Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids—cities across Michigan are buzzing with the sound of electric scooters zipping through their streets. Companies like Lime, Bird, and Spin have flooded sidewalks with rentable scooters, promising cheap, fast, and eco-friendly transportation. But beneath that sleek design and tap-to-ride convenience lies a very real and growing danger.
These aren’t harmless toys. When micromobility goes wrong, it can go catastrophically wrong.
- Batteries have exploded mid-ride, turning what should have been a simple commute into a fireball of pain.
- Brakes have failed, launching riders into traffic.
- Reckless drivers and poorly marked roads make scooters easy targets in an urban war zone of distracted motorists and crumbling infrastructure.
- Potholes, missing signage, or lack of bike lanes can instantly send a rider flying.
For too many riders, their e-scooter trip ends in the emergency room.
And here’s the worst part: Most scooter companies bury riders in legalese—waivers, fine print, and click-through terms designed to protect themselves while leaving injured users with the bill. At Marko Law, we’ve seen what happens when corporate convenience collides with public safety. And we don’t stand for it.
If you were injured by a malfunctioning scooter or unsafe riding environment, you’re not alone—and you may have a case. These injuries are real. These companies are not above the law.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Michigan E-Scooter Injury Case?
Scooter Companies (Lime, Bird, Spin, etc.)
These tech giants rush to claim they're just “platforms”—but when their scooters explode, fail to brake, or shut down mid-ride, they can be held accountable for:
- Product Liability: Defective battery? Malfunctioning brakes? If the scooter was inherently dangerous, you may have a strong claim.
- Negligent Maintenance: Rental companies must inspect, repair, and replace faulty equipment. When they cut corners, riders pay the price.
- Failure to Warn: Many scooters lack clear instructions or warnings about risks—especially for first-time users navigating crowded city streets.
Auto Drivers (and Michigan No-Fault Insurance)
If your e-scooter crash involves a car, Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance Law may kick in. This could entitle you to:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Replacement services
But insurance companies will often try to deny or limit these benefits—especially if you were on a scooter.
Government Entities (City/County/State)
Sometimes, the scooter isn’t the problem—the road is. Under MCL 691.1402, municipalities can be held liable for known road defects, but they often hide behind governmental immunity.
Claims may be possible if:
- The city failed to repair potholes or crumbling infrastructure
- Traffic signs were missing or obscured
- Bike/scooter paths were poorly maintained
Employers (If You Were Injured on the Job)
If you were riding a scooter as part of your job—like a delivery driver or courier—your employer may be liable under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior.
They may also carry workers’ compensation or business liability insurance that can help cover your injuries.
Third-Party Contractors
Many scooter companies outsource maintenance, distribution, and charging to third parties. If those contractors failed to do their job and you were hurt as a result, they could also be on the hook.
Legal Claims You May Be Able to File
Negligence
This is the foundation of most injury cases. To win a negligence claim, you have to prove that someone failed to act with reasonable care—and that failure caused your injury. Examples include:
- A scooter company ignoring maintenance schedules
- A driver texting behind the wheel
- A contractor improperly charging scooter batteries, causing a fire
If someone’s carelessness hurt you, they can—and should—be held accountable.
Product Liability
If the scooter itself was the problem—exploding battery, failed brakes, defective design—you may have a product liability claim. These are powerful because you don’t have to prove negligence—just that the product was unreasonably dangerous.
You could have a claim based on:
- Design defects
- Manufacturing flaws
- Inadequate safety warnings
We’ve seen major scooter recalls nationwide. If you were injured by one, you’re not alone.
Breach of Warranty
Scooter companies make bold promises in their marketing—safe, durable, reliable. If your experience was anything but that, and the product failed to perform as advertised, you may have a breach of warranty claim.
Even those “click-to-accept” terms aren’t bulletproof. Michigan law still protects consumers when defective products cause harm.
Failure to Warn
If a company failed to give proper instructions, knew of a hazard, and didn’t tell riders, that’s a serious legal issue. We’ve seen cases where companies knew about malfunctioning models but kept them on the streets anyway.
This kind of reckless indifference is exactly why civil lawsuits exist—to stop dangerous behavior and protect the public.
Wrongful Death
Tragically, some e-scooter accidents are fatal. If a loved one was killed due to a defective scooter or negligent party, your family may have a wrongful death claim under Michigan law.
These cases can help cover:
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of companionship
- Lost income and future support
- Emotional trauma
Michigan Laws That May Apply
Michigan No-Fault Law
If a car, truck, or other motor vehicle was involved in your scooter crash, Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance Law may provide coverage. You could be eligible for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Replacement services
But beware—insurance companies often deny claims involving scooters. That’s where we come in. We know how to cut through the red tape and fight for what you're owed.
Michigan Product Liability Law
If your injury involved a defective scooter, Michigan law gives you the right to file a product liability claim. This includes:
- Defective design (e.g., unstable structure)
- Manufacturing defects (e.g., faulty battery)
- Inadequate warnings or instructions
These cases are governed by MCL 600.2945 et seq., which lays out your rights and the legal standards companies must meet.
Governmental Immunity Laws
If a city or county’s negligence—like a pothole or missing signage—caused your crash, you may be able to sue. But Michigan’s governmental immunity laws make it tough.
The exception? Under MCL 691.1402, the government can be liable for injuries caused by a failure to maintain public roads in reasonable repair. But strict notice deadlines apply, so don’t wait.
Comparative Fault Rules (MCL 600.2959)
Michigan follows a modified comparative fault system. That means:
- If you’re partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced
- If you're more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering non-economic damages
Insurance companies love to blame the rider. At Marko Law, we push back hard against that narrative. You deserve justice, not finger-pointing.
Steps to Take After an E-Scooter Accident
Get Medical Help—Immediately
Even if you feel “okay,” some injuries—like concussions, spinal trauma, or internal bleeding—don’t show up right away. Delaying treatment not only puts your health at risk, but it can also hurt your legal claim.
Get to a doctor. Follow their advice. Keep every record.
Document Everything
If you're able, take photos or videos of:
- The scooter
- The scene of the crash
- Road hazards, signage, or lack thereof
- Your injuries
Visual evidence can be powerful—especially if the scooter is later removed or repaired.
Preserve the Scooter
If you can, secure the actual scooter. Don’t return it or let anyone tamper with it. The device itself is crucial evidence—especially if a defect caused the crash.
In some cases, we’ll hire an expert to inspect and test it.
Get Witness Information
Was anyone around when it happened? Get names, numbers, and emails. Bystanders can be the key to proving:
- What caused the accident
- Whether you were riding safely
- Whether a third party (like a driver or city worker) was involved
Report It
Report the accident to:
- The scooter company (via app and customer service)
- The local city or municipality (especially if poor road conditions contributed)
Make sure it’s in writing and save a copy of everything.
Don’t Sign Anything Without a Lawyer
Scooter apps often push you to “accept terms” after a crash or dangle quick-pay offers in exchange for releasing them from liability.
Don’t do it. These settlements are designed to protect them—not you.
Let Marko Law review any agreement before you sign away your rights.
Don’t Let a Scooter Company Write Off Your Pain
A ride meant to get you from Point A to B should never end in a hospital bed—or worse. But when it does, you deserve answers. You deserve accountability. And you deserve a legal team that knows how to fight back.
Whether it was an exploding battery, a reckless driver, or a negligent scooter company, your injuries matter. And you may be entitled to serious compensation.
Don’t let Lime, Bird, Spin—or the insurance companies—bully you into silence. At Marko Law, we fight hard—and we don’t back down.
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
