Can I Sue After an Electric Scooter Accident in California?

By Yosi Yahoudai Founder and Managing Partner

May 19, 2025

Personal Injury

On April 29, a scooter rider in Long Beach lost their life after being struck by a vehicle. It’s a tragedy – but unfortunately, it’s not a rare one. 

Electric scooters were supposed to make city travel easier. Instead, they’ve become symbols of chaos: broken bones, head trauma, reckless drivers, and confusing laws. Whether you’re a rider, a pedestrian, or a driver, one thing’s clear – when accidents happen, few people know what their rights actually are. 

So, let’s break it down. Here’s what California law says, who can be held responsible, and what steps you need to take to protect yourself after an e-scooter crash. 

Who’s at Fault in a Scooter Crash – the Rider or the Driver? 

If a motorist runs a red light or fails to yield and hits a scooter rider, liability usually falls on them. California traffic laws treat e-scooter riders like cyclists – they have the same rights to the road as any vehicle. 

But establishing fault isn’t always simple. What if the rider wasn’t wearing a helmet? What if the scooter malfunctioned mid-ride? That’s where evidence and expert legal help become critical. 

Fault can fall on multiple parties: 

• Drivers: When they speed, text, fail to yield, or ignore stop signs. 

• Scooter Companies (Bird, Lime, etc.): If the scooter was faulty or poorly maintained. 

• Cities or Counties: For potholes, broken traffic signals, or poorly marked lanes. 

• The Rider Themselves: Especially if drugs or alcohol were involved. 

California follows a comparative negligence system, which means multiple people can share fault – and your compensation may be reduced depending on your role in the crash. 

Can Scooter Companies Like Bird or Lime Be Held Liable? 

Here’s where it gets interesting. 

While Bird and Lime love to pass off liability to riders through those 5,000-word user agreements, California law might not let them off the hook so easily. 

Under “common carrier” principles, companies that transport people – buses, taxis, rideshares – are held to a higher legal duty to keep passengers safe. Some legal scholars argue that scooter rental companies fall under this umbrella, especially when the scooter itself is defective or unmaintained. 

Injured riders have successfully sued scooter companies for: 

• Brake failures 

• Sudden shutoffs 

• Defective tires 

• Poor app navigation or faulty GPS 

Bottom line: If the scooter caused the crash, they may owe you. 

What Are the Helmet Laws for E-Scooters in LA County? 

If you’re 18 or older, California doesn’t require you to wear a helmet while riding an e-scooter. 

But here’s the catch: Helmet or not, you can still sue. Not wearing one might reduce your compensation slightly (if it made your injuries worse), but it doesn’t eliminate your rights. 

Also worth knowing: 

• LA County has specific city-by-city rules on where you can ride (bike lanes only, sidewalk bans, etc.). 

• Violating local ordinances might impact your claim – so always know your zone. 

What Should I Do After an Electric Scooter Crash? 

Whether you’re a rider, a pedestrian, or a driver injured in an e-scooter incident, take these steps immediately: 

1. Get Medical Help – Fast.
   Even if you “feel fine,” adrenaline masks injury. Medical records are your strongest evidence.
2. Take Photos of Everything.
   The scooter, the car, the street, your injuries, skid marks, debris – every detail matters.
3. Get Witness Info.
   Names, numbers, video footage. Don’t assume the police will do it all.
4. File a Police Report.
   Make sure your side of the story is documented.
5. Don’t Talk to Insurance Companies Alone.
   They’re not on your side. We are.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Get? 

If you were hurt in a scooter crash, you might be able to recover: 

• Medical bills (present and future) 

• Lost income or reduced earning capacity 

• Pain and suffering 

• Property damage 

• Wrongful death damages (if a loved one was killed) 

The key is building a bulletproof case. That means acting fast, documenting thoroughly, and working with a team that’s beat scooter companies, insurance carriers, and corporate lawyers before. 

Why Work With J&Y? 

We’re not just lawyers – we’re locals. We’ve walked these streets. We know LA traffic, scooter laws, and exactly how these companies try to dodge responsibility. 

And we don’t get intimidated. Not by billion-dollar scooter apps. Not by city lawyers. Not by anyone who thinks an injured person should settle for less. 

Talk to a Lawyer About Your Scooter Accident 

If you or someone you love was hurt in a scooter crash – in Long Beach, downtown LA, or anywhere in California – call us at (877) 735-7035.

Your ride shouldn’t have cost you your health. We’ll help you get your life back.