You never expect an errant scooter or e-bike to turn your normal day into a blur of sirens, ambulance lights, and spinning questions: What do I do now? Will I be stuck with medical bills? Who’s going to pay for this?
E-bike and e-scooter injuries are on the rise. In the U.S., reported injuries from these devices jumped from 8,566 in 2017 to 56,847 in 2022 for e-scooters, and e-bike injuries shot from 751 to 23,493 over the same period.
In other words: the risk is real, and it’s a growing problem.
If you’ve been involved in an ebike accident (or electric scooter crash) in Chicago, here’s what this guide will walk you through:
- Chicago’s rules and regulations around e-bikes and scooters
- What to do immediately after a crash to protect your claim
- How to build a personal injury case: documentation, deadlines, and legal strategies
- What types of compensation you might be entitled to
- When it makes sense to hire a lawyer (and how to choose one)
- Tips to ride safer next time and reduce your risk
Common Causes of e-Bike and e-Scooter Accidents
Chicago’s streets are busy. Cars, buses, cyclists, delivery drivers, and pedestrians all move through the same tight spaces — and with the rise of e-bikes and scooters, there’s even more to watch for.
All it takes is one bad turn, one missed signal, or one pothole to change everything. While every crash is different, the same patterns appear again and again.
The Most Common Crash Scenarios
This is what to look out for:
- Cars or pickup trucks failing to yield: Drivers turning across bike lanes or opening doors without looking are a leading cause of serious e-bike and scooter injuries.
- Hazardous road conditions: Potholes, loose gravel, and uneven pavement cause countless falls — especially for scooters with smaller wheels.
- Sidewalk collisions: Riders using sidewalks often collide with pedestrians or hit uneven curbs, leading to messy disputes over fault.
- Distracted or impaired riding: Phones, earbuds, or alcohol can all turn a quick ride into a dangerous one.
Whether you were riding, walking, or driving, understanding how the crash happens helps determine who’s responsible — and what steps come next.
Chicago e-Bike and e-Scooter Laws
If you’ve been in an eBike accident in Chicago, knowing the local laws matters. These rules determine who’s responsible, how fault is assigned, and what evidence matters most in a claim.
- Age and speed limits: Riders must be at least 18 (or 16 with parental consent through a city program). Scooters can’t exceed 15 mph.
- No sidewalk riding: It’s banned citywide except in limited areas. Scooters must stay on streets or bike lanes and yield to pedestrians.
- Traffic rules apply: Riders have to follow the same signals, lane rules, and right-of-way laws as cars and bikes.
Breaking any of these rules can affect liability after a crash, even if you weren’t the one who caused it.
Chicago Rules for e-Bikes
Chicago classifies e-bikes based on their top assisted speed.
Generally, they’re treated like bicycles, meaning riders must use bike lanes when available and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Helmet laws: Helmets are strongly recommended but not required for riders over 18.
- Speed limit: E-bikes can’t reach a speed of over 20 mph on motor power alone.
- Shared program riders: Using Divvy or similar rentals means agreeing to user terms that can affect your claim, especially regarding accident reporting.
Knowing these basics helps you make smart decisions and can protect your claim later if you’re injured.
Immediate Steps After an Accident
The moments after an eBike accident or e-scooter crash can be chaotic. Knowing what to do — and in what order — makes a big difference for your safety, your recovery, and your potential claim in the region.
1. Get to Safety and Check for Injuries
Move out of traffic if you can. Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is seriously hurt, call 911 right away and wait for help to arrive.
2. Call the Police
Even if injuries seem minor, call the Chicago Police Department and file an official report. A written record is critical for insurance and legal claims later.
3. Gather Evidence
Take clear photos of:
- The accident scene and vehicles involved
- Your injuries and any property damage
- Road conditions (potholes, debris, blocked bike lanes)
If it’s a rental scooter or bike, snap the vehicle ID number or QR code.
4. Exchange Information
Get names, phone numbers, and insurance details from all parties — drivers, riders, or pedestrians. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact info too.
