E-Scooters and Micromobility Claims

E-Scooters and Micromobility Accidents: Challenges in Personal Injury Claims

The rise of e-scooters, e-bikes, and other micromobility devices has transformed how we navigate cities like Tallahassee and Thomasville. These convenient, eco-friendly options have surged in popularity, but they’ve also brought a wave of accidents and injuries, creating unique challenges for personal injury claims.

At Fonvielle Lewis Messer & McConnaughhay, we’ve seen firsthand how these incidents can complicate the path to justice and compensation. In this blog, we’ll explore the potential problems with e-scooter and micromobility accidents and what you need to know if you’ve been injured.

The Growing Problem of E-Scooter and Micromobility Accidents

Micromobility devices have become a staple in urban areas, offering an affordable alternative to cars and public transit. However, their widespread use has led to a sharp increase in accidents. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, e-scooter-related injuries resulted in over 50,000 emergency room visits in 2024, and that number continues to climb in 2025. These accidents often involve:

• Collisions with vehicles or pedestrians
• Falls due to uneven pavement or poor infrastructure
• Injuries from defective or poorly maintained devices
• Crashes caused by rider inexperience or negligence

Victims of these accidents can suffer serious injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal damage, often leading to significant medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term pain and suffering. But pursuing a personal injury claim in these cases isn’t always straightforward.

Complex Liability Issues

One of the biggest challenges in e-scooter and micromobility accident claims is determining who’s at fault. Unlike traditional car accidents, where liability often falls on a driver, these cases can involve multiple parties:

• The Rider: If the e-scooter rider was acting recklessly—such as ignoring traffic laws or riding on prohibited sidewalks—they may be held partially or fully liable.
• The Scooter Company: Many e-scooters are rented through companies like Lime or Bird. If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure (e.g., faulty brakes or a defective battery), the company could be responsible for poor maintenance or design flaws.
• The City or Property Owner: Uneven sidewalks, potholes, or lack of proper bike lanes can contribute to accidents. In these cases, the city or a property owner might be liable for failing to maintain safe conditions.
• Another Driver or Pedestrian: If a car or pedestrian acted negligently—such as a driver running a red light or a pedestrian stepping into a bike lane without looking—they could share responsibility.

Sorting out liability often requires a thorough investigation, including reviewing traffic camera footage, gathering witness statements, and analyzing the device itself. At Fonvielle Lewis Messer & McConnaughhay, our attorneys work with accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case and identify all responsible parties.

Inadequate Insurance Coverage

Another hurdle in micromobility accident claims is the issue of insurance. Unlike car accidents, where drivers are typically required to carry liability insurance, e-scooter riders often lack coverage. Rental companies may provide limited insurance, but it’s usually not enough to cover serious injuries. For example, a 2024 study found that many e-scooter rental agreements cap liability coverage at $10,000, far below what’s needed for catastrophic injuries.

If the at-fault party doesn’t have sufficient insurance, victims may need to rely on their own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage—if they have it—or pursue a lawsuit against the responsible party directly. This can be a complex process, especially when dealing with large corporations or municipalities. Our firm has the resources and experience to take on these challenging cases and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Evolving Laws and Regulations

The legal landscape for e-scooters and micromobility devices is still catching up to their rapid adoption. In Florida and Georgia, regulations vary by city, and some areas lack clear rules on where e-scooters can be ridden, helmet requirements, or speed limits. For example, Tallahassee has designated certain bike lanes for e-scooter use, but enforcement is inconsistent, leading to confusion for both riders and drivers.

This regulatory uncertainty can complicate personal injury claims. If a rider was technically violating a local ordinance at the time of the accident, the defense might argue that the rider’s negligence contributed to the incident. On the other hand, if the city failed to provide safe infrastructure, that could strengthen the victim’s case. Our attorneys stay up-to-date on the latest laws and ordinances to ensure your claim is built on a solid legal foundation.

Shared Fault and Comparative Negligence

Both Florida and Georgia follow comparative negligence rules, meaning your compensation can be reduced if you’re found partially at fault for the accident. For example, if you were riding an e-scooter without a helmet in an area where helmets are required, the defense might argue that your failure to wear a helmet contributed to your injuries. In Florida, if you’re found to be more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering damages altogether.

Navigating comparative negligence requires a skilled attorney who can minimize your share of fault and maximize your recovery. At Fonvielle Lewis Messer & McConnaughhay, we’ve successfully handled countless cases involving shared fault, ensuring our clients receive the compensation they’re entitled to.

Why Choose Fonvielle Lewis Messer & McConnaughhay?

With over 100 years of combined legal experience, our firm is uniquely equipped to handle even the most complex personal injury cases. We’re the only personal injury firm in North Florida with four Board Certified Expert Partners, and we’ve secured significant results for our clients, including $75 million in automobile collision cases and $8.2 million in wrongful death claims. We represent plaintiffs only, meaning our sole focus is on fighting for the rights of those who have been wrongfully injured.

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has been affected by any of these emerging trends in personal injury law, don’t wait to seek help. Contact Fonvielle Lewis Messer & McConnaughhay for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

📞 Call Us: (877) ALL WE DO
📍 Tallahassee Office: 3375-A Capital Circle N.E., Tallahassee, FL 32308
📍 Thomasville Office: 214 West Jackson Street, Thomasville, GA 31792
🌐 Visit Us: wrongfullyinjured.com

Let us put our expertise to work for you. Reach out today!