Last Updated on April 23, 2026 by tanya

Injured Riding an E-Scooter or Hit By One?

 

About Our Legal Expert: This content is produced under the oversight of Michael Jefferies, First Personal Injury Director, who brings over 30 years of legal experience.

Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer

 

If Your Accident Occurred in the Last Three Years

E-scooters are becoming a common sight on our roads, cycle lanes and pavements, but how do I claim compensation if I was injured riding an e-scooter or hit by one? Whether rented through government-approved schemes or privately owned, their increase in popularity has also led to a rise in accidents. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence while riding an e-scooter or hit by one as a pedestrian, cyclist or driver, you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim.

Our friendly team at First Personal Injury can advise you and we partner with experienced lawyers who offer a ‘No Win, No Fee’ service.

 

What Is Negligence in an E-Scooter Accident Claim?

Negligence is the legal foundation of most personal injury claims. To succeed, you must prove that:

 

Someone owed you a duty of care – Road users must act in a way that ensures the safety of others.

They breached that duty – For example, a driver failing to check their mirrors or a scooter rider using a mobile phone while riding.

This breach caused your injury – There must be a direct link between the negligent behaviour and your accident.

You suffered damage or loss – This could include physical injuries, psychological harm, loss of earnings, or medical expenses.

If these four elements exist, you have valid grounds to bring a claim.

 

Who Can Make an E-Scooter Accident Claim?

You may be able to claim compensation if:

 

• You were an e-scooter rider injured in a collision caused by another road user.
• You were a pedestrian hit by an e-scooter.
• You were a cyclist or motorcyclist involved in an e-scooter collision.
• You were a passenger on a rental e-scooter injured due to a malfunction or unsafe conditions.
• You suffered injury due to poorly maintained roads, defective scooters or lack of safety signage.

 

Whether the e-scooter was privately owned or part of a government rental scheme, your legal right to compensation remains the same if someone else was at fault.

 

Common Accidents Involving E-Scooters

As e-scooters reach speeds of up to 15.5 mph and often share space with pedestrians and vehicles, accidents can occur suddenly. These typically include:

 

1. Collisions with Motor Vehicles

Motorists may fail to see e-scooter riders at junctions, roundabouts, or when turning. A collision with a car or van often causes serious injuries due to lack of rider protection.

 

2. Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians are increasingly being struck by e-scooters ridden illegally on pavements. These accidents can result in broken bones, head injuries or permanent scarring.

 

3. Scooter Malfunction

Rental e-scooters must be regularly maintained. If brakes fail, tyres burst, or the accelerator sticks, the rental company may be liable for negligence.

 

4. Road Defects

Potholes, uneven surfaces and poor lighting can cause e-scooter riders to lose control. If a local authority knew about a danger and failed to act, you may be able to claim against them.

 

5. Hit and Run Incidents

Even if the at-fault rider or driver cannot be identified, you may still be able to claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), which compensates victims of uninsured or untraced drivers.

 

What Injuries Can I Claim For?

E-scooter accidents can lead to both minor and severe injuries. Common examples may include:

 

• Fractures and broken bones
• Head and brain injuries
• Facial injuries and scarring
• Spinal damage
• Soft tissue and muscle injuries
• Psychological trauma such as anxiety or PTSD

 

You can claim compensation for physical injuries as well as emotional suffering, treatment costs and financial losses such as time off work.

 

How to Make an E-Scooter Accident Claim

The process of claiming compensation is straightforward when handled by a specialist personal injury solicitor. Here’s how to begin:

 

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

Your health is the priority. Visit A&E or your GP immediately for treatment, even if your injury appears minor. Your medical records will also serve as vital evidence in your claim.

 

Step 2: Report the Accident

If a vehicle was involved, report it to the police

Report the incident to the rental provider if you were riding a rental scooter.

Should a road defect cause the accident, report it to the local council.

 

Step 3: Gather Evidence

The stronger your evidence, the better your chances of success. Collect:

 

Photos/videos of the accident scene

Contact details of witnesses

Helmet camera or CCTV footage

Details of any vehicles involved

Evidence of your injuries and losses

 

Step 4: Contact a Personal Injury Solicitor

We partner with a panel of expert solicitors who specialise in road traffic accidents and e-scooter claims. They will offer representation on a No Win, No Fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and only pay a fee if your claim succeeds.

 

Step 5: Establish Liability

Your solicitor will investigate the circumstances, liaise with insurers, obtain medical reports, and build your case to prove negligence.

 

Step 6: Receive Compensation

You may receive compensation for:

• General damages (your pain and suffering)
• Special damages (financial losses such as travel costs, loss of earnings, rehabilitation expenses, physiotherapy and property damage)

 

How Much Compensation Could I Receive?

The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life. Minor injuries may result in a few thousand pounds. Severe injuries, such as head trauma or permanent disability, can result in compensation worth hundreds of thousands.

Your solicitor will calculate an estimate of your compensation using medical reports, expert evidence and national injury guidelines.

 

What Is the Time Limit for Making an E-Scooter Claim?

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to start your claim. If the injured party is under 18, the three-year limit begins on their 18th birthday. If the person lacks mental capacity, there may be no time limit.

To avoid delays and secure vital evidence early, you should begin the claims process as soon as possible.

 

FAQs About E-Scooter Accident Claims?

Do I need to go to court to make an e-scooter accident claim?

 

Most claims are settled out of court through negotiations between solicitors and insurance companies. You will only need to attend court if liability is disputed or a settlement cannot be agreed.

 

How long does an e-scooter accident claim take?

 

Minor injury claims can be resolved within a few months. More complex cases, especially those involving serious injuries or disputed liability, may take longer. Your solicitor will aim to settle your claim as quickly as possible was well as securing maximum compensation.

 

Can I claim if I was using a private e-scooter illegally on the road?

 

Yes – even if the scooter was not legally permitted on public roads, you may still be eligible to claim if someone else’s negligence caused the accident. Liability is based on fault, not legality of the vehicle.

 

Why Making a Claim Matters

An e-scooter accident can cause long-term physical, emotional and financial consequences. A compensation claim helps you on the road to recovery by:

 

Accessing the medical treatment and rehabilitation you need

Recovering lost earnings

Holding negligent parties accountable and making roads safer for others

 

Take Action Today

If you were involved in an e-scooter accident and believe someone else was at fault, you have a right to seek compensation if another person breached their duty of care and caused your injuries.

With experienced legal assistance, you can navigate the process with confidence. A No Win, No Fee solicitor will guide you from start to finish, ensuring no financial risk to you while maximising your chances of a successful outcome.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. The sooner you start your claim, the stronger your case will be.

 

📞 Call us today on 0333 3582345 to have your case assessed.

💻 Or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation and we will call you back.