E-Scooter Injuries Are on the Rise — Who Can Be Liable for Injured Riders?

Electric scooters are everywhere. On sidewalks, bike lanes, and busy roads across Ontario, riders of all ages are hopping on e-scooters for quick commuting, errands, and recreation. But as their popularity grows, so does the number of people showing up in emergency departments with serious injuries.

What the Data Tells Us About E-Scooter Injuries in Ontario

London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) recently released figures that should give every e-scooter rider — and every parent of one — reason to pause.

LHSC documented e-scooter cases between April 1, 2025, and January 31, 2026:

• 183 e-scooter-related injuries
• Fourteen of the 183 cases were severe enough to be referred to trauma teams

LHSC trauma program medical director Dr. Kelly Vogt noted that year-over-year increases in multi-system injuries from e-scooters and e-bikes have been recorded for five consecutive years.

The Injuries Doctors Are Seeing Most

E-scooter crashes are not fender benders, and there’s no protection for the rider — the rider’s body absorbs the full impact. The outcome of an e-scooter colliding with a vehicle can be serious or life-threatening.

Dr. Vogt, the most common injuries recorded at LHSC include:

• Broken bones: Fractures to the wrists, arms, and legs are among the most frequently treated injuries after an e-scooter fall or collision.
• Concussions and head injuries: Head injuries are a serious and growing concern, particularly among riders who don’t wear helmets.
• Brain bleeds and traumatic brain injuries: These are among the most severe outcomes seen. Injured riders with head injuries can experience consequences for the rest of their life.
• Death: Fatal e-scooter incidents have also occurred, a sobering reminder of just how dangerous these devices can be at speed.

Dr. Vogt noted that while e-scooter injuries are typically seen in younger, otherwise healthy patients, people in their 70s and 80s have also sought treatment following e-scooter incidents.

E-Scooters and the Law — Where Ontario Currently Stands

When E-scooters are involved in an accident with an motor vehicle in Ontario, things can get complicated for the injured riders.

E-scooters occupy a murky legal space. Ontario has been running a pilot program allowing e-scooters on roads and bike lanes in participating municipalities, but the rules vary significantly from one community to the next. Dr. Vogt was direct on this point — e-scooters are not regulated sufficiently, and without legislative changes, injuries will continue to increase.

In Windsor, ON and across Ontario, key questions around e-scooter use include:

• Where riders are legally permitted to operate
• Whether helmets are required
• What speed limits apply to e-scooter riders
• What insurance — if any — covers an injured rider

These gaps in regulation matter enormously when someone is hurt. They affect who can be held responsible and what compensation may be available.

Who Can Be Held Liable When an E-Scooter Rider Is Hurt?

Liability in e-scooter accidents is not always straightforward — but that does not mean no one is responsible. Depending on how the incident occurred, several parties may be worth examining:

• Another driver: If a car, truck, or other vehicle caused or contributed to the crash, that driver may be liable for the rider’s injuries. Ontario’s motor vehicle laws apply, and injured riders may have a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance.
• The e-scooter manufacturer: If a mechanical defect — such as a brake failure or battery malfunction — caused the crash, the manufacturer may face a product liability claim.
• A municipality: If a poorly maintained road, dangerous pothole, or missing signage contributed to the incident, the responsible municipality may bear some liability. There are strict notice requirements and short timelines for municipal claims in Ontario — acting quickly is critical.
• A rental company: If the e-scooter was rented through a commercial operator and was in poor condition or lacked proper safety warnings, that company’s liability may also be worth exploring.
• The e-scooter rider: Riders are more vulnerable to serious injuries, but they can also be at least partially at-fault if they don’t follow traffic laws, become distracted while riding, or ride recklessly.

Every case must be investigated, including the unique circumstances and chain of events leading up to the incident, where it happened, and what involved parties were doing before the crash. An experienced lawyer can review these circumstances and available evidence to determine what legal options may be available to an injured rider or their family.

What Are the Biggest Causes of E-Scooter Crashes?

E-scooter crashes involving a motor vehicle or pedestrian are often the result of driver or rider negligence. These are the most common causes to date:

• Poor Road Conditions & Single-Rider Falls: The small wheels of e-scooters make them highly sensitive to uneven pavement, potholes, and debris. Riders can quickly lose their balance or control from hitting rough terrain — this situation accounts for the vast majority of e-scooter injuries.
• Collisions with Motor Vehicles: Riders are often struck by cars at intersections, driveways, or when drivers fail to see them in their blind spots. This is worsened by riders weaving in and out of traffic or violating traffic signals.
• Speed and Loss of Control: E-scooters can accelerate quickly, and many riders struggle to control the devices when trying to stop or turn suddenly.
• Riding in Prohibited Areas: Riding on sidewalks or in pedestrian-heavy areas frequently results in collisions with pedestrians. For example, in Toronto, riding on public roads and paths is currently not permitted, leading to bylaw infractions and hazardous riding environments.

What Injured Riders — and Their Families — Should Do Next

If you or someone you love has been hurt in an e-scooter accident in Windsor, ON or anywhere in Ontario, the steps you take in the days that follow matter more than most people realise.

• Get medical attention immediately: Even if injuries seem minor, it is important to get a medical evaluation right away. Some injuries — including concussions and internal trauma — don’t present symptoms right away. A medical record created close to the time of the incident is important if you later pursue a claim.
• Document everything: Once your injuries have been stabilized, be sure to document what you remember leading up to the crash — before you start to forget key details.
• Report the incident: Notify police if another vehicle was involved. If the crash happened on municipal property or involved a rental scooter, report it to the relevant authority or operator.
• Do not speak with insurance companies alone: If another party’s insurer contacts you, do not give a recorded statement or accept any offer before speaking with a lawyer. Insurance adjusters work for the insurer — not for you.
• Speak with a lawyer promptly: Ontario’s statute of limitations — deadline for a claim — are strict. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Municipal claims have even shorter deadlines. Waiting too long to call can limit your legal options.

FAQs About E-Scooter Injury Claims in Windsor, ON

Contact Our Windsor Personal Injury Lawyers for Legal Help

E-scooter accidents can cause serious, even life-threatening injuries. If you or someone you love has been hurt — in Windsor, Essex County, or anywhere in Ontario — you deserve to know exactly where you stand legally.

At Greg Monforton & Partners, our knowledgeable personal injury lawyers in Windsor offer a free, no-obligation consultation to review your situation and explain your options honestly. There are no upfront fees — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Call Greg Monforton & Partners today for a free, confidential case review. (866) 320-4770