Electric scooters have become a common sight throughout California, especially in busy cities where commuters and tourists want a quick and inexpensive way to get around. While electric scooters offer convenience, they also introduce real risks for riders, pedestrians, and drivers. As electric scooter accident numbers continue to climb, whether by self-owned e-scooters or rented ones, injured individuals often find themselves dealing with unexpected medical bills, lost income, and a complicated claims process.

Our team at the Gold Firm – San Bernardino Personal Injury Lawyers assists victims of electric scooter accidents throughout the city and surrounding communities. Our team works to help injured riders and pedestrians understand their rights, build a strong claim, and pursue financial recovery from the parties responsible.

What Happens if I Have an Accident With an Electric Scooter?

An electric scooter accident can leave victims with injuries ranging from mild bruising to severe brain trauma. The aftermath often depends on the type of collision and other circumstances. Riders may be struck by a motor vehicle, thrown to the ground due to road hazards, or harmed when the scooter itself malfunctions. Pedestrians may also suffer injuries when a rider loses control or when abandoned electric scooters create tripping hazards, such as when a rented e-scooter is left lying on the sidewalk or in the way of vehicles.

After an electric scooter accident, injured individuals often need emergency medical attention, diagnostic testing, and follow-up care. Damage to property, including phones, laptops, and personal belongings, is also common because many people wear backpacks while riding e-scooters around the city. When another party’s conduct leads to an e-scooter accident, victims have the right to pursue compensation under California law.

Claims involving electric scooters can involve multiple sources of liability. A car or truck driver may be responsible for striking a rider. A scooter rental company may be liable if the device was poorly maintained or defective, such as not having working brakes. A city or property owner may be at fault if unsafe road conditions contributed to the crash. Gold Firm works with investigators, medical professionals, and crash specialists to determine how the event occurred and identify all potential sources of compensation.

How Common Are E-Scooter Accidents?

Electric scooter accidents in California have surged as their usage has expanded across the state. A significant study conducted by UCSF shows the sharp rise in e-scooter and e-bike injury rates nationwide. Injuries from ebicycles increased dramatically, climbing from 751 cases in 2017 to 23,493 in 2022, according to a national UCSF study. During that same period of time, e-scooter accidents rose from 8,566 to 56,847, which is significantly more than ebicycles. These statistics reflect how rapid adoption of micromobility devices has led to more collisions and a greater impact on emergency departments.

A study published in the National Library of Medicine reinforces the seriousness of electric scooter accidents. Over a one-year period, 87 individuals required trauma surgeon care for scooter-related injuries. The average age of the patients was 35.1 years, and more than 71% of injured individuals were male. Hospitalization data in the study also reveal significant injury severity, with 20.7% of patients requiring ICU care and 17.2% needing surgical intervention to treat their injuries. One patient died during the study period from their scooter accident injuries. The head and face were the most frequently affected areas of the body in these accidents, followed by the extremities. Helmet use was low, with 71.3% of patients reportedly not wearing one at the time of the accident.

These statistics highlight how electric scooter accidents can lead to high-impact injuries, long-term medical treatment, and extensive financial strain. Riders often underestimate the force of a fall or collision, especially when traveling at higher speeds on busy streets. Because helmet usage remains inconsistent, head injuries continue to be one of the most common and concerning outcomes.

Our team at the Gold Firm helps victims understand how these injury trends affect their ability to pursue compensation and builds claims that reflect the true cost of a serious e-scooter accident in California.

Common Causes of Electric Scooter Accidents in California

Electric scooter accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, many of which involve preventable circumstances. Heavy traffic, distracted driving, aggressive motorists, and e-scooter defects all can play a role in California’s growing rate of e-scooter accidents. Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Drivers who fail to yield when turning or merging

• Distracted motorists who strike riders

• Excessive speeding by vehicle drivers or riders

• Scooter malfunctions involving brakes, throttles, or steering columns

• Road hazards such as uneven pavement, debris, potholes, or broken sidewalks

• Improperly parked scooters are creating obstacles

• Poor lighting conditions that reduce visibility

In many cases, more than one factor contributes to the cause of an electric scooter accident. Because fault can be shared between multiple parties, a detailed investigation is often necessary. Our team at the Gold Firm works to preserve evidence, evaluate witness statements, and obtain any available camera footage to build a clear picture of what happened.

Common Injuries Seen in California Electric Scooter Accidents 

The lack of physical protection in these types of accidents leaves riders vulnerable to severe injuries, especially when they involve a motor vehicle. Common medical issues associated with electric scooter accidents include:

• Fractures of the arms, wrists, collarbone, or legs

• Traumatic brain injuries

• Facial fractures and dental damage

• Deep lacerations requiring sutures

• Internal injuries and organ damage

• Road rash and soft tissue damage

• Spinal injuries

Even minor electric scooter injuries can worsen over time if left untreated. Medical treatment may include emergency care, orthopedic care, surgical procedures, and physical therapy. When injuries require extended time away from work, victims often face lost income as well as rising medical expenses.

Filing an Electric Scooter Accident Claim in California

Victims of electric scooter accidents generally have the right to file a claim against the party whose negligence or conduct contributed to the collision. California law allows injury victims to pursue compensation even if they are found to be partially at fault, though their percentage of responsibility may reduce their recovery.

Claims must be filed within California’s statute of limitations, which establishes a specific deadline for pursuing legal action. Waiting too long may prevent an individual from recovering compensation. Gold Firm guides clients through every stage of the legal process and keeps them informed about deadlines, documentation needs, and the progress of their case.

How Gold Firm Supports Victims of Electric Scooter Accidents

Electric scooter accident claims in California can be challenging due to the involvement of multiple companies, insurance carriers, and legal issues. However, our team at the Gold Firm helps clients move through the process by handling communications with insurers, gathering evidence, and pursuing compensation on their behalf. We assist e-scooter accident victims by:

• Investigating the scene to determine how the collision occurred

• Identifying all parties who may be responsible

• Working with medical providers to link injuries to the incident

• Calculating the full value of the claim

• Negotiating with insurance companies

• Preparing the case for trial when needed

Our team understands the unique challenges these cases present, including disputes over liability, inconsistent electric scooter maintenance records, and conflicts between scooter companies and insurance carriers. Injured riders or pedestrians can greatly benefit from having legal representation that is familiar with California law and focused on achieving a strong outcome.