Are E-Scooter Accidents the Same as Car Accidents?
Written by Cooper & Friedman PLLC on February 24, 2026
Key Takeaways:
- Car accidents fall under motor vehicle laws, but e-scooters are classified as personal mobility devices and fall under a different legal category.
- E-scooters are not as sturdy as cars are, so road conditions and property negligence may play a bigger role in determining fault of an accident.
- E-scooter riders are more likely to have a major injury from an accident because scooters lack the protective barriers and equipment that cars have.
How Do E-Scooter Accidents Differ From Car Accidents?
Legal Categorization
An e-scooter accident can feel similar to a car crash and even have some of the same injuries. But, the legal treatment in Kentucky is different. Cars follow the laws set for motor vehicles, which is what they are legally categorized as. E-scooters are defined by Kentucky law as “dockless vehicles,” or bicycles and power-assisted scooters that can be checked out from a fleet without human assistance or going to a docking station (Louisville Department of Public Works). Traffic rules, helmet requirements, and roadway access may vary by city or state, and are not as encompassing as motor vehicle laws. In Louisville, the recommendations and rules are as follows:
- One rider per scooter.
- Must ride in roadways, and in bike lanes or bike paths where available.
- Must not ride on sidewalks.
- Keep to the right of the rightmost lane, except when making left turns.
- Yield to pedestrians.
- Offer the right of way to bicycles in bike lanes.
- Obey all traffic laws.
- When parking, do not obstruct the walking area of sidewalk or block building entrances.
- Wear a helmet.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage and liability rules are usually clear and explicitly addressed for motor vehicles. In Kentucky, drivers must have PIP Insurance. Most, if any, e-scooter riders do not carry traditional auto insurance. Some scooter companies may offer limited coverage, but exclusions are common.
Liability in E-Scooter Crashes
Potentially liable parties of an e-scooter accident can include:
- A negligent car or truck driver
- The e-scooter or e-bike rider
- A scooter rental company
- A manufacturer of defective equipment
- A property owner or city agency
Poor road conditions play a bigger role in e-scooter driver behavior because the structure and size of an e-scooter isn’t as sturdy as a car. Potholes, debris, or uneven pavement can cause loss of control, which a rider is still held accountable for. But, it may lessen their fault if they can prove that the city or property owner’s negligence played a part in causing the loss of control.
Injuries
E-scooters lack protective barriers and protective equipment like care have, such as airbags, seatbelts, or steel frames. While helmet use is recommended by law, many riders do not have a helmet ready for when they need a scooter. Even low-speed crashes can cause serious harm to a rider. Common injuries include:
- Head trauma
- Broken bones
- Spinal injuries
- Road rash
Car accidents can cause these injuries as well, but minor accidents are less likely to result in major injuries like e-scooter accidents do.
FAQs About E-Scooter and E-Bike Accidents
- Are e-scooter accidents treated like car accidents?
No. Different laws and insurance rules usually apply. - Who pays for injuries after an e-scooter crash?
If a party other than the e-scooter driver is found to be at fault, it may be a negligent vehicle driver, rental company, property owner, or manufacturer. Otherwise, it is the rider who pays for their own injuries. - Do I need a police report for an e-scooter accident?
Yes. A report helps document fault and road conditions. - Can I recover compensation if I share some fault?
Kentucky law may still allow recovery, depending on fault percentages.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motor vehicle accident in the State of Kentucky and are in need of an experienced car accident attorney, give the lawyers at the Cooper & Friedman law firm a call. The attorneys at Cooper and Friedman PLLC have over 50 years of combined experience defending the rights of car wreck victims. Contact us with questions you might have or schedule a free case consultation with an attorney by calling 502-459-7555 today.