Electric Scooters Continue Increasing In Popularity Despite the Risks
Electric scooters, or e-scooters, are an increasingly popular method of transportation for those looking to cut down on commuting and rising fuel costs. Similar to the foot-propelled scooters popular with children, users ride on a rectangular base and hold onto handlebars. However, electric scooters are battery-operated and do not require users to propel themselves forward with their feet. Instead, software built into the scooter allows users to maneuver easily at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.
Why Are Electric Scooters Dangerous?
What most people don’t consider is that even when taking safety precautions, such as wearing a helmet or operating the scooter at reduced speeds, product defects can still lead to serious injuries and costly recovery. For example, we have found that in some instances foldable e-scooters can collapse, causing people to fall from them at a high rate of speed.
Many electronic scooters have a locking mechanism that is designed to keep the handlebars from folding down while operating the scooter. However, not all mechanisms are created equally. Instead, some are poorly designed and have caused serious injuries when these locking mechanisms malfunction.
If you or a loved one believes they are entitled to compensation after being injured due to a defective scooter, contact the professionals at KBA Attorneys to schedule a free consultation today.
How Can a Scooter Be Defective?
There are a number of ways in which an electric scooter, meant to be operated for commuting or recreation, can become dangerous. Faulty brakes or software, detaching hardware, and even batteries that burst into flames have been reported by users in recent years.
Other common scooter defects include:
- Failed locking mechanisms on foldable handlebars
- Sticky throttles
- Flat or improperly filled tires
- Baseboard breaking in half during a ride
- Software malfunctions
At this time, our firm is looking at failed handlebars and battery explosions. The scooter design defects that result in exploding batteries and handlebars that collapse while riding can cause serious injuries.
Common Injuries Associated with Scooter Defects
Accidents related to micro-mobility products, including e-scooters, e-bikes, and hoverboards, increased 70 percent from 2017 to 2020, according to the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission. These injuries are often the result of defects in workmanship and the negligence of sellers to warn consumers or recall products that can be dangerous.
Some common injuries include:
- Head injuries (including traumatic brain injury or TBI, concussions, paralysis and loss of cognitive and physical function)
- Fractured arms or collarbones
- Sprained ankles, ligaments, or tears
- Fractures of the skull, face, and neck
- Dental injuries
- Concussion
Additional Information
What should you do after sustaining a scooter injury from a defective product?
First, follow your doctor’s orders concerning medical treatment for the injuries you suffered. Second, save everything. Save your medical records concerning your injury, the purchase records, the materials you received from the seller and manufacturer such as instructions for use, and the device itself. Failing to preserve evidence can result in serious consequences later, including the dismissal of a claim forever. Third, take pictures of the device, the scene of the incident, and your injuries as they evolve. Keeping notes about how this has impacted you and your daily life activities can be helpful too, but exercise caution.
Of course, we recommend seeking legal advice. After sustaining an injury from a defective scooter, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit. You may sue the manufacturer or seller of the defective item for their negligence in designing defective products or failing to warn users of their risks. Lawsuits are not the only option, though, and in face may not be an option, so it is important to discuss your situation with an attorney.
Resources to learn more about eScooter injuries
We have written about eScooter injuries in the past. We provided information concerning potential labile parties. Understanding the legal process when one wants to pursue a claim is another topic we covered. Finally, we covered the potential theories of liability, how eScooters injure people. We will continue providing updates on the latest developments in this world.
Our running Blog list:
- kbaattorneys.com/blog/electric-scooter-accident-lawsuits-who-is-liable-in-an-electronic-scooter-accident/
- kbaattorneys.com/blog/suing-after-a-scooter-handle-collapses-or-causes-injury/
- kbaattorneys.com/blog/how-scooter-defects-cause-injury/
- kbaattorneys.com/escooter-update/
What should I do if I was injured while riding an e-scooter?
Contact the experienced product liability experts at KBA Attorneys to find out if you are eligible to file a claim.