itself of all liability in the event of an accident, property damage or losses.
E-scooters are no safer than mopeds, and many who ride them treat them more as toys, ignoring road rules and putting passersby at risk. In addition, most riders forego helmets or protective gear, a factor that increases the chances of serious accident-related injuries. Earlier this year a Los Angeles woman broke her arm in two places in an electric scooter accident. She later discovered that her car insurance policy wouldn’t cover her medical costs, an important detail buried in most rental’s fine print.
Doctors are reporting an uptick in serious injuries stemming from electric scooter accidents. Skull fractures, traumatic brain injury, concussions and deep lacerations are among the most common. Besides potholes, unwary drivers and pedestrians, there are many potential hazards that can cause a catastrophic accident.
Why electric scooters are dangerous
The electric scooter holds great appeal for residents and tourists alike. But there are many hidden dangers to consider:
- There is no licensing or training required, meaning inexperienced and sometimes ill-equipped riders
- E-scooters have a smaller profile than bicycles and are less visible to drivers
- Road hazards like uneven pavement, gravel and potholes can undermine stability and increase crash risk
- Collisions with cars expose riders to severe injury since there is no barrier or safety harness
- Mechanical malfunction like failed brakes or throttle have been reported
In the greater Los Angeles area, reports of electric scooter accidents have prompted growing safety concerns. According to the Santa Monica Daily Press, a young woman operating an E-scooter made by Bird was injured when she struck a moving car at an intersection. She suffered moderate head trauma in what was one of the first reported scooter crashes California.
Ellis Law represents those injured in electric scooter accidents, whether caused by negligent drivers, distracted pedestrians, road hazards or a scooter malfunction. Our veteran personal injury lawyers conduct in-depth investigations and help victims secure maximum compensation from liable parties.
E-scooter accident attorneys in LA
Headquartered in Los Angeles, Ellis Law Corporation has procured more than $350 million on behalf of clients over the years and is passionate about protecting the rights of personal injury victims throughout California.
If you or someone you love was hurt in an electric scooter accident, call our offices for a free, no-obligation case review with car accident lawyers in Los Angeles.
Additional Resources on Electric Scooter Dangers:
- Healthline, It’s Official: Scooters Can Be Bad for Your Health https://www.healthline.com/health-news/scooters-can-be-bad-for-your-health
- Cleveland Metro, What are the dangers of electric scooters? https://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2018/08/the_dangers_of_electric_scoote.html
- CNN, Do something about the dangers of e-scooters https://edition.cnn.com/2018/08/16/opinions/dangers-of-e-scooters-vox/index.html