Electric scooters are becoming more common in Pennsylvania cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, where they offer a quick, affordable way to get around. But when something goes wrong, riders can get hurt fast. If you’re dealing with electric scooter injuries after a crash, you’re not alone—and you may be wondering what comes next.

Because electric scooter laws in Pennsylvania are still developing, determining fault after an accident is not always straightforward. Liability may depend on where the scooter was being used, local rules, and the actions of everyone involved. 

At Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers, our seasoned scooter accident attorneys bring over 75 years of combined experience to helping people injured on Pennsylvania’s roads. If you’ve been hurt in an e-scooter accident, our team can assess your case and help you understand your rights and options for moving forward under Pennsylvania law. 

Are Electric Scooters Dangerous?

Electric scooters can be dangerous, especially in Pennsylvania, where riders may be navigating busy streets, sidewalks, or shared spaces—sometimes in areas where scooter use is restricted or not clearly regulated.

Riders may find themselves sharing the road with cars, but scooters offer very little protection in a crash. Unlike a car, there are no seatbelts, airbags, or structural barriers.

Several factors increase the risk of electric scooter accidents, such as:

• Road or sidewalk conditions. Potholes, cracked pavement, and debris are common throughout Pennsylvania and can easily throw a rider off balance.
• Congestion. Urban areas like Center City Philadelphia see constant vehicle and pedestrian movement, increasing the risk of collisions.
• Limited visibility. Other road users may not see scooters, especially at night or at intersections.
• Inexperience. Many riders use scooters casually and may not understand how to operate them safely.

Because of these risks, even a low-speed crash can result in serious e-scooter injuries.

What Are Common Scooter Injuries?

Electric scooter accidents can cause a wide range of injuries. Some heal quickly, while others can have long-term effects on your health and ability to work.

Head Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries

Head injuries are one of the most serious outcomes of electric scooter accidents.

Riders can be thrown forward during a crash, hitting their head on the pavement or another vehicle. Even without a direct impact, the force of a fall can cause the brain to move inside the skull.

Concussions are common and maylead to symptoms such as:

• Headaches,
• Confusion,
• Memory problems,
• Long-term cognitive issues,
• Behavior changes, and
• Permanent disability.

Regarding electric scooter injury statistics, research from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia found that about 66% of children treated for head injuries in scooter-related incidents were not wearing a helmet at the time of injury. This highlights how vulnerable riders can be without proper protection.

Because symptoms are not always immediate, it’s important to seek medical care after any head injury, even if it seems minor at first.

Broken Bones  

Fractures are among the most common scooter injuries seen in emergency rooms.

When riders fall, they often try to catch themselves with their hands or arms. This can lead to fractures of the wrist, forearm, elbow, or leg.  

These injuries can require surgery, physical therapy, and weeks or months away from work.

Road Rash and Soft Tissue Injuries

When a rider slides across the pavement, the skin can be scraped away in a painful injury known as road rash.

Mild abrasions may heal with basic care, but severe abrasions may require medical treatment and leave permanent scarring. Soft-tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains, are also common and can limit mobility for an extended period.

Facial and Dental Injuries

Electric scooter crashes often throw riders forward, putting the face at direct risk of impact. These injuries can be both painful and difficult to treat.

Broken teeth, jaw fractures, and deep facial cuts are common. In some cases, victims may need oral surgery or reconstructive care. Beyond the physical damage, these injuries can leave lasting scars and affect speech, eating, and confidence.

Spinal and Back Injuries

Back and spinal injuries are among the most serious outcomes of electric scooter accidents. Even a single fall can put significant force on the spine.

Herniated discs may cause ongoing pain, stiffness, and nerve problems. More severe injuries can involve damage to the spinal cord, which may result in long-term mobility issues or paralysis. These conditions often require extensive treatment, rehabilitation, and lifestyle adjustments.

Internal Injuries

Not all injuries are immediately obvious after a scooter accident. Internal injuries can develop without clear symptoms right away.

Blunt force trauma may lead to internal bleeding or damage to organs like the stomach or lungs. Because symptoms can be delayed, it’s important to seek medical care after an accident, even if you initially feel fine. Early diagnosis can prevent serious complications and protect your health.

Where Do Electric Scooter Accidents Happen in Pennsylvania?

Understanding where accidents happen can help explain why these injuries are so common.

In Pennsylvania, electric scooter accidents often occur in:

• Urban intersections,
• Sidewalks and shared spaces (where permitted),
• Poorly maintained roads, and
• College campuses.

However, where these accidents happen is important for another reason: Pennsylvania law does not clearly permit electric scooters in many of these areas.

Most standing electric scooters do not meet the definition of a motor vehicle under state law, meaning they can’t be legally operated on public roads or sidewalks in many situations. Despite these limitations, scooters are still used in real-world settings, such as city streets and sidewalks, where accidents often occur.

This creates a complicated situation after a crash. The location of the accident, local rules, and how the scooter was being used can all play a role in determining who is legally responsible.

Talk to a Pennsylvania Lawyer About Your E-Scooter Injuries

Electric scooters can be dangerous, and accidents involving them can be more complicated than they first appear, especially in Pennsylvania, where the law surrounding e-scooter use is still evolving. In many cases, questions about where the scooter was being used (e.g., a road, sidewalk, or private property) can directly affect who may be held responsible for your injuries. 

This is why speaking with a knowledgeable Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer can make a critical difference. A skilled attorney can review the details of your accident, gather evidence, and help protect your rights, even in situations where the law isn’t completely clear.

At Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers, we handle personal injury cases from start to finish, providing one-on-one attention and working on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay anything upfront, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Our attorneys are prepared to go to trial if necessary, so you can focus on your recovery while we fight for your rights.

If you suffered electric scooter injuries, don’t wait to learn about your options. Contact Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation and find out how we can help you move forward.

Legal References Used to Inform This Page

To ensure the accuracy and clarity of this page, we referenced official legal and other resources during the content development process:​​

• Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, “Trends in Electric Scooter Injuries” (November 2023).
• Cleveland Clinic, “Traumatic Brain Injury.” (December 2025).
• Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, “Register a Motor Scooter or Personal Mobility Device.”