From the lakefront paths along North Marginal Road to the busy corridors of University Circle, Ohio City, and downtown Cleveland, e-scooters and e-bikes have become a fixture in our city. With Bird and Veo, the two companies permitted to operate shared mobility devices, and thousands of private electric scooter and bicycle owners around Cleveland, these modes of transportation have become indispensable for many Cuyahoga County residents.
But the rise in ridership has come with a troubling increase in serious injuries. When a scooter or e-bike rider is struck by a distracted driver, thrown by a poorly maintained road surface, or hurt because of a defect in their device, the consequences can be devastating.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an electric scooter or bike accident in Cleveland, the personal injury lawyers at Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy stands ready to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Scooter and E-Bike Accidents Are a Growing Problem in Cleveland
Cleveland’s streets have become increasingly dangerous for riders of all kinds. According to Bike Cleveland, 603 people were struck by drivers while walking or biking in the city in 2024—an increase from 550 the year before—and 75 people died as a result of these crashes.
Nationwide, the trend with scooters is even starker: the total number of U.S. e-scooter injuries has risen almost four times from 29,344 in 2020 to 115,713 in 2024. In addition, e-scooter injuries are more likely than bike injuries to involve bone fractures, paralysis, or major surgery.
Bike Cleveland’s advocacy director has cited speed and distracted driving as the biggest contributing factors to accidents, noting that while crashes will always occur, slower-moving vehicles reduce the severity of outcomes for vulnerable road users.
Where Scooter and E-Bike Accidents Happen in Cleveland
Scooters and e-bikes are used across the entire city, but certain areas see heavier ridership and higher concentrations of accidents. Some of the most active areas include:
- Downtown Cleveland: High foot and vehicle traffic around Public Square, the Gateway District, and along Euclid Avenue creates constant conflict between riders and motorists.
- University Circle: A hub for students at Case Western Reserve University and visitors to the Cleveland Museum of Art and Cleveland Clinic, University Circle sees heavy scooter activity on congested streets and shared paths.
- Ohio City and Tremont: These are popular residential and entertainment neighborhoods where riders frequently navigate busy commercial corridors.
- The Lakefront Bikeway: Stretching along North Marginal Road between E. 9th and E. 55th Streets, this route offers lake views but places riders in proximity to vehicle traffic.
- The Towpath Trail: This is a beloved multi-use trail connecting Cleveland to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, where e-bike riders share the path with pedestrians, joggers, and cyclists.
- The Euclid Corridor: This is a key transit and commuter route where scooter and e-bike traffic regularly mix with buses, cars, and pedestrians.
Ohio Scooter and E-Bike Rules
E-Bikes
Ohio law recognizes three classes of e-bikes under ORC § 4511.522:
- Class 1: Pedal-assist; motor cuts off at 20 mph
- Class 2: Throttle-powered; motor cuts off at 20 mph
- Class 3: Pedal-assist; motor cuts off at 28 mph; speedometer required
E-bikes are not classified as motor vehicles in Ohio, meaning no license, registration, or insurance is required to ride one.
Helmets are legally required for all riders and passengers on Class 3 e-bikes, and operators must be at least 16 years old.
E-Scooters
E-scooters are classified as “low-speed micromobility devices” under ORC § 4511.514 and are subject to the same rules of the road as cyclists, when in the street or in a bike lane. However, scooters are also generally allowed on sidewalks—with local exceptions, such as certain commercial districts in Cleveland.
Though no statewide helmet requirement exists for e-scooter riders, wearing a helmet is always highly recommended.
Common Causes of Scooter and E-Bike Accidents in Cleveland
Scooter and e-bike riders face a range of hazards on Cleveland’s streets. Some of the most common causes of accidents include:
- Distracted drivers who fail to notice riders in bike lanes, at intersections, or in crosswalks
- Dooring incidents, where a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of a rider
- Failure to yield at intersections, driveways, and turning lanes
- Poorly maintained roads, including potholes, uneven pavement, and debris
- Defective scooters or e-bikes, either rented or privately-owned, which may have malfunctioning brakes, faulty throttles, battery issues, steering defects, or structural failures
- Negligent maintenance by rental companies that fail to properly inspect and service their fleets
Who Can Be Held Liable After a Scooter or E-Bike Accident?
One of the most complex aspects of a scooter or e-bike injury case is determining who is legally responsible. Depending on the facts of your accident, one or more of the following parties may bear liability:
- At-fault motorists who drove recklessly or failed to yield
- Rental companies such as Bird or Veo, if a mechanical defect or failure to maintain their fleet contributed to your crash
- Scooter or e-bike manufacturers, if a design or manufacturing defect caused the device to malfunction
- The City of Cleveland or other government entities, if a dangerous road condition contributed to the accident and the city had prior notice of the hazard
Because multiple parties may share responsibility, it’s critical to work with an attorney who can thoroughly investigate your accident and identify every potential avenue for recovery.
Injuries Commonly Suffered in Scooter and E-Bike Accidents
Riders have very little protection in a collision, which means injuries can be severe. Some of the most common injuries we see in these cases include:
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Fractures and broken bones, particularly to the wrists, arms, and collarbone
- Road rash and soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Facial and dental injuries
- Internal injuries
- Wrongful death, when a collision proves fatal
Cleveland-Area Hospitals That Treat Scooter and E-Bike Injuries
Fortunately, Cleveland is home to world-class trauma facilities, including:
- MetroHealth Medical Center: Offers a Level I Trauma and Burn Center
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center: Another of the region’s Level I Trauma Centers
- Cleveland Clinic Main Campus: Operates a full emergency department and has announced plans to pursue Level I trauma designation, with a target opening in 2028
- Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital: A Level II Trauma Center, providing a high level of critical care
- Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital: Another Level II Trauma Center and the only one on Cleveland’s West Side
Compensation Available After a Cleveland Scooter or E-Bike Accident
If someone else’s negligence caused your accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Depending on the facts of your case, recoverable damages may include:
- Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, and future care related to your injuries
- Lost wages for time missed from work, as well as lost earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term
- Pain and suffering for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident
- Property damage to your personal e-bike, scooter, or other belongings
A note on how Ohio’s comparative negligence law may affect your claim. Under Ohio Revised Code § 2315.33, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault—as long as your share of responsibility does not exceed 50%. Your damages are simply reduced by your assessed percentage of fault.
Insurance companies often exploit this rule by arguing that a rider’s lack of a helmet or a minor traffic error contributed to their injuries. At Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy, our attorneys know these tactics and work to ensure your recovery isn’t unfairly diminished.
Contact Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a scooter or e-bike accident in Cleveland, you don’t have to face the insurance companies alone. At Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy, our personal injury lawyers are committed to standing up for injured Clevelanders and pursuing every dollar of compensation you’re owed.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
