Scooter/E-Bike Accidents

Helping Injured Riders Across Ontario

The rapid adoption of electric scooters and e-bikes has outpaced the development of safety infrastructure in many communities. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), e-scooter-related injuries have tripled in recent years, with hospitalizations rising sharply between 2019 and 2023. While e-bikes and e-scooters offer freedom and convenience, they also come with risks. Riders are less visible to drivers and often travel at speeds of 25–32 km/h, which is fast enough to cause severe injury in a collision. Many urban areas still lack designated bike or scooter lanes, forcing riders to share busy roads with vehicles or to use uneven sidewalks or trails not designed for motorized traffic. Even at relatively low speeds, the lack of physical protection can result in catastrophic injuries. Studies show that head trauma, fractures, and internal injuries are among the most common outcomes of e-scooter and e-bike crashes.”

A Growing Safety Concern

E-bikes and e-scooters offer speed and mobility, but they also come with risks. Riders are often overlooked by drivers who are not yet used to sharing the road with these vehicles. Cities may lack proper infrastructure, and some scooters or bikes rented through shared platforms may be poorly maintained or lack basic safety features.

Accidents can happen in a number of ways, including:

A motor vehicle striking a rider in a bike lane or while turning
A dooring incident (when a parked car door is opened into a rider’s path)
Crashes due to potholes, uneven pavement, or poorly marked construction zones
Malfunctioning brakes, steering components, or batteries
Collisions with pedestrians or other riders due to crowded paths or faulty equipment

Even at relatively low speeds, scooter and e-bike accidents can result in serious injuries, including head trauma, fractures, internal injuries, dental damage, or spinal injuries.

Who Is at Fault in a Scooter or E-Bike Accident?

Liability depends on the circumstances. In many cases, a negligent driver, careless pedestrian, or unsafe road condition may be to blame. If the accident involved a defective scooter or e-bike, the rental company or manufacturer may also be liable. Municipalities may be responsible in cases where poor road design or maintenance contributed to the crash.

We conduct a thorough investigation to determine what happened and who may be legally responsible. Our team works with medical professionals, accident reconstruction experts, and engineers as needed to build a strong case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I was using a rented e-scooter? Can I still sue?

Yes. Even if you signed a waiver or user agreement through an app-based scooter rental company, you may still have a claim — especially if the scooter was defective, poorly maintained, or if the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence. These waivers do not always hold up in court, and they do not protect third parties (like drivers or municipalities) who may also be liable.

I crashed because of a pothole or poorly marked construction zone. Do I still have a case?

Possibly. Municipalities have a duty to maintain roads and pathways in a reasonably safe condition. If a dangerous road hazard caused or contributed to your crash, you may be able to bring a claim against the city or town. These cases often involve tight timelines, so it is important to seek legal advice right away.

Can I make a claim even if I was not wearing a helmet?

Yes. While helmet use is strongly encouraged (and sometimes legally required depending on your age and location), not wearing one does not automatically prevent you from making a claim. However, it may be a factor in how liability or damages are assessed. We can explain how this may apply to your specific situation.

Contact Us

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