5. Seek Medical Care
Go to a doctor or urgent care the same day, even if you feel fine. Some injuries (like concussions or internal bruising) can show up hours (or days) later.
Keep every record, bill, and doctor’s note. They’ll help support your claim.
6. Notify the Rental Company (if applicable)
If you were using a shared scooter or e-bike, report the accident through the app or customer service as soon as possible. Some programs have short deadlines for reporting incidents.
7. Contact a Lawyer Before Talking to Insurers
Insurance companies usually reach out quickly, sometimes before you’ve seen a doctor. An attorney can help you avoid saying or signing something that might limit your claim.
Seeking Compensation for Your Injuries
An eBike accident or e-scooter crash can leave you with more than just medical pain — it can also disrupt your income, daily life, and financial stability.
Understanding what compensation covers helps you plan your next steps.
What You Can Recover
Depending on your case, you may be able to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses: ER visits, hospital stays, physical therapy, medications, and follow-up care.
- Lost wages: Time away from work or reduced hours during recovery.
- Property damage: Repair or replacement of your e-bike, scooter, or personal belongings.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Future costs: Ongoing treatment or long-term rehabilitation needs.
An attorney can help calculate both immediate and future losses to make sure nothing is overlooked.
Where Compensation Comes From
In the event that another driver hits you (and is liable), the at-fault driver’s insurance typically covers your damages.
- Rental company policies: Programs like Divvy or Lime may offer limited coverage for accidents, but often require prompt reporting.
- Your own insurance: Auto, health, or renter’s insurance may include coverage for e-bike or scooter injuries.
Ask your lawyer to review your policies and identify every potential source of recovery.
Why Legal Help Matters
Insurance companies may try to settle quickly and for less than you deserve. A lawyer can handle negotiations, gather expert opinions, and fight for full compensation while you focus on healing.
When to Contact an Attorney
After an eBike accident, the paperwork piles up fast — insurance claims, medical bills, police reports.
You might think you can handle it alone. But one small mistake or missed deadline can cost you the compensation you deserve.
That’s where an experienced injury attorney makes the difference. Call a lawyer right away if:
- You suffered serious injuries or long-term pain
- The other party denies fault or blames you
- You’re dealing with multiple insurance companies
- Your claim was delayed, reduced, or denied
- A rental company (like Divvy or Lime) is involved
Even if you’re unsure who’s responsible, a lawyer can investigate, gather evidence, and explain your options clearly.
Tips for Preventing Future Accidents
No one plans for an accident, but a few small habits can make a big difference on Chicago’s crowded streets. Whether you ride every day or just on weekends, safety starts with preparation.
- Wear a helmet: It’s optional under Illinois law, but head injuries are one of the most common outcomes in e-bike and scooter crashes.
- Stick to bike lanes: Stay off sidewalks unless clearly marked for scooters. You’ll protect yourself and pedestrians.
- Watch the road: Potholes, tracks, and wet pavement can throw off balance fast.
- Avoid distractions: Put your phone away, and never ride under the influence.
Ride Safe & Maintain Awareness
Even if you’re following every rule, others might not be. Make yourself visible with lights and reflective clothing, especially at night.
Slow down around intersections and assume drivers don’t see you until they make eye contact.
Use City Resources
Chicago’s Department of Transportation offers bike maps, safety guides, and free classes that teach safe riding techniques.
Shared services like Divvy also update their apps with route alerts and maintenance notices.
Check before you ride. A few extra minutes of planning can prevent hours, or even months, of recovery time.
Safely Moving Forward After an eBike Accident
Recovery takes time, but getting answers shouldn’t. Whether you were hit by a driver, hurt on a rental scooter, or injured because of poor road conditions, you don’t have to figure out the legal side alone.
At Midwest Injury Lawyers, we help Chicago riders recover physically and financially after serious e-bike and e-scooter accidents. Our team knows the city’s streets, traffic laws, and insurance systems inside and out — and we’ll fight to get people injured the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in an eBike accident in Chicago, don’t wait. Reach out today for a free consultation and learn what your case might be worth. Contact us now!