Electric scooters have become a fixture of urban transportation across Colorado. They are affordable, convenient, and easy to rent on short notice. But as their popularity has grown, so has the number of people showing up in emergency rooms with serious electric scooter injuries.
According to a 2024 study published in JAMA Network Open, e-scooter injuries increased by more than 45% every year between 2017 and 2022, rising from 8,566 ER visits to over 56,000.
That is a significant trend, and one that affects real people navigating real streets in Denver and throughout Colorado. Understanding the most common causes of electric scooter accidents is the first step toward preventing them.
Whether you ride regularly or have just started, this guide covers what causes e-scooter crashes, what you can do to reduce your risk, and what your legal options are if you have been injured.
1. Distracted Riding
Distracted riding is among the leading causes of electric scooter accidents. Using a phone, wearing headphones, or simply failing to pay attention in a crowded urban environment dramatically increases the risk of a collision.
To reduce this risk, riders should:
- Continuously scan the surroundings and monitor traffic signals
- Keep a safe distance from vehicles at all times
- Avoid using a phone or headphones while riding
- Anticipate driver behavior rather than assuming they have noticed you
- Reduce speed in crowded or high-pedestrian areas
Situational awareness is not optional. It’s a foundation of safe riding.
2. Poor Road Conditions
Electric scooters have small wheels and limited suspension. That design makes them particularly sensitive to potholes, debris, uneven pavement, and cracked asphalt.
In cities like Denver, infrastructure conditions vary significantly from block to block, and that unpredictability creates real hazards for riders.
A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that e-scooter riders were twice as likely to be injured due to potholes, pavement cracks, lampposts, and signposts compared to bicyclists.
While road conditions are not always within your control, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk:
- Plan your route in advance and avoid unfamiliar stretches with heavy traffic
- Slow down when navigating bumpy or uneven terrain
- Leave 10–15 minutes earlier so you are not rushing through poor conditions
Road hazards are often easier to spot from a distance than at the last second. Keeping your attention focused further ahead gives you more time to identify and respond to obstacles safely.
3. Inadequate Lighting
Riding at night without adequate lighting is a common contributor to e-scooter crashes. Electric scooters have a small footprint and are difficult for drivers to see, even under favorable conditions.
Before riding after dark, take the following precautions:
- Confirm the scooter’s built-in headlights and taillights are fully functional
- Wear bright or reflective clothing. A reflective vest with lights is ideal
- If you own your scooter, add supplemental headlights and rear lights
- Consider adding a bell to alert pedestrians to your presence
Good visibility gives drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians more time to react to your presence. A few simple lighting upgrades reduce your risk of being involved in a nighttime collision.
4. Mechanical Failures
Faulty brakes, worn tires, malfunctioning motors, and battery issues are documented factors in electric scooter accidents. If you are using a rental scooter, take a moment before each ride to inspect the tires, test the brakes, and check for any visible damage.
For personal scooters, maintain a regular upkeep schedule:
- Check tire pressure frequently and inspect for wear, cracks, or punctures
- Test brakes regularly for responsiveness
- Tighten any loose screws, bolts, or nuts
- Verify that lights, headlights, taillights, and turn signals are working
- Charge the battery regularly and avoid letting it drop to zero
- Store the scooter in a dry, covered area to protect it from the elements
If your accident was caused by a defective scooter, the liability analysis may extend to the manufacturer or rental company, not just the rider.
5. Excessive Speed
Higher speeds reduce reaction time and increase the severity of injuries when electric scooter crashes occur. Scooters don’t reach car speeds, but their lightweight construction makes them difficult to control at the upper end of their range, especially on crowded streets or roads with limited visibility.
To manage speed safely:
- Familiarize yourself with the scooter’s speed settings before riding
- Set a personal speed limit below the maximum, especially in urban areas
- Avoid downhill speeding because gravity compounds the risk considerably
- Ride slowly in areas with heavy foot traffic
- Only ride in favorable weather conditions and keep tires properly inflated
Safe e-scooter operation is less about reaching top speed and more about maintaining control. Riding at a manageable pace helps you respond to changing conditions and avoid preventable collisions.
6. Collisions with Vehicles
Vehicle collisions are one of the most dangerous categories of e-scooter crashes. Drivers may fail to notice scooters in bike lanes, misjudge stopping distance, or simply not check blind spots. The scooter itself offers the rider almost no structural protection.
