e-scooter

September 11, 2026

Chicago Bump-Outs Can Create Serious Hazards for E-Scooter and Bicycle Riders

Concrete islands, curb extensions and so-called “bump-outs” are often installed on Chicago streets in an effort to slow traffic, shorten pedestrian crossings or organize parking and traffic lanes. When properly designed and clearly marked, these improvements may serve an important safety purpose.

But when a concrete bump-out suddenly extends into the path of a bicyclist or e-scooter rider, particularly when it is difficult to see , the supposed safety improvement can itself become a serious hazard.

A recent tragic e-scooter death in Chicago demonstrates just how serious this problem can be.

August 29, 2026

Chicago E-Bike Accidents, and Cars, Bike Lanes, Potholes, and City Liability

by Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C.

An e-bike rider may suffer the same physical impact as a motorcyclist while receiving far less protection. The rider has no passenger compartment, airbag, seat belt, or structural frame. A turning vehicle, open car door, blocked bicycle lane, pothole, broken pavement, or unsafe path can produce a head injury, fracture, spinal injury, or permanent scarring in seconds.

Determining legal responsibility requires more than identifying where the rider fell. A lawyer must identify who controlled the vehicle or property, what rules governed the location, whether the rider had a legal right to use it, what notice the responsible party received, and what evidence still exists.

Chicago e-bike cases may involve several distinct claims:

August 24, 2026

Chicago E Bike Accidents and Who Is Responsible When a Car Drives Into a Bike Lane?

by Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C.

Electric bicycles have become part of everyday life in Chicago. Every day thousands of riders share the road with motorists. Unfortunately, as the number of e-bikes has increased, so have serious collisions. Illinois law places duties on both motorists and governmental entities. Understanding those duties can make the difference between recovering compensation and walking away with nothing.

Drivers Must Watch for Cyclists

Motorists do not own the roadway. Drivers must operate their vehicles with reasonable care, watch for cyclists before turning, opening doors, changing lanes, or crossing bike lanes, and obey Illinois traffic laws designed to protect vulnerable road users.

August 10, 2026

Chicago’s E-Scooter Fantasy vs. Reality: Is the City Creating a False Sense of Safety?

by Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C.

Chicago has embraced “micromobility” as part of the future of urban transportation. E-scooters and e-bikes are promoted as convenient alternatives to cars—an inexpensive way to travel short distances, connect with public transportation, and reduce automobile traffic.

That is the vision.

But after another Chicago teenager was killed while riding an e-scooter, it is time to ask whether the reality on Chicago’s streets bears much resemblance to that vision.

August 6, 2026

Another Chicago Teenager Killed on an E-Scooter: A Tragic Reminder That Safety Cannot Wait

by Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C.

A heartbreaking tragedy on Chicago’s North Side has once again highlighted the dangers facing young e-scooter riders.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, 16-year-old Alex Blacio was killed after losing control of the e-scooter he was riding on North Western Avenue and being struck by a commercial truck. Police continue to investigate exactly how the collision occurred, and no conclusions should be drawn about fault while that investigation remains ongoing. (Chicago Sun-Times)

Regardless of how the investigation ultimately unfolds, the loss of another young life should be a wake-up call for parents, drivers, schools, and city officials.

July 9, 2026

The Growing Danger of E-Bikes and E-Scooters to Chicago Pedestrians

by Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C.

Electric bicycles and e-scooters have become a common sight throughout Chicago. They provide a convenient, affordable, and environmentally friendly way to travel, but their growing popularity has also created new safety concerns for pedestrians.

From the Lakefront Trail to neighborhood sidewalks and busy downtown streets, Chicago residents are increasingly sharing space with electric-powered devices capable of traveling at speeds far greater than traditional bicycles. Unfortunately, when riders operate these vehicles recklessly or without experience, the consequences can be devastating.

The bike injury lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C., have seen firsthand how serious pedestrian injuries can change lives. As e-bike and e-scooter use continues to increase, so does the importance of understanding the risks and knowing your legal rights after an accident.

June 15, 2026

Chicago E-Scooter Accidents Are Rising: What Injured Riders Need to Know

by Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C.

A recent Chicago Sun-Times article highlights the growing popularity, and growing dangers, of e-scooters in Chicago. According to the article, Chicago recorded more than 7 million e-scooter trips in 2025, a record for the city. Even more remarkably, riders had already taken more than 1 million Lime and Divvy e-scooter trips during the early months of 2026. As ridership continues to increase, so do serious accidents and injuries. (Chicago Sun-Times)

The Sun-Times article also reported two heartbreaking fatalities involving teenagers this year. A 17-year-old and a 15-year-old were both killed after being struck by motor vehicles while riding e-scooters on Chicago’s South Side. Those tragedies prompted the City of Chicago to launch a new e-scooter safety campaign. (Chicago Sun-Times)

E-Scooters Are Not Toys

May 13, 2026

If I am Hit By a Car While Riding a E-Scooter in Chicago Do I Have a Case?

by Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C.

Chicago has seen a sharp increase in e-scooter use, along with a rise in serious crashes and fatalities. The City recently launched a new e-scooter safety campaign following several deadly incidents involving scooters and motor vehicles. (FOX 32 Chicago) The e-scooter injury lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer have seen a sharp rise in e-scooter cases in the last to years, most involving serious injuries.

For injured riders, one of the biggest questions is simple: If I was hit by a car while riding an e-scooter, do I have a case?

In many situations, the answer is yes.

October 31, 2025

Electric Scooters in Chicago: Fun Trend or Dangerous Vehicle?

by Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C.

The personal injury lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C., represent people who are injured on Chicago streets — pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, passengers. In the last few years, we’ve seen a new and very predictable source of serious injury: electric scooters.

Let’s talk honestly about why e-scooters are so dangerous, who’s getting hurt, and why the City of Chicago needs to take this more seriously. (And if you’ve been injured in an e-scooter crash — as a rider or as a pedestrian struck by one — you should know your rights.)

Who’s actually riding these scooters?

September 26, 2025

Are E-scooters Safe for Teenagers in Chicago?

by Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C.

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.