Pittsburgh Scooter Accident Lawyer

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Top Pittsburgh Electric Scooter Injury Lawyer: Get the Legal Help You Deserve

Electric scooters have become a common sight throughout Pittsburgh, especially in neighborhoods like the Strip District, Oakland, and Downtown. These dockless scooters — often operated by companies like Spin and Lime — offer a convenient, eco-friendly way to get around the city. But with their rise has come a surge in electric scooter accidents, resulting in serious and sometimes life-threatening injuries.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an electric scooter crash in Pittsburgh, Munley Law is here to help. As trusted Pittsburgh personal injury lawyers, we understand the complexities of scooter laws and liability, and we’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.

There is no fee unless we win your case.

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Introduction: The Dangers of Electric Scooter Accidents in Pittsburgh

Scooter injuries are increasingly common in Pittsburgh. Whether it’s a collision with a car in the South Side, a spill on a pothole-filled street in Bloomfield, or a scooter malfunction near Point State Park, the results can be devastating.

Victims often suffer:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

• Fractured wrists, arms, or legs

• Spinal cord injuries

• Lacerations and road rash

• Internal injuries and organ trauma

Children and teens are especially vulnerable, and helmet use remains low across many areas of the city.

Electric scooter accidents can be caused by reckless drivers, poor road maintenance by the city, defective scooters, or even lack of clear scooter regulation and enforcement. No matter the cause, if someone else’s negligence played a role in your injury, you may be entitled to compensation.

What to Do After a Scooter Accident in Pittsburgh

If you’re involved in a scooter crash in Pittsburgh:

• Get Medical Help Immediately. Some injuries — especially internal or head injuries — might not be immediately obvious.

• Report the Incident. Call 911 if you’re injured. File a police report.

• Document Everything. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, road conditions, and the scooter itself.

• Talk to Witnesses. Get contact information from anyone who saw the accident.

• Don’t Sign Anything from Insurance Companies. Speak with an experienced scooter injury lawyer first.

At Munley Law, we offer free consultations and only get paid if we win your case.

What Causes Electric Scooter Accidents in Pittsburgh?

Several factors contribute to e-scooter injuries in Pittsburgh:

Poor Infrastructure

Pittsburgh’s hilly terrain and aging roads can create hazardous conditions for small-wheeled scooters. Uneven pavement, potholes, construction zones, and narrow bike lanes all increase the risk of crashes.

Negligent Drivers

Drivers often fail to see or yield to scooter riders. Distracted driving, speeding, and drunk driving are frequent causes of collisions with scooters.

Defective Scooters

Some scooters experience:

• Brake failures

• Steering malfunctions

• Throttle issues

• Battery fires or explosions

If a scooter malfunction led to your injury, the scooter company or manufacturer may be liable.

Unsafe Riding Behavior

Not wearing a helmet, riding double, riding under the influence, or ignoring traffic rules can all contribute to crashes. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still be eligible for compensation under Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence law.

How Common Are Electric Scooter Injuries?

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), electric scooter-related injuries increased by 21% in 2022, with over 46,000 estimated emergency room visits. A systematic review of over 5,700 cases found:

• 40% of injuries were upper-limb fractures, including wrists and arms

• 22% involved head and neck trauma, including skull fractures and concussions

• Falls accounted for nearly 85% of all injuries, while motor vehicle collisions made up about 7%

These numbers underscore how serious scooter accidents can be — especially without proper regulation and safety enforcement.

What Are Pennsylvania’s Electric Scooter Laws?

Scooter Legality in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is one of the few cities in Pennsylvania currently participating in an authorized electric scooter pilot program. This allows companies like Spin to operate within city limits under specific rules.

However, outside of pilot areas, e-scooters are still largely prohibited on public roads and sidewalks.

Helmet Laws

While Pennsylvania does not require helmets for adults riding electric scooters, riders under 16 are typically required to wear helmets under local ordinances. Helmet use is highly recommended for all riders to reduce the risk of head trauma — and it may impact your injury claim.

Comparative Negligence

Under Pennsylvania law, you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as you are 50% or less responsible for the accident. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, your claim may be denied.

Insurance Complications

Scooters aren’t classified as “motor vehicles” under the current vehicle code, creating complications when it comes to insurance. Your own auto or health insurance may not cover an accident, especially if the scooter was shared or rented.

This is why it’s essential to work with an injury lawyer who understands the nuanced insurance issues around scooter crashes.

Legislative Changes: Abby’s Law and Beyond

Following tragic scooter-related accidents across Pennsylvania, including several involving minors, lawmakers introduced Abby’s Law in 2025. This proposed legislation would:

• Ban scooter use for riders under 16

• Require helmets for minors aged 16–17

• Cap speeds at 20 mph

• Formally define electric scooters in Pennsylvania’s vehicle code

If passed, this law would dramatically reshape how scooters are used and regulated in Pittsburgh and across the state — including how liability is assessed in injury claims.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If you were injured in a Pittsburgh e-scooter accident, you may be able to recover:

• Medical Expenses: ER visits, surgery, rehab, medications, future care

• Lost Wages: Including loss of future earning potential

• Pain and Suffering: Emotional trauma, anxiety, and reduced quality of life

• Property Damage: Damaged scooter or belongings

• Permanent Disability: If injuries cause long-term or permanent impairment

• Wrongful Death Benefits: Funeral costs and survivor compensation for families who lost a loved one

Dealing with Insurance After an E-Scooter Crash

Insurance companies often try to minimize or deny claims related to scooter accidents. Here are common tactics to watch for:

• Blaming you for the accident to reduce their payout

• Claiming scooters aren’t covered under the policy

• Rushing you into a quick settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries

You should never negotiate with an insurance adjuster without speaking to an experienced personal injury lawyer first.

Why Choose Munley Law?

For over 60 years, Munley Law has been helping injury victims throughout Pennsylvania — including right here in Pittsburgh. Our team combines aggressive legal representation with compassionate client care.

When you work with Munley Law, you get:

 Free consultations

• No fees unless we win

• Proven results in complex injury cases

• Local knowledge of Pittsburgh laws and courts

• A team ready to investigate your case, gather evidence, and fight for maximum compensation

Frequently Asked Questions

Are electric scooters legal in Pittsburgh?

The legal status of electric scooters in Pennsylvania is evolving. As of 2025, electric scooters are currently unlawful to operate on public roads in PA. A bill has been introduced to legalize them, but it has not yet become law.

Pittsburgh ran a shared electric scooter pilot program (Move PGH) from July 2021 until April 2023. The program allowed shared scooters under certain rules (speed, deployment, parking, etc).
As of late 2024 / early 2025, there is legislation (e.g. House Bill 2218) intended to reinstate Pittsburgh’s pilot shared-scooter mobility program and establish statewide rules for e-scooter use. If passed, it would give cities like Pittsburgh legal foundation to authorize shared e-scooters and regulate them.

Is helmet use required for scooters in PA?

Not for adults, but it’s strongly encouraged. For minors, helmet use is often required under local rules and will likely become mandatory under new state laws.

What if I was partly at fault for a scooter accident?

You can still recover compensation if you’re 50% or less responsible. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What’s the deadline for filing a claim?

Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. Don’t wait — contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

Call a Pittsburgh Electric Scooter Injury Lawyer Today

Scooter injuries can change your life in seconds. If you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s negligence — whether it was a reckless driver, a faulty scooter, or a dangerous road — you deserve justice and full compensation.

At Munley Law, we handle the legal battle so you can focus on healing. We offer free consultations, and you don’t pay unless we win. Let us explain your rights, investigate your case, and help you move forward.

Call today to schedule your free consultation.