If you’ve been hurt while riding a scooter or have been struck by an electric scooter, you may be entitled to compensation—and you’ll need an experienced Scranton scooter injury lawyer on your side.
Electric scooters are changing the way people travel in Scranton and other Pennsylvania cities. With increased convenience, however, comes a growing number of injuries and legal concerns. With nearly seven decades of experience handling road accident injury cases, including those caused by scooter crashes in Scranton, our lawyers are familiar with all local laws and statutes applicable to these situations and have recovered substantial settlements and verdicts for injured clients.
Our attorneys’ board certifications in Civil Trial Law through the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and James Christopher Munley’s status as one of the state’s Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers, allow us to offer experienced representation for scooter injury cases across the Keystone State.
At Munley Law, we understand the complex legal issues surrounding electric scooters. If you need a personal injury attorney in Scranton, we are ready to provide legal guidance and fight for your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Call Us At 844-686-5397 What Are the Most Common Injuries on Electric Scooters?
E-scooters may be fun and eco-friendly, but they come with a significant risk of electric scooter accident injuries. As their popularity grows, so do the accidents.
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. A more recent 2024 review published in the journal Injury found that the injury rate among e-scooter riders stands at around 180 per million miles traveled, compared to a far lesser rate of 0.9 injuries per million miles traveled for standard motor vehicle drivers.
Eridehero’s 2025 Electric Scooter Accident Report also found that between 2023 and 2024, the number of electric scooter injuries reported in the US grew by 80%, rising from 64,312 injuries in 2023 to 115,713 the following year. This rise illustrates the growing danger for riders and pedestrians alike.
A systematic review of over 5,700 cases showed the following serious injury trends:
- Upper-limb fractures (especially wrist and arm fractures) are the most frequent injuries, making up nearly 40% of all incidents.
- Head and neck injuries account for over 22% of injuries, including concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
- Falls were responsible for 84–85% of these injuries, while collisions with motor vehicles represented around 7%. The Injury review found that, while falls were the more common cause of injuries, motor vehicle collision-related injuries were typically far more serious or life-threatening in nature.
Another study from 2023 focusing on e-scooter accidents found similar results, emphasizing that lack of helmet use and riding under the influence were contributing factors in life-altering injuries, particularly severe head injuries.
UCLA Health also analyzed e-scooter collisions in Los Angeles and found that over 94% of riders were not wearing helmets, contributing to a high number of head injuries. The 2024 review had similar findings, noting that 80% of scooter riders who suffered from severe head injuries and TBIs were not wearing protective helmets at the time of impact.
Helmet use remains dangerously low, even though it significantly reduces the risk of brain injury. In areas like Scranton, where riders may be unfamiliar with safe operation or local laws, the risk is even higher. This risk also rises for scooter riders who drive under the influence of alcohol. A comprehensive review published in the journal Injury found that alcohol use was a significant contributing factor in many reported e-scooter injury cases.
Can You Sue Someone for Hitting You with a Scooter?
Yes, you can absolutely sue someone if they hit you with a scooter and caused you to suffer serious harm.
When an electric scooter rider behaves recklessly or violates traffic laws, and it leads to an accident, the negligent driver can be held legally responsible for your injuries. This is especially important in a city like Scranton, where sidewalks and streets may not be properly equipped to handle increasing scooter traffic.
Here’s how our scooter accident lawyers in Scranton build a case:
- Fault Assessment: Was the rider speeding, distracted, riding on the sidewalk, or ignoring traffic signals?
- Victim Identification: Were you a pedestrian, cyclist, driver, or another scooter user?
- Third-Party Liability: Did poor road conditions or malfunctioning scooter parts contribute to the accident?
In some situations, your lawyer may also investigate product liability, especially if a mechanical failure caused the crash. For example, if the scooter’s brakes failed or if it was part of a recalled batch, the scooter manufacturer or rental company may be held liable.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Long-term rehabilitation
Munley Law’s experienced electric scooter accident attorneys will ensure every avenue of liability is explored and will work to pursue the compensation available under Pennsylvania law.
What Happens If You Crash an Electric Scooter?
If you’re involved in a scooter crash, the physical, emotional, and financial consequences can be significant. Here’s what typically happens after an e-scooter crash—and how Munley Law can help:
Immediate Medical Needs
- Seek medical attention immediately, especially for head, neck, or limb injuries.
- Call 911 if the crash is serious or if anyone else involved is injured.
