E-Scooter Product Liability: Defects and Malfunctions
Not every e-scooter accident is caused by another driver or rider error. In many cases, the scooter itself is to blame — whether due to a manufacturing defect, a design flaw, or the rental company’s failure to properly inspect and maintain its fleet. The CPSC has tracked a growing number of e-scooter fires, brake failures, and sudden acceleration incidents linked to battery defects and component failures. When a defective scooter causes you harm, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or rental company.
At Roden Law, our product liability and e-scooter accident attorneys investigate every mechanical and electrical aspect of the scooter involved in your crash. We retain engineering experts to analyze failed components and determine whether a defect caused or contributed to your injuries.
Common E-Scooter Defects and Malfunctions
Electric scooters contain complex electrical systems and lithium-ion batteries that, when improperly designed or manufactured, can create serious safety hazards. The most common defects we encounter include:
- Brake failure: Worn brake pads, faulty electronic braking systems, or improperly calibrated regenerative braking that fails to stop the scooter in time
- Battery fires and explosions: Lithium-ion battery cells that overheat, swell, or ignite during charging or use — causing severe burns
- Sudden acceleration or loss of throttle control: Software glitches or wiring defects that cause the scooter to accelerate without rider input
- Steering column collapse: Folding mechanisms that fail during riding, causing the rider to lose control and crash
- Wheel and tire defects: Small solid tires that crack, detach, or lose grip unexpectedly — particularly on wet surfaces
- Electrical system failures: Headlights, taillights, or turn signals that malfunction, reducing visibility at night
Product Liability Law in Georgia & South Carolina
Georgia product liability claims are governed by O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11 and the Georgia Products Liability Act. Injured plaintiffs can pursue claims based on strict liability, negligence, or breach of warranty. The manufacturer, designer, distributor, and retailer in the chain of commerce may all bear liability for a defective product.
South Carolina follows the South Carolina Products Liability Act and recognizes strict liability for defective products under S.C. Code § 15-73-10 et seq.. Both states allow claims based on manufacturing defects, design defects, and failure to warn of known hazards. For ride-share scooter accidents involving Lime or Bird fleets, the rental company’s maintenance obligations add an additional layer of potential liability.
Rental Company Liability for Maintenance Failures
Companies like Lime, Bird, and Spin deploy thousands of shared scooters across Georgia and South Carolina cities. These scooters endure heavy daily use, exposure to weather, and rough treatment by riders. When rental companies fail to maintain their fleets — neglecting brake inspections, ignoring reported defects, or deploying scooters with known safety issues — they can be held liable for injuries that result. Our attorneys subpoena maintenance records, inspection logs, and user complaint databases to build a complete picture of corporate negligence.
Preserving Evidence in Defect Cases
If you suspect a scooter malfunction caused your accident, preserving the scooter itself is critical. Do not return a rental scooter to the company — photograph it, note the scooter ID number, and inform your attorney immediately so we can issue a spoliation letter requiring the company to preserve the scooter and its data. Modern e-scooters contain onboard computers that log speed, braking, battery temperature, and error codes — all of which can be vital evidence in your case.
Why Choose Roden Law for E-Scooter Defect Claims
Our firm has extensive experience in product liability litigation and understands the technical complexities involved in proving a defect caused your injuries. We work with mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and accident reconstruction specialists to build compelling cases against manufacturers and rental companies. There is no fee unless we recover compensation for you.