E-scooters are now a popular form of transport on our roads. Government trial schemes have been rolled out across the UK and the number of private scooters on the road is growing daily.

The benefit of e-scooters is clear. They are an easy, affordable and environmentally friendly means of transport, particularly in busy cities and towns.

However, as demonstrated in the Department for Transport’s Road Safety Strategy their swift uptake has raised questions about the safety of road users as well as the regulation of their use.

Unfortunately, increased usage has resulted in a growing number of accidents, some of which can have devastating consequences for all involved.

According to the latest published data collected by the government, there were 1,390 casualties in collisions involving e-scooters where these were reported to the police in year 2024, with many more thought not to have been reported.

Here at Sintons we understand that an accident can seriously affect the lives of those involved and their loved ones.

We have the specialist experience to assist if you have been injured in an e-scooter accident.

The law

With the use of e-scooters continuing to grow, the law on e-scooter usage is still developing and the Government is considering legislative reform to best support road users.

Currently, E-scooters are legal to ride when used on a public road, if they are part of an official scooter rental scheme. These schemes are regulated and are covered by a policy of insurance. You must hold a valid provisional or full driving licence to use a rental e-scooter.

It is not legal to ride these types of e-scooters on a pavement and therefore this use may not be covered by the insurance. If you are injured in these circumstances, you may still be able to bring a claim.

Although e-scooters are available to purchase by the public, it is only legal to ride privately owned scooters on private property with the consent of the land owner. If these are ridden in a public place and you are injured, a claim may still be able to be bought under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

Injuries arising from e-scooter usage can have catastrophic consequences.

In March 2023, a 14 year old boy was sentenced after a tragic incident occurred as after he collided with a pedestrian when riding an e-scooter on a pavement with a privately owned e-scooter. Many others have been charged with offences for illegally riding e-scooters

Making a claim

The merits of any potential claim for injuries cause by an e-scooter will need to be considered on the basis of the accident circumstances, including whether the e-scooter was being used illegally or not.

• Road traffic collisions

If you have sustained an injury involving an e-scooters,  either when travelling in another vehicle, as a pedestrian or as an e-scooter rider you may have a claim for compensation.

• MIB

Where injury has been sustained as a result of improper use of an e-scooter and there is no policy of insurance to deal with the claim, it may still be possible to pursue a claim.

The motor’s insurer bureau operates a scheme which provides a remedy for those involved in a collision with an uninsured vehicle or e-scooter.

• Public liability

You may have been injured when riding an e-scooter and the road was not fit for use, for example where there are defects or holes in the road.

• CICA

E-scooters which are not being used in the permitted ways can often be involved in accidents. In these circumstances it may be possible to make a claim with the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. To find out more information, click here.

Get in touch now to find out more and discuss you claim.

How can we help with an e-scooter claim

Accidents involving e-scooters can be serious and potentially life changing. They can have a significant impact on you and your family and friends.

The type of injury you may have suffered in an e-scooter accident can include:

• A brain or head injury
• A spinal injury
• Serious fractures
• Soft tissue injuries

Sintons can help you to obtain compensation to get the support and rehabilitation required to help you recover from your injuries.

The level of compensation will be assessed according to your injuries and needs following the accident, but can include support for loss of earnings, aids and equipment, private medical treatment and therapy, and replacement costs for damaged property.

Why choose us

Based in Newcastle upon Tyne with offices in Yorkshire and London, Sintons have been providing quality legal services across all of UK for over 125 years.

Highly respected in all fields of accident and disease compensation, Sintons have one of the largest personal injury departments in the North of England.

We understand that suffering from an injury can be difficult, and claiming compensation should not add further stress. That is why Sintons’ specialist solicitors try to make claiming personal injury compensation as easy and as straight forward as possible, and aim to fit around your needs providing home visits and extended hours where possible.

Sintons also have dedicated Polish and Romanian speaking teams with a wealth of experience who can assist.

To find out more about Sintons and how we can help you click on the boxes below or contact us no obligation. We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.