The electric scooter trend seemed to come out of nowhere – starting sometime in 2017. E-scooters were popping up all over the place in major cities, Denver was one of them.
In 2024, we’re not seeing massive piles of them on street corners or in the flow of traffic (thankfully). Even as the laws changed around electric scooters, they have been a popular mode of transportation in cities, offering both convenience and affordability.
However, the rise in electric scooter use has brought a sharp increase in electric scooter accidents. According to recent studies, emergency room visits linked to electric scooters have tripled in the last four years.
Factors like distracted riding, poor road conditions, and mechanical failures contribute to these e-scooter-related injuries. At Manning Herington Accident & Injury Lawyers, we’ve seen our fair share of electric scooter accidents in major Colorado cities – and we’ve helped many victims get their lives back on track after an injury.
Understanding what causes these accidents is the first step to staying safe on the road. In this post, we will share the 10 most common causes of electric scooter accidents we see – and how you can avoid them.
1. Distracted Riding
Electric scooters are generally restricted to the bike lane, but riding one in the middle of a major city is still very dangerous.
Distracted riding is one of the most common causes of electric scooter accidents we deal with – and it’s also one of the most preventable ones. Whether it’s texting, talking on the phone, or using headphones, any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the road increases the risk of collisions.
What to do as an electric scooter rider
E-scooter riders (by default) put a lot of faith in other drivers – especially in urban areas. Do your best to:
- Always wear protective gear
- Continuously scan your surroundings
- Check blind spots
- Monitor traffic signals
- Keep a safe distance from vehicles
- Be aware of driver behavior
- Anticipate driver actions
- Stay visible (especially at night)
- Reduce speed in crowded areas
Maintaining situational awareness is key to preventing unnecessary accidents.
2. Poor Road Conditions
Electric scooters are particularly vulnerable to poor road conditions. This is due to their small wheels and limited suspension. Potholes, debris, and uneven pavement can easily destabilize a rider. These issues are especially common in urban areas like Denver, where infrastructure may not always be scooter-friendly in the colder months.
What to do as an electric scooter rider
Poor road conditions are not always in your control, but there are several ways you can minimize the risk:
- Plan your route ahead of time
- Avoid unfamiliar areas with heavy traffic
- Slow down when navigating bumpy terrain
- Leave 10-15 minutes early so you’re not having to rush
3. Inadequate Lighting
Riding at night without proper lighting is a recipe for disaster.
Electric scooters have a small footprint, and can be difficult for motor vehicle drivers to see – even on clear days. Many scooters come with built-in lights, but they may not always be bright enough. Most major cities are well-equipped with street lights, but this isn’t something you can always bank on.
What to do as an electric scooter rider
The best thing you can do is make yourself an easy-to-spot presence on the road – especially after the sun goes down.
- Wear bright clothing
- Wear a reflective vest with lights on them
- Make sure the scooter’s headlights are working
- Put a bell on the handlebars
- If you own your scooter, add additional headlights and rear lights
These simple precautions can drastically reduce the likelihood of nighttime accidents.
4. Mechanical Failures
Mechanical issues such as faulty brakes, worn tires, or malfunctioning motors are frequent culprits in electric scooter accidents. Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your scooter safe. If you’re using a rental, take a moment to inspect the scooter before starting your ride. Look for visible damage and test the brakes.
For personal scooters, it’s recommended to perform regular check-ups and replace worn parts promptly.
What to do as an electric scooter rider
- Charge the battery regularly and avoid letting it drop to 0%
- Check tire pressure frequently
- Inspect tires for wear, cracks, or punctures and replace them if necessary
- Test brakes regularly for responsiveness
- Tighten any loose screws, bolts, or nuts
- Check that lights (headlights, taillights, and turn signals) are functioning properly
- Clean the motor housing to prevent dirt buildup
- Store the scooter in a dry, covered area to protect it from the elements.
If your accident resulted from a defective scooter, read our article on liability in product-related accidents.
5. Excessive Speed
Electric scooters are fun to ride, and it’s natural (for some) to want to reach higher speeds. Unfortunately, this is a very common thread in electric scooter accidents. While scooters might not match the speed of cars, their lightweight design makes them harder to control at high speeds. This is particularly dangerous in crowded areas or on roads with poor visibility.
What to do as an electric scooter rider
- Familiarize yourself with speed settings
- Set a personal speed limit
- Avoid downhill speeding
- Only ride in good weather conditions
- Stay alert to your surroundings
- Keep tires properly inflated
- Ride slowly in areas with heavy foot traffic
Slower speeds give you more time to react to unexpected obstacles, significantly improving your safety.
