E-scooter Accident Claims

Making an E-scooter Accident Claim

As the number of e-scooters on the roads increases, so does the number of incidents involving them. According to the Office of National Statistics, there were 1,352 e-scooter collisions in 2021, up from just 460 in 2020. Over 1,400 riders and pedestrians were injured and sadly, 10 people lost their lives.

While they can be used responsibly and safely, the fact remains that riders are among the most vulnerable road users. Accidents can cause significant injuries, and there’s a risk of pedestrians being involved in e-scooter collisions, too.

What is an e-scooter accident?

Any type of incident that involves an electric scooter including:

• Collisions with cars, motorcycles, bicycles or other vehicles
• Collisions with pedestrians
• Hitting potholes or defects in the road
• “Car dooring” incidents where a passenger or driver of a car opens their door without looking, causing the e-scooter rider to swerve or crash.

These incidents may be caused by careless or dangerous driving, poor road maintenance, or reckless and irresponsible riding of the e-scooter itself.

What type of injuries might result?

Some private e-scooters can reach speeds in excess of 30 mph and thus have the potential to cause significant harm to the rider, pedestrians and other road users. Common injuries include:

• Head and brain injuries
• Serious fractures
• Spinal cord injury
• Fatal injuries

Can I make an e-scooter accident claim?

If you are an e-scooter rider or you have been in a collision with one, you may be able to claim compensation. This includes pedestrians and other road users such as cyclists. The likelihood of success depends on the circumstances of your accident and whether it can be proven that someone else was at fault.

The law surrounding e-scooters is evolving and not always clear. Rented e-scooters are legal on public roads in certain parts of the country where there are government-approved e-scooter rental schemes in place. Privately owned e-scooters cannot be ridden on public roads, pavements or cycle paths. As a first step, you will need to speak with a specialist solicitor who can assess if you have a valid claim.

Is there a time limit for making an e-scooter accident claim?

Yes, the usual time limit for making a personal injury claim is three years from the date of your injury. However, if you are claiming on behalf of a minor then the time limit is three years from the date of their 18th birthday (until age 21).

In rare cases, the time scale for a claim may be longer. Our team can advise you on the relevant time limits applicable to your claim.

What if my e-scooter accident happened abroad?

While rental e-scooters can only be ridden on a few roads in the UK, they are much more widely available in other countries. If you were injured abroad following an accident involving an e-scooter, you may be able to make a claim when you return home through the UK courts.

It’s important to speak to a solicitor who specialises in overseas road traffic accident claims. Each country has its own rules about who can ride an e-scooter, whether a driving licence is required and what the process is for claiming through the E-scooter’s insurance policy. We’ll take the complexity out of an overseas claim and help you get the compensation you deserve.

How much can I claim for an e-scooter accident?

Every claim is different and the value of your claim will depend on the seriousness of your injuries and their long-term impact. Generally, the court will use a set of compensation tables to put a value on your injuries. For example, a severe neck injury could be worth between £38,800 and £139,210 while a broken thigh bone could be valued between £7,780 and £13,210.

You can also claim for damage to your scooter, medical expenses, and loss of earnings.

A solicitor will be able to provide a ballpark figure to help you decide whether to make a claim. You will receive a more accurate figure when an assessment of your injury is made by a medical expert.

How do I start my e-scooter accident claim?

E-scooter claims are a relatively new area of law but we have already helped many people receive the compensation they are entitled to. We’re focused not only on achieving a successful outcome but also on making sure you get all the medical support and rehabilitation you need throughout your case. We’re a leading firm of personal injury experts with a strong track record in road traffic personal injury claims. Our solicitors have also been asked to share their expertise on the law relating to e-scooters with national media including the BBC.

Almost all e-scooter compensation claims can be made using a No Win, No Fee agreement. This means you can start your claim without worrying about up-front costs.

It’s easy to start your e-scooter accident claim with us. Simply call us or fill out our online contact form. We’ll connect you with an e-scooter accident specialist who can answer your questions and advise you whether you may be able to make a claim.