Chicago Accident Lawyer Blog
Electric scooters, once touted as a fun and eco-friendly transportation alternative, have rapidly become a fixture on Chicago’s streets. Since the city first introduced rental e-scooters in 2019, usage has surged — with more than 3.7 million trips taken between mid-2022 and late 2023, compared to just 1.3 million in the program’s early years. Unfortunately, this growth has brought with it a troubling rise in injuries and legal concerns.
A Surge in Scooter-Related Injuries
Chicago hospitals are reporting a steady increase in scooter-related traumas. In a Chicago Suntimes article dated October 9, 2024, Dr. David Trotter of Advocate Illinois Masonic, a Level 1 trauma center, has reported seeing more patients suffering everything from cuts and broken bones to severe traumatic brain injuries caused by scooter crashes. Because many scooters reach speeds of 15 to 20 miles per hour, collisions can be as devastating as car crashes. The scooter injury lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C. have also seen sharp rise in scooter injury cases just in the last two years.
Nationwide, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that injuries from scooters and other “micromobility” devices have risen by over 20% year after year since 2017. Yet, in Chicago, neither the city nor scooter companies consistently track crash data, leaving the true scope of the problem unknown.
Why Scooters Are So Dangerous
Several factors make e-scooters uniquely risky for riders and others on the road:
- Teenage Riders and Doubling Up
Many riders are underage or inexperienced. Despite safety rules, teenagers frequently use scooters, often riding two at a time on a single scooter, which makes balancing even more difficult. - Unstable and Hard to See
Scooters have small wheels and a high center of gravity, making them unstable over potholes, curbs, and uneven pavement. Add Chicago’s busy streets, and scooter riders are often nearly invisible to drivers. - Disregard for Traffic Laws
Riders commonly ignore stoplights, weave between cars, or ride on sidewalks, putting both themselves and pedestrians at risk. One Chicago rider was struck twice in two weeks by cars that didn’t see her in time. - Limited Enforcement
Even when accidents occur, citations are rare. Personal injury lawyers and advocates note that police often won’t issue tickets unless they personally witness a violation, leaving victims without proper recourse.
Real Stories from Chicago Riders
- Marie-Claire Ching, a 20-year-old student, was hit twice by cars while riding her scooter — once by a reversing vehicle and again by a BMW that ran a red light. She suffered injuries and lasting trauma, now questioning whether scooters are worth the risk according to a Suntimes article dated October 9, 2024.
- Joseph Fattal collided with a car door thrown open by a rideshare passenger, sending him into another parked car. He faced thousands of dollars in medical bills and weeks of physical therapy. His experience highlights the lack of accountability by scooter companies, which closed his incident report after refunding just $1 for the ride.
What Can Be Done?
Advocates are calling for:
- Better data collection on scooter crashes.
- More protected bike and scooter lanes.
- Stronger enforcement of traffic laws for both drivers and scooter riders.
- Education for riders — especially younger users — on safe scooter operation.
Until these measures are taken, Chicagoans should think twice before choosing an e-scooter as transportation.
Protecting Your Rights After a Scooter Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in an e-scooter crash, whether as a rider, pedestrian, or driver, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The personal injury attorneys at Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. have extensive experience representing victims of scooter and bicycle crashes in Chicago. We know how to investigate these cases, hold negligent drivers accountable, and take on scooter companies that fail to protect riders.
📞 Contact Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. today for a free consultation and let us fight for the justice you deserve.