Electric scooters and e-bikes have transformed how Angelenos move through the city. From downtown Los Angeles to Santa Monica’s bike paths, these eco-friendly rides offer freedom and convenience—but also bring serious risks. When collisions happen, injured riders often face a critical question:Are e-scooter and e-bike accidents covered by California insurance?
If you’ve been hurt in one of these incidents, an experiencede-scooter accident lawyer California residents trust can help you navigate the confusing world of insurance coverage, liability, and compensation.
AtLA Injury Lawyers, our firm has decades of combined experience representing victims of micromobility crashes throughout Los Angeles County. We’ve recovered millions in settlements for clients injured in electric scooter and e-bike accidents caused by negligent drivers, poor road design, or defective equipment.
The Rise of E-Scooters and E-Bikes in Los Angeles
In recent years, e-scooters and e-bikes have surged in popularity. According to California’s Office of Traffic Safety, thousands of e-bike and scooter injuries occur annually—many in dense urban areas likeHollywood,Downtown LA, andSanta Monica.
Unfortunately, most riders don’t realize how complex insurance coverage can be after a crash. Unlike traditional car accidents, where liability and insurance laws are well-defined, micromobility accidents fall into gray legal areas.
How Insurance Works for E-Scooter and E-Bike Accidents in California
California law treats e-bikes and e-scooters differently from cars, motorcycles, and bicycles. That means insurance requirements also vary.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Personal Auto Insurance usually doesnot cover e-scooter or e-bike accidents unless a motor vehicle is involved.
- Homeowners or Renters Insurance may cover certain damages—but only if the policy specifically includes personal liability for non-motorized vehicles.
- Micromobility Company Insurance (like Bird or Lime) may offer limited third-party liability protection, but these policies often exclude coverage for riders themselves.
- Health Insurance covers medical treatment but not lost wages or pain and suffering.
Because coverage is fragmented, victims often need help from amicromobility accident attorney to identify every possible source of compensation.
Common Causes of E-Scooter and E-Bike Accidents
Our attorneys have investigated countless micromobility accidents acrossSanta Monica,Inglewood, andSan Fernando Valley. Common causes include:
- Distracted or speeding drivers
- Poorly maintained roads or bike lanes
- Defective e-scooter brakes or batteries
- Pedestrian collisions in high-traffic areas
- Lack of dedicated lanes or unsafe infrastructure
In each scenario, determining liability is crucial. Was the driver negligent? Did the scooter malfunction? Or did a city agency fail to maintain safe streets?
Oure-scooter accident lawyers in California thoroughly analyze each factor using police reports, surveillance footage, and expert testimony.
Who Is Liable After an Electric Scooter or E-Bike Crash?
California follows acomparative negligence rule, meaning multiple parties can share fault. You can learn more in California Civil Code §1714, which establishes the principle that every person is responsible for injuries caused by their lack of care.
Depending on the case, liable parties may include:
- Motor vehicle drivers — if they hit or forced a rider off the road.
- Scooter companies — if the device malfunctioned.
- Property owners or city agencies — if poor maintenance or unsafe design contributed to the crash.
- Other riders or pedestrians — in shared path collisions.
An experiencedmicromobility accident attorney can help identify each liable party and file claims accordingly.
E-Bike Accident Insurance Coverage in California
If you were riding an e-bike, youre-bike accident insurance coverage in California depends on how your bike is classified:
- Class 1 and 2 e-bikes (pedal-assist up to 20 mph) are treated like bicycles. No insurance is required.
- Class 3 e-bikes (up to 28 mph) require helmets and may have restricted access to certain lanes, but still no mandatory insurance.
These classifications are defined under California Vehicle Code §312.5.
This lack of regulation creates major problems for victims. You might be seriously injured, but without auto coverage or an at-fault driver’s insurance, you could face steep medical bills.
That’s where a skillede-scooter accident lawyer in California can help identify other paths to recovery—such as aproduct liability claim if the e-bike was defective or apremises liability claim if poor road conditions caused the crash.
Electric Scooter Injury Claims in Los Angeles
When you’re hurt on an e-scooter, filing anelectric scooter injury claim in Los Angeles involves several key steps:
- Document the scene: Take photos of the scooter, road, and injuries.
