E-Scooter Accident Lawyer Detroit: New Ride, New Legal Risks

Detroit’s streets have changed. In just a few years, electric scooters from companies like Bird, Lime, and Spin have flooded the city as part of a broader push for “micromobility.” They're convenient, affordable, and seemingly everywhere—from downtown sidewalks to Eastern Market and the Cass Corridor.

But with this new wave of transportation comes a wave of new risks.

What started as a high-tech transportation trend has quickly turned into a public safety concern. Riders weave between pedestrians, scooters are abandoned in the middle of walkways, and collisions between cars and scooters are on the rise. Unlike cars, e-scooters offer no physical protection to riders, and most users aren’t wearing helmets. In fact, most people don’t even know the laws surrounding where and how these scooters should be used.

At Marko Law, we’ve seen firsthand how these “smart” devices can create real-world damage. And when they do, injured riders, pedestrians, and drivers deserve answers—not confusion or blame games. If you’ve been hurt in an e-scooter accident in Detroit, you may have a claim—and we’re here to help you fight for it.

Who Can Be Held Liable in an E-Scooter Crash?

Motor Vehicle Drivers

Many e-scooter crashes in Detroit involve cars. Drivers often don’t see—or don’t respect—e-scooter riders, especially in areas without bike lanes.

A driver may be liable if they were:

• Distracted (texting, on the phone)
• Speeding or ignoring traffic signals
• Failing to yield to a scooter rider in a crosswalk or turning lane
• Driving under the influence

If a car hits a scooter rider, it’s often treated as a motor vehicle accident, and Michigan No-Fault Insurance may apply. But proving fault is still essential—especially for serious injuries.

Scooter Riders

Scooter users also carry responsibilities. If a rider:

• Drives recklessly through crowds
• Rides on sidewalks where prohibited
• Disobeys traffic rules or lights
• Causes a pedestrian injury

—they can be held personally liable. That includes accidents where a rider strikes someone on foot or causes a car to swerve and crash. In these cases, the victim may file a claim directly against the rider or their personal insurance policy.

E-Scooter Companies (Bird, Lime, Spin, etc.)

These companies operate under slick marketing—but when their scooters malfunction or aren't maintained, they may be on the hook. They could be liable for:

• Brake failures
• Loose handlebars
• Battery fires
• Software glitches or app malfunctions

E-scooter companies often hide behind fine print in user agreements, but that doesn’t erase their duty to keep equipment safe. If a defective scooter caused your injury, you may have a product liability claim—and that’s where Marko Law goes to work.

The City of Detroit or Property Owners

In some cases, the road or sidewalk condition itself is the cause of the crash. Deep potholes, uneven pavement, missing signage, or construction debris can be hazardous to scooter riders.

If the city:

• Knew or should have known about a dangerous condition
• Failed to repair it within a reasonable time
• And you were injured as a result

—they may be held liable under Michigan law. The same goes for private property owners, especially businesses that leave sidewalks, parking lots, or driveways in disrepair.

Michigan Law on E-Scooters: What Riders and Victims Should Know

How Michigan Classifies E-Scooters

In Michigan, e-scooters are treated as “electric skateboards” or “low-speed electric vehicles,” depending on speed and motor capacity. These devices fall under MCL 257.658(9) and related sections of the Michigan Vehicle Code.

This means they’re subject to certain traffic rules—but not all of the regulations that apply to cars, mopeds, or motorcycles. That legal distinction creates confusion in accident claims, which is why it’s important to have an attorney who understands the difference.

Where Can You Legally Ride an E-Scooter in Detroit?

Michigan law generally allows e-scooters to be used:

• In bike lanes
• On roadways with speed limits of 25 mph or lower
• On sidewalks only where local ordinances permit

Detroit city rules often restrict e-scooters from being ridden on sidewalks in busy pedestrian zones. Riding in prohibited areas—or recklessly—can hurt your claim if you're injured.

Helmet Requirements and Age Restrictions

• Under 19? Michigan law requires you to wear a helmet when operating an e-scooter.
• Minimum age to ride: 12 years old
• Riders under 18 must also not ride after dark without proper lighting or reflectors.

