Are Electric Scooters in Cleveland Dangerous?

Electric scooters have become very popular throughout US metro areas due to their low rental cost and convenience. Plus, they’re a fun way to get around town. Their users are becoming a virtual staple in many urban areas, but zipping around can quickly turn to tragedy. Recently, a 21-year old Cleveland woman who was killed while operating an electric scooter. With little to no regulation, complaints from residents, and few safety measures in place, electric scooters can actually be quite dangerous, both for the obvious reasons and due to factors you may not expect.

Though liability for electric scooter accidents is still a developing area of law, our Cleveland personal injury lawyers at Kisling, Nestico & Redick stay current with all legal trends and always encourage people to operate any motor-vehicle cautiously. If you’ve been injured in an electric scooter accident in Cleveland or in any type of accident due to negligence, please contact us at (216) 658-1330 for a free, no-risk case evaluation.

Why Electric Scooters in Cleveland are so Dangerous

There are inherent safety risks in operating any vehicle, but scooters present some hazards that aren’t so obvious. For instance:

• Ride-sharing scooter companies like Bird and Lime require riders to be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license. However, no experience is necessary to rent.
• Electric scooters are popular among teens, who tend to take more risks with operating the vehicle.
• The effects of weather and potholes are more pronounced with a scooter as compared to a passenger vehicle.
• Though some cities have enacted ordinances regarding scooters on sidewalks, riders may not know the laws or disregard them entirely. They present a threat to pedestrians, bicyclists, and others.
• Electric scooters easily blend into pedestrian traffic, making them less visible to other motorized vehicles.

What to do If You’re Hurt in an Electric Scooter Incident

Your first priority after an electric scooter accident is to seek appropriate medical treatment for your injuries. Still, quick action at the scene of an electric scooter accident is critical to a potential claim for compensation. As such:

• Jot down the company that operates the electric scooter, along with the license number and other identification details;
• Obtain contact information for the operator, others involved in the accident, and potential witnesses; and,
• Take pictures of the scooter, any other vehicles, your own injuries, and the accident scene.

Liability in Electric Scooter Accidents

As with most accidents involving cars, pedestrians, and bicycles, negligence is often a factor in a scooter crash. Liability is easy to spot when the driver of a car doesn’t yield to an electric scooter in a bike lane.

However, other scenarios present much more complicated legal issues regarding fault. A rider who causes a collision may not have insurance, which means the victim must pursue that person individually. Pedestrians can be negligent in causing an accident by stepping out into the path of an electric scooter, which also presents challenges with filing an insurance claim.

Of course, ride-sharing companies will almost certainly disclaim their liability. Those that do offer insurance to operators may only extend coverage for property damage, or provide low levels for personal injuries.

A Cleveland Personal Injury Attorney Will Protect Your Rights

Injuries from electric scooters in Cleveland may be an emerging area of law, but at Kisling, Nestico & Redick, our lawyers are prepared to take on the legal challenges associated with these cases. We can help with filing a claim against the responsible parties, and we’re willing to take your matter to court as necessary to protect your interests.

Please call (216) 658-1330 or visit our website to schedule a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys.