Electric scooters (e‑scooters) are a growing means of transportation in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania. While they offer convenience, they also come with serious safety risks. If you or a loved one has been injured in an electric scooter accident, it’s critical to understand your rights and how personal injury lawyers can help you recover compensation and hold responsible parties accountable. At Munley Law, we specialize in electric scooter injury cases. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case in detail.
There is no fee unless we win your case.
Introduction to Electric Scooter Accidents
Electric scooter accidents are becoming more common in Philadelphia. Riders often suffer severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal injuries, and internal traumas. Some accidents result in fatalities. The risk is particularly high for children and adolescents, as well as for electric scooter riders not wearing helmets. These accidents can occur because of road hazards, negligence of drivers, defective scooter components, or lack of regulation.
If you’ve been injured:
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Seek medical attention immediately—some injuries (especially head injuries) may not be apparent right away.
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Document everything: photos/videos of the accident scene, your injuries, damage to property, police reports, and witness information.
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Consult a personal injury attorney experienced with electric scooter cases—to protect your legal rights, navigate complex liability issues, and pursue full compensation.
Munley Law is ready to assist. Our trusted law firm offers free consultations to evaluate your case, answer your questions, and guide you through the legal process.
Causes of Scooter Accidents
Understanding what causes electric scooter accidents helps prevent accidents and establish liability in personal injury lawsuits. Common causes include:
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Road Hazards: Potholes, uneven pavement, debris, poorly maintained roads or curbs can cause riders to lose control. Poor lighting or visibility at night increases risk.
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Scooter Malfunctions: Negligence by scooter companies or manufacturers can include defects in braking systems or handlebars, faulty battery systems (including fires or explosions), structural failures, or defective tires.
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Collisions with Motor Vehicles: Cars, trucks, and SUVs often fail to see scooter riders, especially at intersections or when the scooters are small and low to the ground. Running red lights, failure to yield, distracted driving, drunk driving, or aggressive driving by motorists are frequent contributing factors to auto accidents.
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Lack of Safety Measures and Rider Behavior: Riders not wearing helmets or other protective gear increases the risk of severe injury. Riding under the influence, riding double (more than 1 rider), disobeying traffic rules, or operating in prohibited areas (sidewalks, roads where scooters are prohibited) further contribute to possible e-scooter accidents.
Common Injuries Sustained on Electric Scooters
Philadelphia electric scooter accidents can lead to severe injuries. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there was a 21% increase in e-scooter and e-bike injuries in 2022 compared to 2021. This rise illustrates the growing danger for riders and pedestrians alike, prompting many to seek compensation .
A systematic review of over 5,700 cases showed the following serious injury trends:
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Upper-limb fractures (especially wrist and arm fractures) are the most frequent injuries, making up nearly 40% of all incidents.
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Head and neck injuries account for over 22% of injuries, including concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries.
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Falls were responsible for 84–85% of these injuries, while collisions with motor vehicles represented around 7%.
With growing e-scooter accidents involving injuries sustained, the need for laws around this new transportation becomes increasingly important.
Current Scooter Laws in Pennsylvania
At present, electric scooter law in Pennsylvania is complicated and somewhat inconsistent.
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Legality of riding on public roads/sidewalks: In many areas, riding e‑scooters on public roads, sidewalks, or public lands is prohibited when there’s no authorized pilot program.
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Pilot programs: Some cities (e.g. Pittsburgh) have pilot programs that allow e‑scooter use under certain regulations related to speed, weight, where allowed to ride, etc.
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Helmet laws: There is no statewide law mandating helmets for all riders. However, riders under 16 are often required to wear helmets, especially in areas with specific local ordinances or as part of regulation under pilot programs. Absent clearer law, helmet use may also affect liability.
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Fault and comparative negligence: Pennsylvania uses a modified comparative negligence rule. That means if a victim is partially at fault (but 50% or less), they may still recover damages, though the recovery is reduced proportionally to their fault. If more than 50% at fault, recovery is barred.
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Insurance issues: Because e‑scooters are not generally defined in the vehicle code, insurance issues are murky. Some victims may not have the protection of auto insurance or personal injury protection. Some local ordinances and pilot programs may require insurance or establish certain requirements.
Recent Legislative Developments in Pennsylvania
One of the most significant recent developments is Abby’s Law, proposed in response to tragic incidents involving young scooter riders. On June 14, 2025, 12‑year‑old Abigail “Abby” Gillon and her 11‑year‑old friend, Isabella Jones, were riding an electric scooter in Aston Township, Delaware County, when they fell and were hit by a car. Abby died from her injuries; Isabella was seriously injured but survived. In August 2025, two 14‑year‑old boys were struck by a vehicle while riding together on one scooter in Springfield Township; one was critically injured. This and similar incidents have added urgency to calls for better regulations.
Abby’s Law, as proposed:
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Would define electric scooters explicitly in Pennsylvania’s motor vehicle code, which would allow for clearer regulation.
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Would ban riders under 16 from operating e‑scooters.
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Would require minors (16‑ and 17‑year‑olds) to wear helmets.
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Would set speed caps (e.g. ~20 mph) for e‑scooters.
Other local measures:
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Haverford Township has passed an ordinance requiring children under 16 to wear helmets when riding e‑bikes or e‑scooters. The ordinance includes a grace period and then penalties.
These changes reflect growing recognition that current laws are not sufficient and that both state and local governments are stepping in. As regulation evolves, so do legal responsibilities and the framework for claims.
Compensation for Philadelphia Scooter Accident Victims
If you’ve been injured in a Philadelphia electric scooter accident, you may be able to recover compensation for various types of damages. Munley Law works to get victims full recovery. Possible compensation includes:
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Medical expenses: Past, current, and future medical bills—hospital stays, surgeries, diagnostic tests, ongoing therapy or rehabilitation.
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Lost wages and loss of earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from working now and/or in the future.
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Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, disfigurement, decreased quality of life.
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Permanent disability or impairment: If your injury causes long‑term or permanent impairment.
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Property damage: Damage to the scooter and any personal property such as phones, clothes, etc.
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Wrongful death damages: If someone died in the accident, the family may be able to recover under wrongful death claims (funeral costs, loss of support, etc.).
The amount of compensation depends on liability, severity of injuries, whether negligence (of you or others) can be shown, insurance coverage, and legal strategy.
Dealing with the Insurance Company
Personal Injury (PIP) Insurance companies generally try to minimize payouts and may use tactics to reduce your compensation. Things to be aware of:
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They may try to blame you (partial fault) to reduce what they pay. Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence law allows this.
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They may argue that your accident isn’t covered because e‑scooters aren’t clearly defined under the vehicle code, or because you were riding where scooters are prohibited.
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They may pressure you to settle quickly or get you to sign releases waiving rights without fully understanding your injuries.
Why Munley Law is the Right Choice
When selecting a personal injury lawyer, you want more than experience — you want someone who combines compassion, skill, and results. Munley Law offers:
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Proven track record in personal injury and practice in cases involving scooters, bicycles, vehicles, defective products, and injuries.
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Litigation experience at trial and negotiation skills to maximize recoveries.
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Personalized attention — we treat each client as an individual.
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Strong support staff and resources to handle investigations, medical documentation, expert witnesses.
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No fees unless you win — that means we are invested in obtaining the best possible outcome for you.
Common Questions Electric Scooter Accident Victims Ask
Q: Are e‑scooters legal on Philadelphia streets?
A: Not at this time. Outside of authorized pilot programs, e‑scooters are not permitted on public roads or sidewalks in many parts of Pennsylvania, including much of Philadelphia. However, enforcement varies locally.
Q: Do I need a helmet?
A: If you’re under 16, local laws or ordinances increasingly require helmets. For older riders, helmet laws are less clear statewide but safety is strongly advised. Helmet usage can also affect arguments of fault or negligence.
Q: Can You Sue Someone for Hitting You with a Scooter?
A: Yes, you can absolutely sue someone if they hit you with a scooter and caused serious injuries—whether you were walking, driving, or riding another scooter.
Q: What is the statute of limitations?
A: In Pennsylvania, personal injury claims typically must be filed within two years from the date of injury. Wrongful death claims often have different time limits. It’s crucial to contact a lawyer quickly to ensure deadlines are met.
Q: What if I was partly at fault?
A: Under Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence, you can still recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault. Your award will be reduced proportionately. If more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovery.
Injured in a e-scooter accident? Call the Philadelphia electric scooter injury lawyers at Munley Law
Electric scooter accidents are more than scars and pain—they can be life‑altering. If you or someone you care about has been injured, you don’t have to face the medical bills, insurance delays, and legal confusion alone.
Munley Law is here to stand up for your rights and pursue. compensation. We believe that those who cause harm—whether by defective product, negligent driving, or failure of municipalities to keep roads safe—must be held accountable. And we believe victims deserve full, fair compensation.
Contact Munley Law today for a free, no‑obligation consultation. Let us help you understand your options, see if you have a case, and work toward justice and recovery. Don’t wait — the sooner you act, the better the chances of preserving evidence, meeting deadlines, and achieving the outcome you deserve.
