E-scooters and e-bikes have completely changed how people get around California. They’re quick, affordable, and fun — but they’ve also introduced new risks on our roads. Every week, we hear from injured riders who are shocked to learn how complicated these cases can be under California law.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a scooter crash, you’re not alone. Across the United States, electric scooter injuries have skyrocketed in recent years, and many victims have no idea where to start. We want to help change that.
At DePaoli Law Team, we handle these evolving personal injury cases every day — and we’ve seen firsthand how confusing liability can be when new technology meets outdated traffic systems.
A Growing Problem Across California
A 2024 study from the University of California, San Francisco found that e-scooter injuries jumped from 8,566 to 56,847 between 2017 and 2022. E-bike injuries rose from 751 to 23,493 in that same period — a staggering increase.
Locally, emergency departments in the Sacramento area have seen more patients with serious injuries, including head injuries, broken bones, and spinal cord trauma from scooter and e-bike crashes.
A UCLA study revealed that the injury rate for scooters in Los Angeles — 115 injuries per one million trips — is now higher than the national rate for motorcycle accidents. The common causes include negligent drivers, unsafe road conditions, and scooters that aren’t properly maintained by rental companies.
For broader context, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reports that Sacramento County continues to rank among the state’s highest for vehicle-related injuries and fatalities.
Who’s Responsible After an E-Scooter Crash?
Every scooter accident case is unique, but most involve one or more of the following parties:
Negligent Drivers
Many of our clients are injured when a driver turns left without checking for a scooter in the bike lane or opens a car door into traffic. When that happens, we file an insurance claim against the driver’s policy to recover medical expenses, property damage, and other losses.
Scooter Companies and Manufacturers
If the scooter itself malfunctioned — for example, faulty brakes, a stuck throttle, or a sudden power loss — the scooter company or manufacturer may be responsible. These are product liability claims that require expert investigation.
City and County Governments
Uneven pavement, missing signage, and poor lighting can create dangerous road hazards. When that’s the case, we may pursue a premises liability claim against the city or county responsible for maintaining that area.
Shared Fault
Under California’s comparative negligence system — and regulations like California Vehicle Code §21235 — an injured scooter operator may still recover financial compensation even if they share part of the fault. Our job is to present the evidence clearly to minimize your share of liability and maximize your recovery.
Common Injuries and Medical Care
We’ve represented riders with all types of severe injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Fractures and dislocations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Facial or dental trauma
- Deep lacerations and bruising
Prompt medical attention is essential after any scooter crash — not only for your health but also to create a record of medical treatment and medical bills that supports your claim. These records often make the difference in achieving fair compensation.
For more insight into how these injuries affect Californians, see the California Department of Public Health’s TBI data.
Your Legal Options
If you’ve been injured on a motorized scooter, you have several legal options depending on who’s at fault. You may be able to recover for:
- Medical expenses and future treatment
- Lost income or earning capacity
- Emotional distress and pain and suffering
- Property damage
We investigate every detail of the legal process, identify each responsible party, and pursue every available source of compensation. Most importantly, we handle the insurance company so you don’t have to.
Why Choose Our Firm
At DePaoli Law Team, we’ve built our reputation on helping people in Folsom and throughout Northern California navigate complex personal injury claims with honesty, compassion, and results. That’s why clients across California trust us as a leading e-scooter accident law firm.
We handle cases across multiple practice areas, including Bicycle Accidents, Pedestrian Accidents, Truck Accidents, and serious e-scooter injury cases. Whether your case involves a valid driver’s license issue, an uninsured driver, or a defective product, we’ll stand by you from start to finish.
As personal injury attorneys, we work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case. And when you call us, you’ll talk to real people who care about your recovery and your future.
Contact Our Electric Scooter Accident Attorneys in Folsom
If you or a loved one has been injured in an e-scooter or e-bike accident, we invite you to reach out for a Free Case Evaluation. We’ll review your situation, explain your rights, and help you take the next step toward recovery.
📍 DePaoli Law Team
177 Parkshore Dr, Folsom, CA 95630
📞 (916) 962-2896
🌐 depaolilawteam.com
You can also connect with us through our contact form to get started. We’re ready to help you pursue your scooter accident claim and get the maximum compensation you deserve.
This article was developed in collaboration with our digital marketing partner, Cable & Co Legal Marketing, a California-based agency specializing in SEO and AI Search Optimization for law firms.
Frequently Asked Questions About E-Scooter and E-Bike Accidents
1. Who can be held liable for an e-scooter or e-bike accident in California?
Liability depends on the cause of the crash. It may involve a negligent driver, the scooter company, a manufacturer, or even a city government responsible for maintaining the roadway. California’s comparative negligence laws allow multiple parties to share fault.
2. Do I need a driver’s license to operate an e-scooter in California?
Yes. Under California Vehicle Code §21235, riders must have a valid driver’s license and follow traffic rules such as staying out of sidewalks and observing the 15 mph speed limit.
3. What should I do immediately after an e-scooter or e-bike accident?
Seek medical care right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Then, gather evidence — photos, witness information, and scooter details — and contact a personal injury attorney who has experience handling scooter accident cases.
4. Are e-scooter accidents covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your policy and the at-fault party’s insurance. Many scooter rental companies have limited or no coverage for riders, so filing a claim through your auto or health insurance may be necessary. We can help you determine all available coverage options.
5. How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a scooter accident in California?
The general statute of limitations for personal injury in California is two years from the date of the accident. However, if a government agency is involved, you must file a claim within six months. Contacting an attorney early helps protect your right to compensation.
