Chicago Not Tracking E-Scooter Injuries

As anyone living in Chicago has noticed, the number of e-scooters on Chicago streets has grown drastically over the last few years. According to Chicago data, more than 3.7 million trips have been logged on rental scooters between 2022 and 2023 and this number is certainly growing. With this rapid growth have there been a corresponding increase of e-scooter injuries? The answer is unclear. Unlike some cities that maintain detailed injury reports, Chicago currently lacks centralized data tracking for scooter-related accidents. The Chicago Department of Transportation has confirmed it does not track the number of riders injured in e-scooter crashes, and scooter vendors like Bird and Lime don’t publish specific local statistics either (chicago.suntimes.com).
Although the 2020 CDPH pilot collected limited emergency department data, it remains partial at best—capturing only certain ED visits and lacking proper labeling of scooter injures. (chicago.gov).

The e-scooter injury lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. have certainly noted a sharp increase of injured scooter riders contacting our office for legal representation.

Regional & National Injury Trends

Without reliable local numbers, we turn to national and research-based insights:

U.S. emergency departments treated nearly 40,000 broken bones, head injuries, cuts, and bruises due to scooter accidents between 2014 and 2018—an injury rate that tripled from 6 to 19 injuries per 100,000 people (news.wttw.com).
A 2022 JAMA‑based report found a 222% increase in scooter injuries between 2014 and 2018, with about 14,651 incidents nationally. Most—around 80%—resulted from falls, followed by collisions with curbs/objects (11%) and vehicles (9%).
Globally, shared scooter systems yield about 20 injuries per 100,000 rides, with only 4% of injured riders wearing helmets (en.wikipedia.org).

These numbers suggest Chicago is likely experiencing similar trends—underscoring a serious public and legal concern.

Why Scooter Riding Is Risky

Minimal Protection = Severe Outcomes

Most riders don’t use helmets; Illinois law doesn’t mandate them .
Common injuries include head trauma, facial injuries (dental fractures, lacerations), broken arms and wrists, sprains, spinal damage, and even paralysis).

Unpredictable Infrastructure

Small wheels can’t handle potholes, cracks, uneven pavement—typical issues on Chicago sidewalks and poorly-maintained streets—causing riders to fall.

Mechanical Failures

Rental scooters may have defective brakes, throttles, batteries, or firmware issues. Global recalls (like Lime’s Okai-model braking failures) are not unheard of (en.wikipedia.org).

Risky Rider Behavior

Many ignore traffic rules, ride on sidewalks, weave through pedestrians, or travel at unsafe speeds—adding to crash risk .

Shared Road Spaces = Hazardous Interactions

Collisions with cars, pedestrians, and fixed objects are common. Nationally, 9% of accidents involve vehicles; in Chicago, cars turning through bike lanes regularly put riders at risk .

Legal Implications for Plaintiffs

Even with Chicago’s lack of transparent data, serious scooter accidents remain a target for personal injury claims. Liability may fall on:

Manufacturers or scooter companies—for defective designs or poor maintenance.
Motor vehicle drivers—when negligence contributes to crashes.
The city of Chicago—if unsafe road conditions (e.g., potholes, bumps or other unsafe conditions) played a role.
Riders themselves—under Illinois comparative negligence; victims can recover as long as they’re under 50% at fault.

After a Scooter Accident—Practical Advice

If you’re injured in a Chicago scooter incident…

Seek medical care right away, even for seemingly minor ailments.
Gather evidence—photos of injuries, vehicle damage, road defects, scooter UID, and crash site.
Secure statements from witnesses—especially in busy spots like downtown or Millennium Park.
Preserve the scooter—don’t dispose of it; inspect for mechanical failures.
Contact a personal injury attorney, particularly with e-scooter experience. They understand where e-scooter riders are permissive riders and where they are intended riders which may determine whether you can collect damages or not.

The e-scooter lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. have extensive experience handling these types of cases. Our firm will immediately collect evidence that will make the difference whether you win or lose your case. We will visit the site of the accident and procure any video that might have recorded the accident, Additionally, we talk to any and all witnesses. If you have been injured in an e-scooter accident, call our firm for a free consultation. You do not owe us anything unless we win your case.