- Even if you feel okay, some injuries (like internal bleeding or concussions) may not appear right away.
Gather Evidence
- Take photos of the scene, including the scooter, road conditions, signage, and your injuries.
- Get witness information and a police report, if applicable.
- Preserve the scooter if it was privately owned; this can help prove mechanical issues and scooter malfunctions.
Types of Serious Injuries
Accidents involving broken bones, such as wrist, arm, and shoulder fractures, are common in falls. A 2023 study published in the Journal of Clinical Orthopedics and Trauma found that out of the 70,719 injured e-scooter and bicycle riders assessed, 22.6% presented with fractures; a rate significantly higher than that associated with bicycle and all-terrain vehicle accidents.
Head injuries, especially without helmet use, can range from minor concussions to severe brain trauma. Lower limb injuries like tibial and ankle fractures are also frequently reported in ERs. Severe injuries from electric scooter accidents often lead to personal injury cases where injured parties seek the fair compensation they deserve.
Repercussions of a Scranton Scooter Accident
- According to a national study, roughly 11% of e-scooter injuries require hospitalization, with many requiring surgery or extended care.
- Recovery could mean missing work, incurring high medical costs, or needing long-term physical therapy and ongoing medical treatment.
- If another party (a motorist, scooter company, or government entity) contributed to your crash, you may have a strong personal injury claim.
A skilled e-scooter accident lawyer from Munley Law can help guide you through the legal process, file a claim, negotiate a fair settlement, or go to court if necessary.
What Laws Are in Place About Electric Scooters in Scranton, PA?
Electric scooter laws in Pennsylvania are complicated—and Scranton follows state law unless local policies say otherwise.
Classification and Registration
Under the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, electric scooters are considered motor vehicles. This classification means they must meet certain criteria to be street-legal:
- Must be registered
- Must be insured
- Must pass inspection
- Must be operated by a licensed driver
However, most commercially available electric scooters do not meet these standards. That makes riding them on public roads, bike lanes, or sidewalks technically illegal in many areas, including Scranton.
Pilot Programs and Local Regulation
Pennsylvania has explored pilot programs and legislative proposals related to electric scooters, and some municipalities have adopted local regulations governing scooter use. However, electric scooter laws remain complex and can vary depending on the location and the type of scooter involved.
- Cities like Pittsburgh have launched these programs with regulations like:
- Speed limits (15 mph max)
- Helmet requirements for riders under 21
- Sidewalk riding prohibited
- Parking restrictions for dockless scooters
Because Pennsylvania law continues to evolve, riders should review current state and local requirements before operating an electric scooter on public roads or sidewalks.
As of now, Scranton has not launched an official scooter pilot program, meaning the use of e-scooters remains in a legal gray area. Riders using scooters on public roads or sidewalks may unknowingly violate traffic laws.
Enforcement
Although scooter use may be technically prohibited in Scranton, enforcement is inconsistent.
Nonetheless, a lack of regulation doesn’t mean you’re without legal recourse. If you’re injured on or by a scooter—legal or not—you still have the right to pursue a claim.
Abby’s Law: Proposed Changes for Electric Scooter Safety in Pennsylvania
In response to several tragic accidents involving electric scooters—including the death of a 12-year-old in Delaware County, Pennsylvania— lawmakers have introduced Abby’s Law, a proposed bill aimed at tightening regulations for e-scooter use. Under Abby’s Law:
Riders below a specified minimum age would be prohibited or restricted from operating e-scooters, helping address accidents involving young teenagers.
Helmet requirements would become mandatory, regardless of age, to reduce head injuries. Helmets can make a critical difference in crashes involving speed or collisions.
While Abby’s Law is not yet law, its proposals highlight issues that could influence liability in scooter accidents, especially where riders are minors or where safety gear was not used. For someone injured in a scooter crash in Scranton, this legislation (if enacted) may affect:
- Which parties are held responsible (e.g., parents, operators, or municipalities that allow or regulate scooters)
- How negligence is assessed in cases involving underage riders or the lack of helmet use
- Possible claims for damages relating to head injuries where helmets are required but not worn
At Munley Law, our team stays current with pending laws like Abby’s Law, so we can anticipate how regulatory changes may impact your case. If you’ve been injured in a scooter accident—especially involving a minor or lack of safety gear—contact us to discuss how these evolving standards could strengthen your claim.
Why Hire a Scranton Electric Scooter Injury Lawyer at Munley Law?