- Report the accident: Contact police and, if applicable, the scooter company through their app.
- Seek medical care: Even minor injuries can worsen later.
- Consult a lawyer quickly: An attorney can preserve evidence and deal with insurance adjusters.
Time is critical—California’s statute of limitations generally gives youtwo years to file a personal injury claim, as established in California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1. Missing that window can permanently bar your right to compensation.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
With help from an experienced legal team, victims of micromobility crashes can pursue damages for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
Oure-scooter accident lawyers in California fight to maximize every dollar of recovery—whether through settlement negotiations or courtroom litigation.
How a Micromobility Accident Attorney Can Help
The laws surrounding e-scooters and e-bikes are constantly evolving. Amicromobility accident attorney offers several advantages:
- Investigation expertise: Gathering black-box data, GPS logs, and maintenance records.
- Liability analysis: Determining whether a manufacturer, city, or driver is at fault.
- Negotiation power: Dealing with insurance companies that try to minimize your claim.
- Trial readiness: Preparing to take your case before a Los Angeles jury if needed.
At LA Injury Lawyers, we handle every case with compassion and urgency—because we know the financial and physical toll these crashes take.
The Hidden Challenges of E-Scooter Insurance
Even when insurance exists, policy language can be deceptive. For example:
- Exclusions: Many policies deny coverage for “motorized vehicles.”
- Ride-share scooters: Bird and Lime’s terms of service limit company liability.
- Uninsured drivers: If a car hits you and flees, you may need to useuninsured motorist coverage—but only if your policy applies to micromobility.
Our attorneys review every detail of your coverage and the other party’s insurance to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Local Insight: Los Angeles’ Micromobility Risk Zones
Based onLos Angeles Open Data and theTransportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS), high-risk e-scooter and e-bike crash areas include:
- Santa Monica: Coastal bike lanes near Ocean Avenue.
- Downtown LA: Congested intersections like 7th and Figueroa.
- Hollywood Boulevard: Heavy tourist and rideshare activity.
- Westwood and UCLA area: Dense student ridership zones.
If your accident occurred in one of these neighborhoods, you need amicromobility accident attorney familiar with local road conditions, municipal liability laws, and insurance loopholes.
What to Do After an E-Scooter or E-Bike Crash
Follow these immediate steps to protect your rights:
- Move to safety and call 911.
- Get the driver’s and witnesses’ information.
- Photograph everything—vehicle plates, injuries, street signs.
- Save the scooter or e-bike if possible for evidence.
- ContactLA Injury Lawyers before talking to any insurer.
We offerfree consultations and chargeno upfront fees—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Real Results. Real Relief.
Our firm has secured six- and seven-figure settlements for clients injured in complex accident cases throughout Los Angeles County. While every case is unique, our proven strategies consistently deliver strong results for victims of micromobility crashes.
We know how to counter insurance companies’ tactics and fight for the justice you deserve.
Take Action Today
If you’ve been injured on an e-bike or e-scooter anywhere in Los Angeles County—fromSanta Clarita toSouth Bay—don’t face the insurance maze alone. Oure-scooter accident lawyers in California have deep knowledge of state laws, insurance practices, and local court systems.
CallLA Injury Lawyers today at (818) 418-4000 for afree case review. We’ll explain your rights, evaluate your insurance options, and help you pursue the maximum compensation available.
Your recovery starts with one conversation—and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
FAQs About E-Scooter and E-Bike Accident Coverage in California
Does my car insurance cover e-scooter accidents?
Usually not—unless your policy explicitly includes micromobility coverage. Most auto insurers exclude electric scooters and e-bikes from standard policies.
Can I sue a scooter company for my injuries?
Yes, if the scooter malfunctioned due to poor maintenance or design defects, you may have a product liability case.
What if a car hit me while I was on a scooter?
You can file a claim against the driver’s auto insurance, just as you would in a pedestrian or bicycle accident.
How long do I have to file a claim?
In most cases, you havetwo years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in California.
Do I need a lawyer for a minor e-bike crash?
Even “minor” accidents can lead to costly medical bills and hidden injuries. Consulting a lawyer ensures your rights are protected and evidence is preserved.