E-Scooter Accidents Are Surging in Detroit
Electric scooters from companies like Lime, Bird, and Spin have become a fixture on Detroit's streets, sidewalks, and bike lanes. With their growing popularity has come a surge in serious injuries — broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, facial lacerations, and spinal cord damage. Michigan's laws have struggled to keep pace with this new transportation mode, leaving accident victims unsure of their rights and where to turn for compensation.
Michigan's E-Scooter Regulations
Michigan regulates e-scooters under MCL § 257.13c and related amendments effective in 2020. E-scooters are classified as "electric skateboard" devices. Riders must be at least 16 years old, and local municipalities can regulate where scooters may operate. Detroit has implemented its own ordinances governing scooter speed limits (typically 15 mph), prohibited zones (sidewalks in certain areas, parks), and parking requirements. Violation of these regulations by either the rider or a motorist who strikes a rider can establish negligence in an injury claim.
Who Is Liable When an E-Scooter Rider Is Injured?
Liability depends on what caused the accident. If a motorist struck the scooter rider, the standard Michigan auto accident framework applies, including no-fault PIP benefits and third-party pain and suffering claims under MCL § 500.3135. If the scooter itself malfunctioned — faulty brakes, throttle failure, wheel defect — a product liability claim against the scooter company may apply. If road conditions caused the accident (potholes, debris, uneven pavement), the City of Detroit or the responsible road authority may be liable, though governmental immunity under MCL § 691.1402 creates additional hurdles including a 120-day notice requirement.
Common E-Scooter Injuries in Detroit
The injuries Koussan Law sees from Detroit e-scooter accidents include traumatic brain injuries (helmets are not required for adults in Michigan), broken wrists, arms, and collarbones from falls, facial fractures and dental damage, road rash and deep lacerations, knee and ankle injuries from impacts with vehicles, and spinal injuries from being thrown from the scooter. These injuries are often severe because riders have zero protection — no seatbelt, no airbag, no metal frame between them and the pavement.
Insurance Complications
E-scooter accidents create unique insurance questions in Michigan. If a car hits you while you are on a scooter, your own auto insurance PIP coverage may apply — even though you were not in a car. If you don't have auto insurance, the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan may provide PIP benefits. The scooter rental companies carry commercial liability insurance, but making claims against these policies requires navigating corporate legal departments and arbitration clauses buried in the app's terms of service.
Injured in a Detroit E-Scooter Accident?
Koussan Law handles e-scooter injury claims throughout Metro Detroit. Call (313) 800-0000 for a free case evaluation or use our case calculator to estimate your potential recovery.
