The questions Florida, Texas, and Arizona e-bike and scooter accident victims - and people injured by e-bike and scooter riders - ask us most. Answered plainly. If yours isn't here, call us. It's always free.
Are e-bikes and scooters considered motor vehicles under Florida law?
Florida law classifies e-bikes and electric scooters separately from motor vehicles and traditional bicycles. E-bikes with motors under 750W are classified as bicycles and do not require registration or a license. However, classification does not reduce the duty of care owed to injured riders - drivers who hit e-bike and scooter riders are held to the same negligence standard as in any motor vehicle collision.
Who is liable if I'm hit by a car while riding an e-bike or scooter?
The driver who struck you is the primary liable party. Their auto liability insurance is the first source of recovery. If their coverage is insufficient, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may apply. If the accident was caused or worsened by a road defect, a government entity may also bear liability. We analyze all potential sources to maximize your recovery.
Can I sue a shared scooter company like Bird or Lime for my injuries?
Possibly. Shared scooter companies have terms of service that attempt to limit their liability, but those waivers are not always enforceable when the company's negligence contributed to your injury. If the scooter had a mechanical defect, inadequate maintenance, or a design flaw that caused your accident, a product liability or negligence claim against the company may survive their contractual protections.
What if the e-bike or scooter itself had a mechanical defect?
If a defective battery, throttle, brake system, or structural component caused or contributed to your accident, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer may be liable under product liability law - separate from any driver negligence claim. Battery fires and brake failures are documented issues across several major e-bike brands. We work with mechanical engineers to identify and document the defect.
What is a dooring accident and who is liable?
Dooring occurs when a parked vehicle's occupant opens a door directly into a rider's path. The person who opened the door is negligent if they failed to check for approaching riders. In some cases, poor bike lane design by a municipality can share in the liability. These accidents cause serious injuries - wrist fractures, shoulder injuries, and head trauma are common outcomes.
Does auto insurance cover e-bike or scooter accidents?
Your own auto insurance's uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage typically extends to accidents where you are struck by a motor vehicle, even while riding an e-bike or scooter. Coverage for the e-bike or scooter itself generally requires a separate policy. Homeowners or renters insurance may cover theft or damage to the bike. We help you identify and access every available coverage source.
What if the driver who hit me fled the scene?
Hit-and-run accidents are unfortunately common for e-bike and scooter riders. If the at-fault driver cannot be identified, your own uninsured motorist coverage becomes the primary source of compensation. We act fast to canvass for witnesses, pull nearby surveillance footage, and work with investigators to identify the driver before evidence disappears.
What if I was riding in a designated bike lane when the accident occurred?
Riding in a designated bike lane strengthens your position significantly. Florida law requires drivers to yield to cyclists and e-bike riders in marked bike lanes. A driver who enters or crosses a bike lane without yielding and strikes you bears clear negligence. Violations of Florida's bike lane laws are powerful evidence of fault that we use aggressively to build your case.
What are the most common injuries in e-bike and scooter accidents?
E-bike and scooter riders are extremely vulnerable in collisions because they have no structural protection. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, skull and facial fractures, road rash and severe lacerations, broken wrists, collarbones, and arms from bracing for impact, knee and shoulder ligament tears, spinal fractures, herniated discs, and in severe cases, spinal cord injuries and wrongful death.
Does not wearing a helmet hurt my case?
Florida does not require helmet use for e-bike riders over 16, so not wearing one is not a statutory violation. However, a defense attorney may attempt to argue it contributed to your head injuries under comparative negligence. Our job is to counter that argument by focusing on the at-fault party's negligence as the cause of the accident and establishing the full extent of your damages regardless.
How long do I have to file an e-bike or scooter injury lawsuit in Florida?
For accidents occurring on or after March 24, 2023, Florida's statute of limitations for negligence claims is two years from the date of your injury. If the at-fault party is a government entity, the notice period is even shorter. Missing this deadline permanently bars your right to compensation regardless of how strong your case is. Call us now.
Does DIG Law handle e-bike and scooter cases in Texas and Arizona too?
Yes. We are licensed and actively practicing in Florida, Texas, and Arizona. E-bike and scooter use has surged across all three states as cities expand their micromobility infrastructure. Texas and Arizona both carry two-year statutes of limitations for most personal injury claims. Call the office nearest you - every consultation is free.
I was hit by an e-bike or scooter rider while walking. Do I have a claim?
Yes. If an e-bike or scooter rider struck you as a pedestrian, the rider owes you the same duty of care as any other vehicle operator. Riding on a sidewalk where it's prohibited, exceeding speed limits, running stop signs, or operating the bike recklessly are all forms of negligence. We investigate the rider's conduct, identify any applicable insurance coverage, and pursue your full damages - medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Can a scooter company be liable if one of their renters hit me?
Potentially. Shared scooter companies like Bird and Lime have argued that renters - not the company - bear responsibility for accidents. However, if the company's equipment was defective, poorly maintained, or if their app design encouraged unsafe speeds in pedestrian-heavy areas, a claim against the company itself may be viable. We evaluate both the rider's conduct and the company's potential exposure on every case involving a shared scooter.
What if an e-bike rider was riding illegally on the sidewalk when they hit me?
In Florida, riding an e-bike on a sidewalk is generally prohibited in business districts and may be restricted elsewhere by local ordinance. A rider who violates that restriction is per se negligent - meaning the legal violation itself is evidence of fault. This typically strengthens your claim significantly, both for establishing liability and for maximizing your recovery.