E-Scooter Accident Lawyers in New York

Shared and rented e-scooters spread fast across New York, and the injuries came with them. Riders get doored, clipped by turning cars, or thrown when a wheel catches a pothole. Pedestrians get struck on sidewalks. When that happens, the question isn’t just who was careless — it’s whose insurance pays, and that answer is rarely simple.

We handle e-scooter injury cases the way we handle every case: figure out exactly how the crash happened, then chase down every dollar of coverage that applies to it.

E-scooters and New York law

New York legalized shared e-scooters statewide in 2020, and cities like New York City run rental programs in specific boroughs. The rules are real, and they cut both ways. A rider generally must follow traffic laws, stay off most sidewalks, and yield to pedestrians. A driver who fails to yield to a lawful scooter rider can be liable for the harm they cause.

That legal framework matters because fault drives everything. Since May 26, 2026, claims arising from a motor vehicle crash follow New York’s modified comparative negligence rule: if you were partly responsible you can still recover, with your award reduced by your share of fault, but a rider found more at fault than the driver recovers nothing. A rider who was 20% at fault still collects 80%; a rider found 60% at fault collects nothing. Claims that do not involve a motor vehicle — against a scooter rider, a rental company, or a property owner — still follow pure comparative negligence, where partial fault only reduces the award.

Where the insurance gaps open up

Most car crash injuries in New York run through No-Fault coverage, which pays medical bills and lost wages regardless of blame. E-scooters generally don’t qualify as “motor vehicles” under that system. So a scooter rider hurt in a fall often can’t tap No-Fault the way a car occupant can.

That leaves several possible paths, and the right one depends on the facts:

• A negligent driver’s liability policy — if a car hit you, that driver’s insurance is usually the primary target.
• Your own auto policy — uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may apply even though you were on a scooter, especially in a hit-and-run.
• The rental or scooter company — if a defective brake, throttle, or maintenance failure caused the crash, a product or negligence claim may follow.
• A property owner — a dangerous road defect or hazard can point to a premises liability claim.

Pedestrians hit by e-scooters

If a scooter rider struck you, you have a claim against that rider for negligence. These cases turn on identifying the rider and locating coverage, which can include a homeowner’s or renter’s policy. Rental apps also log trip data that can pin down who was operating the scooter and where.

The deadline that ends cases early

You generally have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York. But if a city vehicle, an MTA bus, or another government entity was involved, the clock is far shorter — a Notice of Claim within 90 days, then suit within one year and 90 days. Miss the notice window and an otherwise strong case can be lost. This is one of the first things we check.

What your claim can cover

• Emergency care, surgery, and ongoing treatment
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain, suffering, and the effect on your daily life
• Future medical needs for lasting injuries

Head injuries, wrist and shoulder fractures, and road-rash injuries are common in scooter crashes, and some leave permanent limits. We document the full picture so the value of your claim reflects what you actually lost.

Why work with us

Sullivan & Brill is a partner-led firm with eight offices across New York and more than 20 years handling injury cases. We pledge to represent you as one of our own. Consultations are free, we work on contingency — no fee unless we recover for you — and we’re available 24/7. If a car was involved, see how we approach car accident claims, or contact us to talk through what happened.