Shared e-scooters from companies like Lime and Lyft have become a familiar sight on Chicago streets. They offer a quick, convenient way to get around, but they also raise serious safety concerns, especially when children are involved. Parents, schools, and communities across the city have noticed clusters of kids riding scooters near high schools when the dismissal bell rings. The personal injury lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. have litigated cases involving injuries teenagers and we know how dangerous e-scooters can be.
Age Restrictions for Lime and Lyft E-Scooters
- Lime requires riders to be 18 years or older with a valid driver’s license.
- Lyft also sets the minimum rider age at 18 years old and requires verification through their app.
In other words, children and teens under 18 are not legally permitted to rent or operate these shared scooters except under limited circumstances. Yet, many find ways around the rules—often by using a parent’s or older sibling’s account.
Why Are So Many Kids Riding E-Scooters?
Several factors explain why e-scooters are so popular among minors:
- Easy Access: Many scooters are left near schools and parks. Kids see them as “free to take” once unlocked.
- Peer Pressure & Convenience: After school, groups of students may use a single account to unlock multiple scooters.
- Lack of Enforcement: Companies rely on self-attestation for age verification, and enforcement on the street is rare.
How Many Riders Are Allowed per Scooter?
Every scooter company—including Lime and Lyft—requires that only one rider be on a scooter at a time. Doubling up with two kids on a single scooter, which is often seen near schools, increases the risk of falls, loss of control, and collisions.
Chicago Ordinances on E-Scooters
Chicago has taken steps to regulate e-scooters:
- Scooters are permitted on bike lanes and roadways, but not on sidewalks.
- Scooters must follow traffic rules similar to bicycles.
- The City of Chicago requires e-scooter companies to deploy technology that slows scooters down in certain zones (for example, near the lakefront trail).
- Helmets are encouraged but not required under Chicago law, even for minors—an issue that continues to raise safety concerns.
While the ordinance does not specifically carve out rules for children, the city’s contracts with companies like Lime and Lyft mandate the 18+ rider age restriction.
Special Dangers for Children
Children face unique risks when riding e-scooters:
- Lack of Balance and Experience: Younger riders are less skilled at handling sudden stops or uneven pavement.
- Increased Likelihood of Risky Behavior: Kids often ride in groups, double up, or dart through traffic.
- Vulnerability to Injury: Children are more likely to suffer head injuries, fractures, and long-term trauma in accidents.
Statistics on E-Scooter Injuries
National and local studies show a troubling rise in scooter-related accidents:
- A 2023 study in JAMA Surgery found that nearly 30% of e-scooter injuries involve children under 18, despite official age restrictions.
- According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 50,000+ emergency room visits related to e-scooter accidents between 2017 and 2022, with head injuries being the most common.
- In Chicago’s pilot scooter programs, the city documented thousands of trips per day, and pediatric hospitals reported an uptick in scooter-related ER visits during the school year.
Protecting Children and Holding Companies Accountable
If your child has been injured in an e-scooter crash, whether as a rider, passenger, or pedestrian, you may have the right to pursue compensation. Liability can be complex, involving not only the scooter company but also negligent drivers, property owners, or even schools if supervision was lacking.
The e-scooter injury lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C., have over 20 years of experience representing Chicago families in personal injury claims. We understand the unique dangers posed by e-scooters and are committed to holding negligent parties accountable.