E-Scooter and Pedestrian Collision Claims in Riverside: Your Legal Rights

Electric scooters have transformed urban transportation in Riverside, providing a convenient way to navigate downtown, the UCR campus area, and other neighborhoods. Companies like Lime and Bird have deployed fleets of rental scooters throughout the city. While convenient, this micromobility revolution has also created new categories of accidents and injuries.

Whether you're a pedestrian struck by a scooter, a scooter rider hit by a vehicle, or someone injured by an improperly parked scooter, understanding your legal rights is essential for pursuing fair compensation.

E-Scooter Regulations in Riverside

California law and local regulations govern e-scooter use:

California Vehicle Code Requirements

• Riders must be at least 16 years old
• Helmets required for riders under 18
• Maximum speed of 15 mph
• Must ride in bike lanes when available
• Can use streets with speed limits of 25 mph or less
• Not allowed on sidewalks (with some local exceptions)
• One rider per scooter

Riverside-Specific Rules

The City of Riverside regulates scooter operations:

• Permit requirements for scooter companies
• Designated operating areas
• Parking requirements and restrictions
• Speed limits in certain areas

Violations Create Liability

Riders who violate these rules may be liable for resulting accidents:

• Riding on sidewalks
• Exceeding speed limits
• Allowing underage riders
• Riding while impaired

Types of E-Scooter Accidents

E-scooter accidents occur in various scenarios:

Scooter-Pedestrian Collisions

When scooter riders strike pedestrians:

• Sidewalk riding accidents
• Crosswalk collisions
• Shared path incidents
• Blind corner collisions

Vehicle-Scooter Collisions

When cars hit scooter riders:

• Right-hook accidents (turning vehicles)
• Dooring (car doors opening into path)
• Intersection collisions
• Rear-end accidents

Single-Scooter Accidents

Riders losing control or crashing due to:

• Defective scooters (brake failure, etc.)
• Road hazards (potholes, debris)
• Poor scooter maintenance

Trip-and-Fall Over Parked Scooters

Pedestrians injured by improperly parked or abandoned scooters:

• Blocking sidewalks
• Tipped over in pathways
• Hidden hazards

Liability in E-Scooter Accidents

Determining who is responsible depends on the circumstances:

Scooter Rider Liability

Riders may be liable when they:

• Violate traffic laws
• Ride carelessly or recklessly
• Operate while impaired
• Strike pedestrians

Driver Liability

Vehicle operators may be liable for:

• Failing to yield to scooters
• Opening doors into scooter paths
• Distracted driving
• Unsafe lane changes

Scooter Company Liability

Companies like Lime and Bird may be liable for:

• Defective scooters
• Inadequate maintenance
• Failure to warn of hazards
• Negligent placement

City/Government Liability

Government entities may be liable for:

• Dangerous road conditions
• Inadequate bike lane design
• Poor sidewalk maintenance
• Negligent scooter regulation

Property Owner Liability

Business or property owners may be liable when:

• Hazardous conditions cause crashes
• Scooters left on their property cause injuries
• Inadequate lighting or visibility

How Much Is My Case Worth?

E-scooter accident compensation varies based on injury severity:

Available Damages

Medical Expenses:

• Emergency room treatment
• Surgery and hospitalization
• Dental work (common in falls)
• Orthopedic care
• Rehabilitation

Lost Income:

• Work missed during recovery
• Reduced earning capacity

Pain and Suffering:

• Physical pain
• Emotional distress
• Scarring and disfigurement

Property Damage:

• Personal belongings damaged
• For riders: personal scooter damage

Factors Affecting Value

• Severity of injuries
• Clear liability
• Insurance coverage available
• Medical documentation
• Permanent effects

Average Settlement Ranges

• Minor injuries (bruises, scrapes): $5,000 - $20,000
• Moderate injuries (fractures): $20,000 - $75,000
• Serious injuries (TBI, spinal): $75,000 - $300,000+

Insurance Considerations

For Scooter Riders:

• Rental scooter companies have liability insurance (limits vary)
• Your own auto insurance may apply
• Health insurance for your own injuries

For Pedestrians Hit by Scooters:

• Rider's homeowner's/renter's insurance may apply
• Scooter company insurance
• Your own underinsured motorist coverage

For Riders Hit by Vehicles:

• Driver's auto liability insurance
• Your uninsured/underinsured coverage

Statute of Limitations in Riverside

Personal Injury: Two Years

You have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against negligent parties.

