In recent years, electric scooters and shared bikes have become a popular alternative to cars in busy cities. With just a smartphone and a few taps, you can unlock a ride and be on your way. But with this convenience comaes a new set of risks. Riders often face unexpected injuries—some minor, others life-altering. If you’ve been injured while using a rental e-scooter or bike, what happens next?
Understanding your rights and responsibilities is essential. The legal landscape around rental scooters and bikes is still evolving, and most riders don’t realize just how complicated things can get until they’re already in pain.
Let’s break down what you need to know—from determining liability to filing claims, and how a personal injury attorney can help you navigate the aftermath.
Understanding the Risks Behind Shared Mobility Devices
While rental scooters and bikes promise easy travel, they come with hidden dangers. From uneven pavement to reckless drivers, riders are exposed and vulnerable.
Common Causes of Rental Scooter and Bike Accidents
- Faulty equipment: Malfunctioning brakes, loose handlebars, or battery issues
- Poorly maintained roads: Potholes, debris, or unexpected obstructions
- Negligent drivers: Motorists who fail to yield or drive too closely
- Other riders or pedestrians: Crowded sidewalks and confusion about riding zones
- User inexperience: New riders unfamiliar with scooter controls or traffic laws
Most accidents happen quickly—and with little warning. One moment you’re cruising through a crosswalk, the next, you’re lying on the pavement, injured and unsure of what to do next.
Who Is Responsible After a Scooter or Bike Accident?
After an injury, the most important legal question becomes: Who is liable? The answer isn’t always obvious.
Potentially Liable Parties
- The Scooter or Bike Company
Companies like Lime, Bird, or Citi Bike typically include waivers in their user agreements. While these terms aim to protect them from lawsuits, they don’t cover negligence. If your accident was caused by poor maintenance or a design flaw, the company may still be held accountable. - A Negligent Driver or Pedestrian
If a car hit you while you were riding, the driver could be responsible. The same applies if a pedestrian acted recklessly and caused you to crash. - The Local Municipality
In some cases, accidents result from dangerous road conditions or construction hazards. Cities have a duty to maintain safe infrastructure. If they fail to do so, they could share liability. - The Rider (You)
If you were riding under the influence, distracted, or ignoring traffic signals, your ability to recover compensation may be reduced—or denied altogether.
What to Do Immediately After a Scooter or Bike Injury
In the chaos after an accident, it’s easy to forget the basics. But your actions in the first minutes and hours can significantly impact your health and your legal case.
Step 1: Prioritize Medical Care
Even if you feel okay, injuries like concussions, internal bleeding, or fractures might not be immediately obvious. Go to the ER or urgent care, and follow all doctor instructions. Keep every receipt and medical record—you’ll need them later.
Step 2: Document the Scene
Take photos of the scooter or bike, any visible injuries, the surrounding area, and anything that could help your case. Look for broken pavement, signage, or security cameras. Try to capture everything before it’s cleaned up or repaired.
Step 3: Report the Incident
If a car was involved, call the police and file a report. If it was a solo crash, report it to the scooter or bike company using their app. Save a screenshot of your report submission.
Step 4: Get Witness Information
If anyone saw the accident happen, ask for their contact details. Eyewitness accounts can make or break a claim—especially when liability is in question.
Can You File a Lawsuit After a Rental Scooter or Bike Injury?
The short answer is yes—but the process is not always straightforward.
What a Personal Injury Claim Covers
If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses: From ER visits to long-term physical therapy
- Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working
- Pain and suffering: For physical pain, trauma, and emotional distress
- Out-of-pocket expenses: Including prescriptions, medical equipment, or transportation
Each case is different, and compensation depends on the severity of your injuries, available evidence, and applicable insurance policies.
Insurance and Rental Scooter Companies: What You Should Know
Many riders assume the rental company’s insurance will cover their injuries. Unfortunately, most of these companies offer little to no personal coverage.
What Rental Agreements Actually Say
User agreements typically shift most of the risk to you, the rider. They may include arbitration clauses, liability waivers, and strict deadlines for filing claims. However, courts don’t always enforce these terms—especially in cases involving gross negligence.
Your Own Insurance Might Help
Depending on your coverage, your health insurance, auto insurance, or personal liability umbrella policy may offer some relief. But coverage varies, and insurance companies are rarely quick to pay.
This is why speaking with an attorney is crucial. A personal injury lawyer can review your options and help you pursue the compensation you deserve, even when the path forward seems unclear.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
Time is not on your side after an accident. Statutes of limitations vary by state and type of claim.
- In New York, personal injury claims must generally be filed within 3 years of the accident.
- Claims against a municipality often require written notice within 90 days of the incident.
Waiting too long can mean losing your chance to recover compensation altogether.
Conclusion: Injured on a Rental E-Scooter or Bike? You Don’t Have to Handle It Alone
Getting injured while using a rental scooter or bike can be painful, disorienting, and legally confusing. Between medical bills, lost income, and difficult insurance companies, the experience can quickly become overwhelming. But you don’t have to go through it alone.
At Alan Ripka & Associates, we help injury victims hold negligent parties accountable—whether it’s a rental company that failed to maintain their equipment or a careless driver who didn’t see you coming. If you’ve been hurt while riding a shared scooter or bike, we’re here to fight for your rights.
Contact us today for a consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your options, and handle the legal complexities—so you can focus on healing.
Justice starts with action. Call now or visit our website, Alan Ripka & Associates, to schedule your consultation. Your recovery is our priority.
