Latest Blogs

If you live in or visit Florida, you probably have seen an abundance of electric scooters. They are eco-friendly, cost-efficient, and convenient vehicles for short-distance trips. Ridesharing and rental services make it easy for almost anyone to have access to these vehicles.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis legalized the statewide use of electric scooters in 2019. Riders must be at least 16 years old but do not have to have a driver’s license to ride an electric scooter. Florida law allows electric scooters to operate in bike lanes where riders must follow the same “rules of the road” as other drivers.

What is Florida’s Definition of an Electric Scooter?

Florida Statute §316.003 defines an electric scooter as any vehicle not having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider, having no more than three wheels, and having a maximum speed of 30 mph.

Increase in Electric Scooter Accidents

With the increase of electric scooters, comes a surge in electric scooter accidents. The National Institute of Health (NIH) reports the resurgence of popularity in electric scooters and mopeds with sales increasing 60 percent over recent years.

ElectronicWheel.com reports:

• Men make 75 percent of electric scooter trips in the United States. 
• 252 electric scooter systems are available in the United States as of 2023.
• Injuries related to using e-scooters, e-bikes, and hoverboards have increased by 70 percent over the past four years. 

Florida has seen an increase in electric scooter accidents. In September 2023, there have been many, including the following:

• September 9 – A 13-year-old tragically died after being hit by a car in Cape Coral.
• September 18 – A 17-year-old Gainesville girl was hospitalized after an accident.

Possible Electric Scooter Rider Injuries

Statistics show that electric scooter riders between the ages of 18 and 34 are most likely to be injured in electric scooter accidents. The most common injuries from these accidents are head injuries, lacerations, fractures, and road rash.

• Head Injuries – Head injuries may be catastrophic and can often occur when someone loses consciousness or hits his/her head during an electric scooter accident. Mental decline may not be initially evident but can occur over time. It is important to seek medical attention immediately following an electric scooter accident.
• Lacerations – Electric scooter riders do not have the same protection as other vehicle drivers on Florida’s roads which makes them very vulnerable. They may suffer significant blood loss from deep cuts, even nerve damage, and scarring leading to disfigurement.
• Fractures – Broken bones may be minor or severe. Some complications may occur when bones are splintered; soft tissue may be injured; bones may not heal properly resulting in the need for further treatment, and there may be infections.
• Road Rash – Scarring and infection may also occur when the skin slides along the rough surface of a road.

Are Electric Scooter Rental Companies Liable if Accidents Occur?

When electric scooters are rented, the electric scooter rental company usually requires riders to sign user agreements that include liability waivers, assumption of risk disclaimers, and other caveats to limit the company’s liability. Injured riders can seek compensation from electric scooter companies, but it is complex. Electric scooter injury victims should seek guidance from Fort Myers Personal Injury Lawyer Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

What Electric Scooter Accident Victims Should Do After an Accident?

When electric scooter accident victims are injured because of the negligence of another, they should contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. 24/7 after seeking medical attention. Fort Myers Personal Injury Lawyer Randall Spivey evaluates claims, provides legal options, and deals with insurance companies.

"We represent people involved in numerous types of personal injury and wrongful death accidents throughout the state of Florida. All of our clients have unique personal injury cases. Our firm provides personal contact and communication along with aggressive representation. Please contact us at 239.337.7483, toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or online at SpiveyLaw.com,” said Attorney Spivey.