An e-scooter accident lawsuit lets injured riders and pedestrians seek compensation from whoever caused the crash. This could include a driver, the rider, or a rental company like Lime or Bird. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), e-scooters were linked to 206 of 533 micro-mobility deaths from 2017 to 2024.
If you’ve been struck on an e-scooter, you may have a claim.
Who Could Be Held Liable in an E-Scooter Accident?
Responsibility may not always be clear when an e-scooter crash happens. More often than not, many parties share the blame in an accident. At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we’ve built cases based around the following parties:
| Who May Be Responsible | How They May Be at Fault |
|---|---|
| A driver | Hitting a rider, failing to yield, or opening a car door |
| The rental company | A broken or poorly maintained scooter (Lime, Bird, and others) |
| The scooter maker | A design or manufacturing defect |
| The city | A dangerous pothole, curb, or road defect |
| The rider | Speeding, ignoring traffic laws, or riding recklessly |
If you were hurt, our e-scooter accident attorneys can investigate the real cause of your crash.
How Rental Scooter User Agreements May Affect Your Claim
Before you can unlock a Lime or Bird scooter, you have to tap “I Agree” on a long user agreement. Most riders never read the agreement. But it can shape your entire case, especially because most rental scooter agreements protect the company. They often include:
- Liability waivers that try to release the company from responsibility
- Arbitration clauses that force disputes out of court and into private arbitration
- Class-action waivers that stop riders from joining together in one lawsuit
However, there is good news. These agreements are not bulletproof. A waiver generally cannot protect a company from gross negligence or from a dangerous product defect. Courts in several states have refused to enforce waivers that are unfair or overly broad.
A rental scooter waiver does not automatically end your claim. Product defects, poor maintenance, and gross negligence can fall outside what a waiver legally covers.
Unfortunately, the fine print varies by company and state. Meeting with an attorney to review your agreement is one of the most important steps you can take.
What If a Defective Scooter Caused Your Crash?
Shared e-scooters often take a beating. When maintenance slips, riders get hurt. Common defects that cause crashes include the following:
- Brakes that fail or grab suddenly
- A throttle that sticks or surges
- Loose handlebars or folding parts
- Flat or badly worn tires
- Software or motor glitches
Also, a claim based on a defective scooter is different from a simple negligence claim. It may fall under product liability law. This law can hold the maker or rental company responsible for an unsafe scooter. Importantly, this kind of claim can sometimes move forward even when a user agreement waiver would block other claims.
E-bikes and e-scooters share many of the same risks and legal questions. If you also ride an e-bike, our e-bike accident guide covers how fault works for those crashes.
Ultimately, proving a defect requires you to act quickly. The scooter should be preserved as evidence. Plus, maintenance records must be requested before they disappear. An attorney could help you collect everything you would need.
Compensation You May Be Able to Recover in an E-Scooter Accident Lawsuit
A serious e-scooter crash can bring high medical bills and lasting harm. An e-scooter accident lawsuit can help you recover those losses. You may be able to receive compensation for the following damages:
- Medical bills, now and in the future
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term care for severe injuries
Each state handles shared blame differently. A few states, including Alabama, follow a strict negligence rule. In Alabama, if you’re found even 1% responsible for an accident, you may not receive anything at all. That possibility makes a careful investigation essential.
Why Deadlines Matter
Every state sets a deadline to file. For example, in Alabama, you generally have two years from the crash under Ala. Code § 6-2-38. Claims against a city can carry much shorter notice deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions About E-Scooter Crash Lawsuits
Can I file an e-scooter accident lawsuit against Lime or Bird?
Yes, you could file an e-scooter accident lawsuit against a rental company, like Lime or Bird, if you believe their negligence caused your injury. But these cases are often more complicated. An attorney can review the agreement and your options.
Who is liable in an e-scooter accident?
Liability depends on what caused the crash. For example, a driver may be at fault for hitting a rider, or the city for a road hazard. The rider can also share blame. Often, more than one party is responsible, which is why a full investigation matters.
Does signing a scooter user agreement stop me from suing?
Not necessarily. Rental scooter agreements often include liability waivers and arbitration clauses. Courts do enforce many of them. But a waiver generally cannot shield a company from gross negligence or a defective product.
Several states have also refused to enforce waivers that are unfair or overly broad. Whether the agreement limits your claim depends on the facts and your state’s law.
What if a defective scooter caused my injury?
A defective scooter, like one with failing brakes or a stuck throttle, may support a product liability claim. This type of claim could hold the manufacturer or rental company responsible for putting an unsafe scooter on the street. Importantly, a product defect claim can sometimes proceed even when a user agreement waiver would block other claims. Preserving the scooter as evidence is critical.
How long do I have to file an e-scooter accident lawsuit?
The deadline depends on your state. In Alabama, you generally have two years from the date of the crash. Claims against a government entity, like a city, can carry much shorter notice deadlines. A rental company’s arbitration clause may also set its own time limit, so it is best to act quickly.
Trust Our Electric Scooter Accident Lawyers Today
Rental scooter companies use long user agreements and arbitration clauses to limit what they pay injured riders. We know how to read that fine print, hold negligent companies accountable, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free case review today.
Reviewed by Alexander Shunnarah, Attorney and Chief Executive Officer at Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys on 2026-07-20.
