E-bikes and e-scooters are changing the way we travel, offering a quick, eco-friendly alternative for commuters, couriers and casual riders alike. Across the UK, the number of users has surged thanks to rental schemes in cities like London, Manchester and Bristol. But with this rise in popularity has come a sharp increase in accidents, as well as a lot of confusion around the legal side of things.
Who’s at fault if you’re injured on an electric scooter? What if a technical fault caused the crash? And how do e-bike compensation claims differ from other road accidents?
From understanding who’s legally responsible to what evidence you’ll need, how compensation is calculated and how a solicitor can support you, this guide explains it all clearly. Whether you were hurt riding, hit by a rider or dealing with the aftermath of a micromobility accident, we’re here to help you understand your rights and make a claim.
The rise of e-bikes and e-scooters: risks & regulations
E-bikes and e-scooters have become a common sight on UK roads, especially in cities. Whether you own one or use a rental service like Voi or Lime, these electric two-wheelers offer a fast and flexible way to get around. But their rise has also brought new challenges for riders, pedestrians and the legal system.
Unlike traditional bikes, e-scooters and e-bikes can travel at higher speeds and may be less stable, especially for inexperienced users. Technical issues like battery fires or brake failures can also increase the risk of injury.
UK laws are still catching up. For example, rental e-scooters are legal in trial areas if you meet age and licence requirements, but privately owned ones aren’t allowed on public roads. Riders must also follow rules about speed limits, road vs pavement use, and insurance.
These complexities can make it harder to understand your rights if you’re injured, which is why legal advice matters.
Who can be held liable in an e-bike or e-scooter accident?
Figuring out who’s responsible for an e-bike or e-scooter accident isn’t always straightforward. Unlike traditional road traffic accidents, these cases often involve a combination of users, vehicles and regulations, which means liability can lie with more than one party. Depending on the situation, the person at fault could be:
- The rider — If they were careless or broke the rules.
- Another road user — Like a car driver.
- A manufacturer — If a fault caused the accident.
- A rental company — If the scooter wasn’t properly maintained.
- A local authority — If poor road conditions were to blame.
There may also be shared fault, like if a rider swerved to avoid a pothole and hit a pedestrian.
Insurance can be another layer of complexity, especially when rental operators are involved or if the rider wasn’t covered. That’s where a solicitor can help. We’ll investigate all the facts, identify who’s responsible, and guide you through your e-scooter or e-bike compensation claim.
Key differences from traditional bike claims
While e-bike and e-scooter accidents might seem similar to traditional cycling incidents, there are some important legal and practical differences:
For one, e-bikes and e-scooters come with added risks, including motor faults, battery fires or electrical failures. Injuries can also be more severe, especially if caused by a fire or electrical issue.
There are legal differences too. Privately owned e-scooters, for one, are not currently legal to ride on UK roads or pavements, only rental e-scooters are allowed in designated trial areas. This can affect how claims are handled and who could be liable.
Insurance requirements are also different. Traditional bikes don’t need insurance but some e-scooters and electric bikes do, especially in rental schemes.
Because the legal landscape is still evolving, it’s important to speak to a solicitor who understands micromobility claims and can help you make sense of your options.
Evidence you need: battery fire, brake failure, rider error
If you’ve been injured in an e-bike or e-scooter accident, collecting the right evidence is key to a successful micromobility accident claim. Because these cases can involve technical faults or unclear liability, the more proof you have, the stronger your case will be. Helpful evidence includes:
- Photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage or injuries.
- Medical reports or hospital records.
- CCTV or helmet cam footage.
- Witness statements.
- Rental records or maintenance logs.
For example, if your e-scooter’s brakes failed, a photo of snapped cables or a repair report could show a fault. Or if your e-bike’s battery caught fire, scorched parts or burn damage can support your claim.
Our experts at Injury Lawyers 4u can help you collect, assess and present the right details to build a clear case for compensation. The quicker we act, the better chance of success you’ll have in an electric bike accident compensation claim.
Calculating compensation for electric two-wheeler injuries
If you’ve been injured in an e-bike or e-scooter accident, your compensation will depend on several factors, from how badly you were hurt to the impact on your day-to-day life. You may be able to claim for:
- Pain and suffering caused by your injuries.
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs.
- Lost earnings if you’ve had to take time off work.
- Long-term care, mobility aids or adjustments to your home.
The amount of compensation will vary depending on the severity and type of injury. For example:
- Minor fractures or sprains might result in lower compensation.
- Serious injuries like head trauma or burns from a battery fire can lead to larger claims.
The strength of your evidence and the long-term effects of your injuries will also play a role. You can use our compensation calculator to get a rough idea or speak to our team for tailored advice.
No win, no fee options for e-bike & e-scooter claims
Worried about the cost of legal help? With Injury Lawyers 4u, you don’t need to be. Most e-bike and e-scooter claims can be handled on a no win, no fee basis, meaning you won’t pay anything upfront and only pay a fee if your claim is successful.
This gives you financial peace of mind and allows you to pursue your case without added stress. If you win, the solicitor’s success fee is taken from your compensation, so there are no surprises.
It’s also important to act within legal time limits. In the UK, you usually have three years from the date of the accident to start a personal injury claim. There are some exceptions, so it’s always worth checking your position.
How Injury Lawyers 4u can help
At Injury Lawyers 4u, we understand the unique challenges that come with e-bike and e-scooter accidents. From navigating confusing regulations to investigating technical faults, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Our experienced solicitors know how to handle micromobility claims, including battery fires, brake failures and complex liability issues. We’ll help gather the right evidence, explain your options clearly and fight for fair compensation on your behalf.
We also offer free initial consultations and a no win, no fee service, so you can get expert advice without financial pressure. To get started, simply get in touch.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim if I crashed on an e-scooter?
If the accident wasn’t your fault, you might be able to make an e-scooter injury claim. This could involve a fault with the scooter, poor road conditions, or another road user’s actions. Our solicitors can help identify who’s liable and what evidence you’ll need.
What if the e-bike battery caught fire?
Battery fires are rare but dangerous. If your injuries were caused by a defective battery or charging issue, you may be able to claim against the manufacturer or supplier. Keep any evidence of the fire, like damaged parts or photos.
Are rental e-scooter operators liable for malfunctions?
Rental e-scooter operators can be liable for malfunctions, especially if the scooter wasn’t properly maintained or had known faults. Rental companies have a duty of care to provide safe, roadworthy vehicles. Maintenance logs and user reports may help support your claim.
Do I need specialist engineers for electric vehicle claims?
Technical evidence can make a big difference. Your solicitor could recommend involving an engineer or expert to examine the e-bike or e-scooter if a defect is suspected. We can help arrange this as part of your case.