Helmet usage can also impact your claim. If you weren't wearing one and suffered a head injury, the defense might argue you contributed to your own harm—which affects how much you can recover.

Michigan No-Fault Law and E-Scooter Crashes

If you’re on an e-scooter and get hit by a car, Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance law may apply. This means:

• You may be eligible for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, such as medical coverage and lost wages—regardless of fault.
• However, if you don’t own a vehicle or live with someone who does, your access to PIP may be limited, and you’ll need a legal strategy to secure compensation from the driver’s insurer or through a third-party claim.

Shared Fault & Comparative Negligence

Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you're partially at fault for your own injury—say, riding on the sidewalk where it’s banned—you can still recover compensation as long as you're not more than 50% at fault.

But your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 30% responsible, your total recovery is reduced by 30%.

What to Do After an E-Scooter Accident

Get Immediate Medical Attention

Even if you feel okay, get checked out. E-scooter crashes often cause hidden injuries—like concussions, internal bleeding, or spinal trauma—that don’t show symptoms right away.

• Go to the ER, urgent care, or your physician
• Be honest about how the accident happened
• Follow all recommended treatment plans

Document the Scene

Take as many photos as you can, including:

• The scooter itself (make, model, damage)
• The accident location (street signs, traffic lights, potholes, obstacles)
• Damage to vehicles or property
• Your injuries—immediately and over time
• Any nearby surveillance cameras that might have caught the incident

Collect Witness Information

If anyone saw the crash:

• Get their full name and contact info
• Ask for a brief statement of what they saw
• See if they’re willing to speak with your attorney later

Save Ride Records and App Data

If you were using a shared scooter (Bird, Lime, Spin, etc.):

• Screenshot your ride receipt in the app
• Save confirmation emails, timestamps, and payment records
• Note any errors or malfunctions during the ride

Report the Incident

Depending on the type of crash:

• File a police report (especially if a motor vehicle was involved)
• Report the incident to the scooter company through their app or website
• If injured on public property, notify the City of Detroit’s Claims Division
• For commercial property injuries, report to the property manager or business owner

Damages You May Be Entitled To

Medical Expenses (Past and Future)

E-scooter injuries can require:

• ER visits, imaging (X-rays, MRIs), and surgery
• Physical therapy and rehab
• Prescription medications
• Long-term care or medical equipment

Lost Wages & Reduced Earning Capacity

Injuries can keep you out of work or even end your ability to return to your job. That includes:

• Days, weeks, or months off work
• Missed freelance or gig economy income
• Reduced capacity to perform in your field
• Permanent career loss or retraining needs

Pain and Suffering

Not all damages show up on a hospital bill. You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Chronic pain or discomfort
• Emotional distress, anxiety, or PTSD
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Sleep disturbances or lifestyle changes

Permanent Disability or Scarring

Some e-scooter injuries result in:

• Disfigurement
  
  
• Loss of mobility
  
  
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Permanent nerve damage

Out-of-Pocket Costs

We also pursue reimbursement for practical expenses like:

• Transportation to medical appointments
  
  
• In-home care or medical devices (wheelchairs, braces)
• Counseling, chiropractic, or alternative treatments
• Home modifications for accessibility

E-Scooter Accidents Are New—But Your Rights Aren’t

The technology may be modern, but the principle is as old as justice itself: if you were hurt because someone else was careless, you have the right to hold them accountable.

E-scooter companies, insurance carriers, and city departments may hide behind fine print, dense contracts, or complex liability webs. But at Marko Law, we cut through the noise—and we fight back.

Whether your injury was caused by a reckless driver, a malfunctioning scooter, or a neglected Detroit street, you shouldn’t be left holding the bag. We know how to investigate these cases, prove liability, and demand full compensation from every responsible party.

We’ve helped countless injury victims across Michigan stand up to powerful forces. We’ll do the same for you.

Contact Marko Law for a Free Case Evaluation

Phone: +1-313-777-7777
Main Office: 220 W. Congress, 4th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226
Website: www.markolaw.com