What Happens If You Fall Off An Electric Scooter In Gainesville, FL?
Bill Allen | July 29, 2025 | Personal Injury
Electric scooters are a fun and economical form of transportation in an area like Gainesville, Florida, whether you use one for short-distance travel in urban settings or let your kids ride around the suburbs on them. Convenient and eco-friendly, they’re faster than walking and even driving, in some instances, especially if you live in an area with heavy traffic congestion.
Like any vehicle, however, there are risks associated with riding an e-scooter. You may not be highly visible in traffic, potentially resulting in a car accident that leaves you with serious injuries, or you might hit a patch of broken sidewalk concrete and wipe out. But what happens if you’re involved in an electric scooter accident in Gainesville that’s caused by another’s negligence?
Here’s what you need to know to get your life back on track.
Start Smart When Riding An Electric Scooter
It’s not always possible to avoid a scooter accident, but the best way to do so is to remain aware of your surroundings and follow road rules. In Florida, the use of electric scooters was legalized in 2019 for riders aged 16 or older, with no license required. Since then, these vehicles continue to be treated like bikes, in that they must be operated in bike lanes and follow all rules for bikes.
Additionally, anyone using an e-scooter to travel on roadways may not exceed 30 mph. And although helmets are not required by law, they are highly recommended for personal safety in the event of an accident. Municipalities are allowed to enact additional rules regarding electric scooters at their discretion, but they may not restrict personal ownership.
In Gainesville, specifically, e-scooters are limited to a top speed of just 15 mph, and they may not be parked in vehicle parking spots, business entryways or driveways, bike lanes, or any place that blocks the use of sidewalks and roadways.
Potential Hazards
Like any other personal transportation device, riding an e-scooter involves many hazards (and few protections). Colliding with other vehicles or people is a very real concern, as e-scooter riders are not highly visible to drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
You could also encounter environmental hazards like poor road conditions, improper or out-of-order signage, or work zones that make sidewalks and bike lanes inaccessible. You might also encounter manufacturer defects or rent an improperly maintained e-scooter.
Determining Liability In An Electric Scooter Accident
If you’re injured in an e-scooter accident, determining liability is an important part of filing a compensation claim and negotiating a fair settlement.
According to Florida Statutes §320.01, e-scooters are not considered “motor vehicles” and are not typically covered by automobile insurance as a result. That, in turn, means you cannot rely on your personal injury protection (PIP) to cover your costs and losses.
However, if you suffer an accident with a motor vehicle and the other party is at fault, you may have a claim against the at-fault party’s car insurance. If you fall and are injured because of a broken sidewalk or roadway, for instance, you could file a premises liability claim against a property owner or sue the city.
Manufacturing defects leading to an accident are the basis for product liability claims, while a poorly maintained rental scooter could leave the owner company liable for compensation.
Contact Our Gainesville Personal Injury Law Firm at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers in North Central Florida
Injuries in electric scooter accidents can be severe, leaving you to face months of recovery and rehabilitation. You may be understandably overwhelmed, but it’s important to recognize that you’re not alone. Seek immediate medical attention, and contact a qualified Gainesville personal injury attorney at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers to discuss your next steps in a free consultation.
If you need legal assistance, contact the Gainesville personal injury lawyers at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today, we’re open 24 hours daily.
We have three convenient locations in Marion County and Alachua County, North Central Florida:
Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Gainesville Office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652
Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292
Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258
