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In recent years, Ireland’s streets have seen a remarkable surge in the number of e-scooter and e-bike users. These powered personal transporters (PPTs) promise convenience, eco-friendly travel, and time-saving commutes. Yet with their rising popularity, injuries from collisions and falls have also increased.
If you or a loved one has experienced a catastrophic or lingering injury due to a negligent e-scooter or e-bike accident, our experienced solicitors at Good & Murray Smith LLP can assist you in seeking justice and compensation for your suffering.
According to a recent report from the Injuries Resolution Board, accidents involving cyclists and e-scooter users in 2023 alone accounted for over €9.8 million in personal injury compensation. The average award for e-scooter users was roughly €20,513, reflecting everything from fractures to soft tissue injuries and serious head trauma.
Perhaps even more concerning is that e-scooter accidents have proven more likely to occur during evening hours, with 31% taking place between 6 PM and 6 AM, compared to 15% for pedal cyclists.
Motorists may fail to yield, change lanes abruptly, or tailgate, leaving e-scooter or e-bike riders highly vulnerable.
Potholes, uneven kerbs, inadequate lighting, or water pooling on roads can cause a rider to lose balance and crash.
Faulty brakes, battery malfunctions, or design flaws on e-scooters/e-bikes may lead to sudden breakdowns or loss of control.
Whether it is a car driver or the rider themselves, impairment or inattention magnifies the risk of collisions.
E-scooter accidents are reported to be twice as likely between 6 PM and 6 AM compared to conventional bicycles, raising concerns around visibility and risky driving.
Despite their light frame and accessibility, e-scooters and e-bikes offer virtually no protection in a crash. This can lead to:
According to recent data, about 1 in 5 of these accidents can lead to hospitalisation, demonstrating just how grim the consequences can be.
Since 2024, the legal status of e-scooters in Ireland has become more structured through the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023. E-scooters meeting specified criteria are now lawfully permitted on roads, bus lanes, and cycle lanes.
Nonetheless, this does not eliminate the responsibilities of road users to act reasonably and safely. When another party’s negligence, be it a driver’s reckless actions, a manufacturer defect, or improper scooter maintenance, causes your injuries, you may pursue a personal injury claim.
Thorough documentation is essential to ensure the best possible outcome.
Even if you initially feel fine, underlying injuries might only surface later. Medical assessments also serve as vital proof of harm.
Regardless of the severity, report the accident to the Gardaí. Request they log an official statement, especially if they do not attend the scene.
Obtain names, contact info, and registration or rental details (in a rental scenario) of the involved parties. Secure statements or contact details from any bystanders who can corroborate your version of events.
Capture pictures of the road conditions, vehicle damage, and your injuries. CCTV or dash cam evidence can also be highly persuasive.
Keep invoices and receipts for treatments, medication, transport, and any other financial outlays related to the accident.
Our solicitors at Good & Murray Smith LLP are well-versed in e-scooter case law and new legislation. We can assess the strength of your case, guide you on liability issues, and lead negotiations with insurers or through the Personal Injuries Resolution Board.
Like any road traffic accident claim, most e-scooter or e-bike cases pass through the Injuries Resolution Board (formerly known as PIAB). We assist in submitting medical records, incident details, and other essential documents to support your claim.
Whether the driver who hit you was speeding, or the e-scooter you rode failed due to a defect, demonstrating fault is critical. We marshal relevant evidence and, if needed, engage expert witnesses for reconstruction or technical analysis.
Many cases settle via negotiation or Injuries Resolution Board assessment. If the responsible party disputes liability, or you are unsatisfied with the Board’s suggested compensation, we are fully prepared to take your claim to court.
Damages for an e-scooter or e-bike injury typically revolve around:
Yes. Although failing to wear a helmet might be considered contributory negligence and could reduce your compensation, it usually does not disqualify your claim.
In cases of hit-and-run, you can often pursue compensation via the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI). Speak to a solicitor promptly to discuss critical deadlines.
Yes. That Act governs the legality and usage of e-scooters and e-bikes on Irish roads. Our team is fully conversant with its provisions and how they may affect liability arguments.
Yes. If you were injured and the rider failed to exercise due care, you can claim for pain, medical bills, and other losses.
Potentially. If the scooter malfunctioned due to poor maintenance or a hidden defect, the rental firm may bear responsibility.
Yes. You could be entitled to property damage compensation and personal injury damages if you or passengers suffered harm while near the vehicle.
You might still recover compensation under contributory negligence rules, but your award could be reduced by the percentage you are deemed at fault.
Typically, two years from the date of the accident or the “date of knowledge” that you were injured. Younger victims and special circumstances can alter that timeframe.
If somebody has been injured, yes. An official record is beneficial if you decide to pursue a claim or if injuries appear later. It strengthens your credibility and supplies crucial evidence.
Irish law recognises emotional distress. If you can demonstrate a link between the accident and psychological harm, you can claim for it.
It is not mandatory for standard e-scooters, but some private insurers or rental providers do offer coverage. If the driver was insured or if the scooter was part of an organised hire scheme, that policy may compensate you.
Children under 18 can claim via a guardian or parent. The two-year limitation period begins once they turn 18, but it is wise to seek legal advice early.
Yes. Detailed evidence is invaluable in negotiations or court. Photographs, witness statements, and a police report form the backbone of your claim.
Even minor injuries can linger, requiring physiotherapy, medication, or time off work. A solicitor helps assess whether you are entitled to a settlement and ensures you do not accept an undervalued offer.
If you have been harmed in an e-scooter or e-bike incident, whether as a rider, a pedestrian, a cyclist, or another driver, we appreciate the distress, pain, and financial burdens these crashes bring. Our solicitors are committed to building a compelling claim and fighting tenaciously for the compensation you are entitled to.
Contact us to schedule a confidential consultation. Let our decades of personal injury experience guide you to a successful outcome.
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If you’ve been injured and believe you may have a claim, don’t wait. Good & Murray Smith LLP is here to help. Contact us to arrange a consultation to review your case and guide you through the next steps.
