E-bikes and electric scooters have quickly become a popular way to get around cities. They are affordable, environmentally friendly, and convenient for short commutes. But as their use grows, so do the number of accidents involving these vehicles. One pressing question arises: are our roads truly built to handle this new wave of micro-mobility, or are gaps in infrastructure putting riders and pedestrians at risk?
The truth is that most cities were not designed with e-bikes and scooters in mind. Roads and sidewalks were created primarily for cars, buses, and pedestrians. As a result, riders often find themselves navigating spaces that are not safe or suitable for these smaller, faster-moving vehicles. This mismatch in design has led to serious crashes, raising important concerns about liability, safety, and the future of urban transportation.
THE RAPID RISE OF E-BIKES AND SCOOTERS
In just a few years, e-bikes and scooters have gone from novelty to mainstream. Shared scooter services now operate in many urban areas, and private ownership of e-bikes continues to surge. They are often seen as solutions to traffic congestion, air pollution, and the lack of affordable transportation.
However, this sudden increase in usage has caught city planners and transportation departments off guard. Unlike cars, which have established lanes and rules, or bicycles, which often have designated bike lanes, e-bikes and scooters fall into a gray area. They travel faster than pedestrians but are far more vulnerable than cars. Without clear space on the roads, riders are often left with few safe options.
WHERE INFRASTRUCTURE FAILS RIDERS
- Lack of Dedicated Lanes
Most crashes involving e-bikes and scooters occur because riders are forced to share space with vehicles that are much larger and faster. Without protected lanes, riders must weave between cars, buses, and trucks, often in heavy traffic. This increases the risk of collisions, particularly at intersections where visibility is limited.
- Sidewalk Conflicts
In some areas, riders turn to sidewalks to avoid dangerous roads. Unfortunately, sidewalks were never meant for high-speed travel. This creates new hazards, particularly for pedestrians who may be struck by scooters or bikes traveling at 15 to 20 miles per hour. Cities that ban sidewalk riding but fail to provide safe alternatives leave riders with an impossible choice.
- Poor Road Conditions
Potholes, uneven pavement, and lack of lighting can be mere nuisances for cars but deadly obstacles for scooters and e-bikes. Small wheels make it difficult for riders to handle sudden bumps or cracks, leading to crashes that cause serious injuries such as broken bones or head trauma.
- Insufficient Parking and Drop Zones
Improperly parked scooters can clutter sidewalks, forcing pedestrians into the street and increasing accident risks. When cities fail to create clear parking zones or docks, it contributes to both chaos and preventable collisions.
- Limited Signage and Traffic Integration
Most traffic signals and road markings are designed for cars and pedestrians. Riders often lack clear guidance on where they belong, particularly at busy intersections. This confusion can lead to accidents when drivers fail to anticipate scooters or when riders make sudden, unsafe maneuvers.
HOW INFRASTRUCTURE GAPS LEAD TO CRASHES
These shortcomings in infrastructure create an environment where crashes are not just possible—they are predictable. Riders face dangers on all sides: the threat of being struck by a car, hitting a pothole, or colliding with a pedestrian.
For example, consider a rider traveling home from work. Without a bike lane, they ride alongside cars in a narrow road. A driver, distracted or simply unaware of how fast scooters can move, turns abruptly and collides with the rider. The fault lies not only with the driver but with a system that failed to provide safe separation between vehicles of such different sizes and speeds.
WHO BEARS RESPONSIBILITY?
When crashes occur, questions of liability become complicated. Was the driver at fault for not seeing the scooter? Was the rider negligent for using the sidewalk? Or should the city itself be held accountable for failing to design safe spaces for micro-mobility?
In many cases, multiple parties may share responsibility. For accident victims, this makes pursuing compensation complex. They may need to work with an experienced attorney to determine whether a claim should be made against another driver, a scooter rental company, or even a municipality responsible for dangerous road conditions.
MOVING TOWARD SAFER ROADS
If e-bikes and scooters are here to stay and all signs suggest they are—then our cities must adapt. The following steps can make roads safer for everyone:
- Expand Protected Bike and Scooter Lanes: Creating physical barriers between riders and cars reduces the chance of collisions.
- Upgrade Road Maintenance: Pothole repair, better lighting, and smoother pavements are essential for micro-mobility safety.
- Improve Signage and Signals: Clear markings and rider-specific signals can reduce confusion and accidents at intersections.
- Designate Safe Parking Areas: Organized parking zones prevent scooters from becoming sidewalk hazards.
- Update Laws and Policies: Cities must revise traffic laws to reflect the realities of modern transportation, ensuring accountability for drivers, riders, and companies alike.
CONCLUSION
E-bikes and scooters represent an important shift in how people move through cities, but the roads we use today were not built with them in mind. Until infrastructure catches up, riders and pedestrians will continue to face unnecessary risks.
Victims of these accidents often suffer serious injuries, lost wages, and mounting medical bills—all because of infrastructure gaps beyond their control. Understanding the causes of these crashes is the first step toward both prevention and justice. With the right legal guidance and stronger city planning, we can create safer roads for everyone—whether they are behind the wheel, on two wheels, or on foot.