Government Claims: Six Months

If dangerous road conditions or government negligence contributed, file an administrative claim within six months.

Preserving Evidence

E-scooter evidence disappears quickly:

• Scooter data may be overwritten
• Company records must be preserved
• Traffic camera footage deleted

Act promptly to preserve evidence.

Scooter Company Liability: User Agreements

When you rent a scooter, you agree to terms of service:

Arbitration Clauses

Most scooter companies require arbitration rather than court litigation. This affects:

• How disputes are resolved
• Where claims are heard
• Recovery options

Liability Waivers

User agreements include liability waivers that may limit claims for:

• Defective scooters
• Rider's own injuries
• Certain types of damages

Limitations on Waivers

Waivers may not apply to:

• Gross negligence
• Intentional misconduct
• Third-party claims (pedestrians you hit)
• Certain consumer protection violations

Steps After an E-Scooter Accident

For Injured Pedestrians

1. Get medical attention for any injuries

2. Call police to document the accident

3. Identify the rider (get their information)

4. Document the scooter (company, ID number)

5. Photograph everything (injuries, scene, scooter)

6. Get witness information

7. Report to scooter company (creates a record)

8. Consult an attorney

For Injured Scooter Riders

1. Get medical attention immediately

2. Call police if a vehicle was involved

3. Preserve the scooter (or photograph it with ID number)

4. Document road conditions if relevant

5. Get driver/witness information

6. Don't admit fault

7. Report to scooter company

8. Consult an attorney

For Those Injured by Parked Scooters

1. Photograph the scooter (including company and ID)

2. Document its placement

3. Get witness information

4. Report to the scooter company

5. Report to the city (scooter regulation department)

6. Seek medical attention

7. Consult an attorney

Special Issues in E-Scooter Cases

Helmet Laws and Comparative Fault

If you're under 18 and weren't wearing a helmet:

• May affect comparative negligence analysis
• Doesn't bar recovery but may reduce it
• Focus on head injuries particularly affected

Impaired Scooter Riding

DUI laws apply to e-scooters:

• Can be charged with DUI on a scooter
• Impairment affects liability for accidents
• Creates potential for punitive damages against impaired riders

Minors and E-Scooters

When underage riders cause accidents:

• Parents may be vicariously liable
• Scooter company may be liable for allowing rental
• Different standard of care for minors

Multiple Defendants

Many e-scooter cases involve multiple potentially liable parties:

• Riders
• Vehicle drivers
• Scooter companies
• Government entities
• Property owners

An attorney can identify all potential defendants.

Affiliate Resources

E-scooter accident victims need various support:

Medical Care

• Urgent Care: Initial injury treatment
• Orthopedic Specialists: Fracture treatment
• Dental Care: Common facial injuries
• Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation services
• Wound Care: Road rash treatment

Transportation Alternatives

• Public Transit: Riverside Transit Agency
• Rideshare Services: Uber, Lyft
• Bicycle Options: Alternative micromobility

Legal and Insurance

• Insurance Claims Assistance: Navigating coverage
• Consumer Rights Resources: Understanding scooter company obligations

Safety Resources

• Helmet Fitting: Proper protective gear
• Scooter Safety Training: Safe riding practices
• Street Safety Education: Pedestrian awareness

Get Help After an E-Scooter Accident

E-scooter accidents present unique legal challenges—from complex liability questions to dealing with scooter company user agreements. Whether you're a pedestrian injured by a scooter or a rider struck by a vehicle, you deserve experienced legal representation.

Our nonprofit referral service connects e-scooter accident victims with attorneys who understand:

• Micromobility accident law
• How to navigate scooter company agreements
• Multiple defendant cases
• Insurance coverage issues

Every attorney in our network offers:

• Free consultations
• Contingency fee representation
• Experience with emerging mobility issues
• Aggressive advocacy for accident victims

If you've been injured in an e-scooter accident in Riverside, contact us today to be connected with an attorney who will fight for fair compensation.

The growth of e-scooters shouldn't come at the expense of pedestrian safety. When accidents happen, victims deserve justice.