History indicates that new products may not work as intended because of the product’s novelty and lack of proper development. Then again, the product’s perceived failures may instead be the result of human error and inexperience. One such product that is an example of this is the electric scooter, currently a popular means of transportation across the U.S. and the rest of the world.

Electric scooters are easily available in 2019, even as a rental. As a result, the improper operation of electric scooters is not uncommon on the streets and sidewalks of Pennsylvania. This shouldn’t be surprising when you consider that people are careless and negligent when operating any other types of motor vehicles whether it’s a car, motorcycle, truck, bicycle, or moped.

Riders of electric scooters have a duty to use the care that a reasonable person would use in a similar situation. If they breach or violate this duty, they may be deemed legally negligent and responsible for any damages that may result.

Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians may suffer injuries caused by circumstances involving the use of an electric scooter. Some of these circumstances include:

• Operating a scooter hazardously;
• Operating a scooter without observing applicable traffic laws;
• Operating a scooter without proper safety equipment;
• Operating a scooter without proper training (children);
• Leaving the scooter in a place where a pedestrian or cyclist may fail to see it causing a trip and fall injury.

However, the liability of an operator of an electric scooter may be limited by the fault of other parties because of the doctrine of comparative negligence. Accidents involving electric scooters may arise from the same types of events that cause any other type of motor vehicle accident. These circumstances include:

• The negligence of another motorist, bicyclist, or pedestrian;
• Defects in the scooter; and
• Hazardous road conditions such as potholes and debris.

Whether an accident is caused by the rider of an electric scooter or some other party, compensation to injured parties for their damages should be available in many, if not most, cases. Electric scooter accidents present some novel issues since many riders do not carry any liability insurance. Hiring a personal injury experienced in dealing with these types of problematic situations may be crucial to a plaintiff recovering damages in an amount that is fair and just.