Pedestrian Injuries Caused by Electric Scooters
The rapid expansion of electric scooter programs across Georgia and South Carolina cities has created a growing safety conflict between e-scooter riders and pedestrians. E-scooters can travel at speeds up to 15–20 mph, and when ridden on sidewalks, through crosswalks, or in crowded pedestrian areas, they pose a serious risk to walkers — particularly elderly individuals, children, and people with disabilities. The CPSC reports that pedestrians struck by e-scooters frequently suffer broken bones, head injuries, and soft tissue damage that requires extensive medical treatment.
At Roden Law, our pedestrian accident attorneys represent individuals injured by negligent e-scooter riders throughout Georgia and South Carolina. Whether you were walking on a sidewalk, crossing at a crosswalk, or standing at a bus stop when an e-scooter struck you, we fight to secure full compensation for your injuries.
E-Scooter Sidewalk Laws in Georgia & South Carolina
Georgia law under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-320 et seq. generally prohibits e-scooter operation on sidewalks unless permitted by local ordinance. Many Georgia municipalities, including Savannah, have implemented their own regulations restricting or banning sidewalk riding in downtown areas and high-pedestrian zones. When a rider violates these ordinances and injures a pedestrian, the violation can serve as evidence of negligence per se — meaning the rider is presumed to have been negligent.
South Carolina municipalities similarly regulate e-scooter use through local ordinances. Charleston, Columbia, and Myrtle Beach have each enacted rules governing where e-scooters may be ridden and at what speeds. Riders who violate these rules and cause pedestrian injuries face civil liability under standard negligence principles, with the ordinance violation strengthening the injured pedestrian’s case.
Common E-Scooter Pedestrian Accident Scenarios
Our attorneys have represented pedestrians injured in a wide range of e-scooter collision scenarios, including:
- Sidewalk collisions: Riders operating at full speed on busy sidewalks, striking pedestrians from behind or around corners
- Crosswalk crashes: Riders running red lights or failing to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks
- Tripping hazards from parked scooters: Improperly parked rental scooters blocking sidewalks, creating obstacles for visually impaired individuals and wheelchair users
- Multi-use path collisions: Riders traveling at unsafe speeds on shared pedestrian-bike paths without warning
- Tourist district accidents: High-density pedestrian areas in downtown Savannah, Charleston, and Myrtle Beach where scooter traffic is heavy
Scooter Company Liability for Pedestrian Injuries
Rental scooter companies like Lime and Bird may share liability for pedestrian injuries when their deployment practices contribute to dangerous conditions. Companies that flood sidewalks with parked scooters, fail to enforce geofencing speed restrictions in pedestrian zones, or inadequately screen riders may be held liable under negligence theories. Our attorneys examine company deployment data, geofencing records, and rider verification practices to identify all responsible parties.
Damages for Pedestrians Injured by E-Scooters
Pedestrians struck by e-scooters may recover compensation for all injury-related damages, including emergency room visits and hospitalization, orthopedic surgery for broken bones, physical therapy and rehabilitation, lost wages during recovery, pain and suffering, and diminished mobility or permanent disability. Georgia’s statute of limitations is 2 years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33), and South Carolina allows 3 years (S.C. Code § 15-3-530). For comparison, see our dedicated pedestrian accident page for additional information about pedestrian injury claims in general.
Why Choose Roden Law for E-Scooter Pedestrian Claims
Our firm understands the unique challenges pedestrian victims face after an e-scooter collision. Identifying the rider, determining available insurance coverage, and proving the scooter company’s role all require experienced legal guidance. We handle every aspect of your claim on a contingency fee basis — no fees unless we win — so you can focus on your recovery while we pursue the compensation you deserve.