Navigating the aftermath of a scooter accident can be overwhelming for electric scooter accident victims. Between insurance companies, medical bills, and the legal system, it’s easy to feel lost. That’s where Munley Law comes in.
Local Expertise
Munley Law is based in Scranton, giving our attorneys a deep understanding of the local legal system, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and court processes.
Proven Track Record
Our law firm has nearly 7 decades of experience handling personal injury and motor vehicle accident cases, including emerging areas such as e-scooter injuries. We’ve recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for injury victims across Pennsylvania, earning us membership in the respected Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Consistently acclaimed by leading legal directories like the Litigation Counsel of America, the American Board of Trial Advocates, and the Summit Council, our lawyers are recognized by legal organizations and peer-review publications for their work in personal injury litigation. All of our attorneys are members of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the American Association for Justice, where Marion Munley is also serving as acting Vice President and the recipient of the Board of Governors Outstanding Achievement Award, among many other accolades.
Each of our lawyers has been ranked by Best Lawyers, with Marion Munley further honored as Lawyer of the Year for Personal Injury Litigation, and our firm is also listed in Best Law Firms. Many of our attorneys are featured as Super Lawyers through rigorous peer evaluations, with Marion Munley one of the few legal professionals in the Keystone State to be named a Top 10 Super Lawyer.
Additionally, all five of our partners have earned AV Preeminent® ratings from Martindale-Hubbell, are featured in the Irish Legal 100, and are named some of the National Trial Lawyers Association’s Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania, reflecting their experience handling personal injury cases of all scopes and causes.
Personalized Legal Strategy
- Free case evaluations: Talk to an attorney at no cost.
- No legal fees unless we win: We work on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay if we recover money for you.
- Comprehensive representation: From investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court—we handle it all.
How Long Do You Have to File a Scooter Injury Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, most scooter accident injury claims are subject to the two-year statute of limitations set forth in 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5524. In general, this means injured individuals have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Missing the filing deadline can result in losing the right to pursue compensation altogether. Certain exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances of the case, so it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after a scooter accident.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scooter Injuries in Scranton, PA
How Many Injuries are Caused by Scooters in Scranton Each Year?
While specific data for Scranton is not available yet, the most recent statistics on scooter injuries in the US reported 304,783 scooter-related injuries and 189,517 e-scooter crash injuries nationwide between 2017 and 2022.
How Many Children and Teens Are Injured in Scooter Accidents Every Year?
According to Eridehero, the number of riders under the age of 15 injured by electric scooters more than doubled between 2016 and 2024. A total of 18.42% of these e-scooter injuries were head injuries, and between 2023 and 2024 alone, the number of children under 15 injured increased by 116% to 17,641.
What Are the Most Common Injuries in Scranton Scooter Crashes?
The most common scooter injuries are upper-limb fractures and head and neck injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries. A high number of crash-related injuries result from falls, but vehicle collisions tend to produce more severe injuries in comparison. Failing to wear a helmet and riding scooters while under the influence of alcohol both significantly increase the risk of serious or even deadly injuries.
What Are the Laws on Riding Electric Scooters in Scranton?
Under the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, electric scooters must be registered, insured, properly inspected, and driven by a licensed driver in order for using them on local roads to be considered legal. However, many e-scooters sold in the state do not meet these strict requirements, which makes it technically illegal to ride them on public roads, bike lanes, or sidewalks in Scranton.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Scranton Scooter Injury Lawyer?
The lawyers at Munley Law handle scooter injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t pay upfront, and we won’t charge any legal fees unless we win your case. Your consultation with our experts is free, and if we win on your behalf, our fee will be calculated as a percentage of the settlement or verdict recovered for you.
Injured in an e-Scooter Accident? Call the Scranton Personal Injury Lawyers at Munley Law
Scooter accidents can change your life in an instant. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, emotional trauma, mental anguish, or lost wages, it’s important to know that you have legal options.
At Munley Law, our experienced Scranton electric scooter injury lawyers are ready to advocate for e-scooter accident victims. We’ll work to identify liable parties and pursue compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and other damages permitted under Pennsylvania law.
Schedule a free consultation with a Scranton scooter accident lawyer today.
Robert W. Munley, III
Robert W. Munley, III is a seasoned personal injury attorney and award-winning courtroom advocate. While he regularly handles a range of personal injury cases, his focus is on truck accidents and workers’ compensation cases. Bob has served thousands of accident victims and workers, winning them millions with his bold advocacy.
