E-Scooter Accidents: Navigating the Legal Maze of Micro-Mobility

Introduction: A Micromobility Revolution – And Its Risks

You have no doubt read or seen in the news about the growing number of incidents involving e-scooters, e-bikes, and other micro-mobility devices—some of which have sadly led to very serious accidents.

What began as a modern, eco-friendly solution to short urban journeys has quickly become a source of legal and safety challenges. While e-scooters are increasingly visible on our streets, the law regulating their use has not kept pace. This gap has left victims, riders, and insurers facing uncertainty about rights, responsibilities, and compensation when accidents occur.

In this blog, we explore the legal issues surrounding e-scooter accidents and how the law is evolving to address them.

Legal Landscape in the UK: Between Trials and Prohibition

So, where exactly do things stand in the UK right now?

Well, despite how common e-scooters have become, private e-scooters are still technically illegal on public roads, pavements, and cycle lanes. Unless you’re riding on private land (with the owner’s permission), you could find yourself on the wrong side of the law.

At the same time, the government has been running official rental trial schemes since 2020. These allow people to hire e-scooters in certain cities, under controlled conditions such as speed limits and mandatory insurance. The trials were supposed to be temporary, but they’ve now been extended until May 2028 while more evidence is gathered.

This halfway house has created some confusion. On the one hand, you can legally rent a scooter in a trial area, but on the other hand, you can’t legally ride your own—even if it’s safer or more advanced than the rentals. Unsurprisingly, there are now growing calls for permanent regulation to give clarity on things like where scooters can be used, what standards they must meet, and whether insurance should be mandatory.

And the urgency is clear: Department for Transport figures show 12 people were killed and nearly 1,500 injured in e-scooter collisions in 2022 alone. With numbers like that, it’s no surprise the debate over how to regulate e-scooters is gaining momentum.

Key Legal Challenges Arising from E-Scooter Accidents

So, what happens if there’s an accident? This is where things get complicated.

a) Illegality and Liability


If you’re riding a private e-scooter on the road, you’re technically breaking the law. That raises the tricky question: can you still make a claim if you’re injured? Courts have sometimes taken a strict view, saying that because the rider was acting illegally, they can’t recover damages at all. But other cases suggest there might be some room for argument – especially if the illegality wasn’t directly responsible for the accident. In some situations, the courts may look at contributory negligence instead, reducing compensation rather than blocking it completely.

b) Compensation via the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB)


Because private e-scooters aren’t insured, many accident victims end up pursuing compensation through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB)—a scheme designed to cover incidents involving uninsured or untraced drivers. This can provide an important safety net, but the process can still be complex and daunting without legal guidance.

c) Infrastructure and Pedestrian Safety

It’s not just riders at risk. Pedestrians, particularly vulnerable groups such as the elderly or people with visual impairments, are facing real dangers too. Collisions, scooters abandoned on pavements, and the lack of clear infrastructure (like designated lanes or parking areas) all contribute to public concern.

d) Technical Hazards


And then there are the scooters themselves. Poorly made imports and uncertified batteries have been linked to fires and serious safety issues. Beyond collisions, these hidden risks are adding another layer of complexity to the legal and regulatory picture.

The Expert View: Why Legal Reform Is Urgent

“As the popularity of e-scooters grows, so too does the legal uncertainty around them. Victims of accidents often face complex hurdles in seeking justice, while riders themselves are frequently unaware of the risks of uninsured use. A clear legal framework is urgently needed to balance innovation with public safety.”
 – Ayoub Khan, Managing Director, Aston Knight Solicitors

What Legal Clarity Is Needed

It’s clear that the current situation can’t go on forever. So, what needs to change?

1. Clear rules for private use


At the moment, riders are stuck in limbo—legal if they rent, illegal if they own. A proper framework is needed to cover things like speed limits, braking standards, lighting, and where e-scooters can actually be used (roads, cycle lanes, but definitely not pavements). Insurance and some form of licensing may also be part of the answer.

2. Straightforward liability rules


Right now, it’s confusing whether a claim will succeed or be thrown out because of illegality. We need clearer guidance on when a rider’s illegal use should block compensation entirely, and when it should simply reduce damages under contributory negligence. That way, both victims and insurers know where they stand.

3. Safety first


From poor-quality batteries to scooters abandoned on pavements, safety concerns are mounting. Stronger regulations around build quality, charging safety, and parking enforcement could help protect both riders and the public.

4. Better data


Finally, we need better reporting of e-scooter accidents. Without reliable data, it’s impossible for policymakers to make informed decisions on whether e-scooters are helping or harming overall road safety.

Why Legal Clarity Matters

• For riders and victims: fair compensation and safety.
• For insurers and legal representatives: clarity in claims.
• For policymakers: a chance to integrate micro-mobility responsibly.

Aston Knight Solicitors is ready to support individuals and communities as the law adapts to this new mode of transport. If you have been involved in an incident involving an e-scooter or e-bike then contact us today on 0161 399 1231.