6. Collisions with Vehicles
Collisions with cars or trucks are an all-too-common reality in electric scooter accidents. Drivers may fail to notice scooters in the bike lane or at intersections. Scooters do not offer much protection to riders in the event of a crash. Accidents (even at lower speeds) can be catastrophic.
It’s not always possible to avoid collisions with vehicles, but there are several actions riders can take to reduce the risk – and potential injuries.
What to do as an electric scooter rider
- Always wear a helmet
- Make yourself as visible as possible
- Use hand signals when turning
- Make eye contact with the driver at stop signs or before making a turn
- Avoid riding in the driver’s blind spot
Defensive riding— anticipating the actions of drivers around you — can also reduce the risk of collisions.
7. Riding on Sidewalks
While riding on sidewalks might feel safer than navigating busy streets, it presents its own risks. In the state of Colorado, riding an electric scooter on the sidewalk is illegal. Sidewalks are not designed for scooter use.
What to do as an electric scooter rider
- Stick to designated bike lanes or low-traffic roads
- Always yield to pedestrians to avoid accidents
If you collided with a pedestrian on the sidewalk – you may be held liable for any injuries sustained.
8. Lack of Experience
We see a recurring scenario in many electric scooter accident cases: a person (who has never used an e-scooter before) is walking down a busy street in the middle of a big city. They see a rental scooter parked on the sidewalk and decide to ride it. They struggle to operate the scooter and end up getting into an accident.
Electric scooters are known for being user-friendly, but it’s relatively common for first-time riders to underestimate the skills needed to operate the machine safely – especially in busy urban areas. Inexperience on an electric scooter typically leads to poor balance, overuse of the throttle, or difficulty braking.
If you’ve never used an electric scooter before, we recommend to start slow.
What to do as an electric scooter rider
- Take time to familiarize yourself with the controls
- Practice basic maneuvers, such as turning and stopping
- Practice in an open area (like an empty parking lot) before venturing into traffic
Unfortunately, rental scooters are typically found in heavily congested urban areas – and these are not the best places to learn how to ride one.
9. Weather Conditions
Weather plays a significant role in electric scooter safety. Rain, snow, or ice can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, increasing the chances of losing control. Strong winds can also make it harder to maintain balance. If you need to ride in bad weather, there are a few key ways to protect yourself from accidents.
What to do as an electric scooter rider
- Ride slow
- Leave 15-20 minutes earlier than normal
- Use extra caution when turning
- Wear non-slip shoes for better grip on the scooter’s platform
10. Ignoring Traffic Laws
Electric scooters must follow many of the same traffic laws as bicycles or motor vehicles. Ignoring these rules—such as running red lights, stop signs, riding against traffic, or failing to yield – can lead to catastrophic consequences, especially in congested urban areas. Additionally, failing to follow traffic laws can complicate an injury claim.
What to do as an electric scooter rider
- Familiarize yourself with local regulations
- Always obey traffic signals and signage
- Follow the speed limits
- Always give the right of way to pedestrians
- Use designated lanes on the road
- Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Leave your scooter in the designated parking areas
- Don’t use your phone while riding
By understanding these common causes of electric scooter accidents and taking measures to avoid them, you can enjoy a safer riding experience.
Legal Help After an Electric Scooter Accident
If you’ve been injured in an accident, navigating the aftermath can be an overwhelming process. A skilled electric scooter accident attorney can help you understand your rights and seek compensation. Here’s how they can help you:
Investigating Your Case
An attorney will collect evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, any video footage, analysis can accident reconstruction experts, and more to build a strong injury claim. They’ll work to determine liability, whether it’s a negligent driver, a scooter rental company, or a government agency responsible for unsafe road conditions.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are often obligated to minimize payouts. Negotiating for a fair settlement is generally the most cumbersome aspect of the claims process. An electric scooter accident lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to fight for the maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Filing a Lawsuit
Very few personal injury cases go to court. However, if a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can file a lawsuit and represent you before a judge. They will present your case and do whatever is needed to secure a rightful settlement – so you can focus on your recovery.
Speak with a Denver E-Scooter Accident Lawyer
Electric scooter accidents are often preventable with proper awareness and precautions. By understanding the common causes and following safety tips, riders can reduce their risks and help make the roads safer.
At Manning Herrington Accident & Injury Lawyers, we’ve represented many victims of electric scooter accidents in Denver and throughout Colorado. Our firm operates on a contingency fee agreement – meaning we do not charge victims anything out of pocket to take their case.
Call us at 720-515-3191 or send us a message online to book a FREE consultation.