While not every collision can be avoided, the following habits significantly reduce your exposure:
- Always wear a helmet. It is the single most effective protective measure
- Make yourself as visible as possible, particularly at intersections
- Use hand signals when turning and make eye contact with drivers before proceeding
- Avoid riding in a driver’s blind spot
- Ride defensively by anticipating driver behavior rather than assuming you have been seen
Even when you follow traffic rules, a collision with a vehicle has serious consequences because of the size and weight difference involved. Taking extra precautions around cars, trucks, and buses is necessary to compensate for that imbalance.
7. Riding on Sidewalks
In Colorado, riding an electric scooter on the sidewalk is illegal. Despite this, sidewalk riding remains a recurring factor in pedestrian-related incidents. Sidewalks are not engineered for scooter traffic, and collisions with pedestrians can result in significant injuries for both parties.
Stick to designated bike lanes or low-traffic roads. If a collision with a pedestrian occurs while you are riding on the sidewalk, you may bear liability for resulting injuries.
8. Inexperience
Rental scooters are typically stationed in busy urban areas, often the worst possible environment for a first-time rider. Inexperience leads to difficulty with balance, overuse of the throttle, or delayed braking.
Before riding in traffic, take time in an open area such as an empty parking lot to practice turning, stopping, and navigating at different speeds. Familiarity with the controls before entering a congested street reduces the risk of a preventable accident.
9. Weather Conditions
Rain, snow, ice, and strong winds all elevate the risk of electric scooter injuries. Slippery surfaces reduce traction and extend stopping distances, while strong gusts can destabilize even experienced riders.
When weather conditions deteriorate, take these precautions:
- Slow down and leave 15–20 minutes more travel time than usual
- Use extra caution when turning, as wet surfaces reduce grip
- Wear non-slip footwear for better stability on the scooter’s platform
- When conditions are severe, waiting them out is the safest option
The weather changes faster than road conditions improve. Even after rain or snow stops, puddles, slick pavement, and hidden hazards remain, so continue to ride cautiously until conditions fully recover.
10. Ignoring Traffic Laws
Electric scooters are subject to many of the same traffic regulations as bicycles. Running red lights, riding against traffic, failing to yield, or riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs contribute to electric scooter accidents and complicate any resulting injury claim.
To stay safe and legally protected:
- Familiarize yourself with Colorado’s scooter laws and local regulations
- Obey all traffic signals, stop signs, and speed limits
- Always yield to pedestrians and use designated lanes
- Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Park only in designated areas and avoid using your phone while riding
These are not just safety measures; they are legal obligations that directly affect your rights if you are ever involved in an accident.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Scooter Accidents
1. Can Potholes and Uneven Roads Cause Electric Scooter Accidents?
Because electric scooters have small wheels and minimal suspension, potholes and cracked pavement serve as a hazard. Research confirms that e-scooter riders are twice as likely as bicyclists to be injured due to road surface conditions.
2. Are Helmets Required When Riding Electric Scooters?
Colorado law requires riders under 18 to wear a helmet, though it is advisable for all riders regardless of age. Helmets reduce the severity of head injuries in e-scooter crashes and affect how an injury claim is evaluated.
3. Can Electric Scooter Battery Problems Lead to Accidents?
Battery failures cause sudden loss of power or acceleration problems, contributing to accidents. Lithium batteries also carry a risk of overheating or fire if improperly charged or maintained. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and avoid using non-certified chargers.
4. What Injuries Are Most Common in Electric Scooter Accidents?
The most common electric scooter injuries include scrapes and bruising, broken bones, and head and neck injuries. In more serious collisions, traumatic brain injuries and spinal injuries can occur.
5. Is Riding an Electric Scooter in Heavy Traffic Dangerous?
Riding in heavy traffic increases exposure to collision risk. Scooters lack the visibility and protection of other vehicles. Using designated bike lanes and maintaining defensive riding habits is critical in congested conditions.
6. How Can Beginners Ride Electric Scooters More Safely?
Beginners should practice in a controlled, low-traffic area before riding in public. Start at low speeds, learn how the brakes respond, and practice turning before entering any traffic. Reading the scooter’s user manual and understanding local traffic laws is also essential.
What to Do After an Electric Scooter Accident in Colorado?
If you have been injured in an electric scooter accident, the steps you take immediately afterward matter. Seek medical attention, document the scene if possible, and preserve any evidence, like photos, witness contact information, and any communication from involved parties.
If you have questions about your legal options, our team at Manning Herrington Accident & Injury Attorneys is here for you. We represent electric scooter accident victims in Denver and throughout Colorado, guiding clients through every stage of the claims process.
From investigating liability and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and pursuing legal action when needed, our electric scooter injury lawyers work to help you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Call 720-605-9784 or contact Manning Herrington Accident & Injury Attorneys online to schedule a free consultation today.
