In recent years, e-scooters have become a popular way of getting around Australian cities.
Residents of Adelaide will be familiar with purple and orange public e-scooters on our roads, bicycle lanes, and footpaths.
In addition to public e-scooters, some Australians have bought their own private e-scooters. These are currently not lawful on public roads in South Australia, but in December 2023 the Premier’s office announced it will consider changes to legislation.
Unfortunately, as the popularity of e-scooters have surged, so have accidents and injuries involving e-scooters. Sometimes drivers will fail to notice an e-scooter rider until it is too late, and e-scooter riders are known to race down footpaths without warning.
E-scooter riders should also consider the laws applicable to them. While an e-scooter can appear to be a fun and easy way to get around the city after a few drinks, generally the same road rules apply to e-scooters. Notably, driving and traffic offences also apply to e-scooter riders, including drink driving.
In Adelaide, e-scooter riders have been charged with drink driving offences and had their driving licenses disqualified: www.austlii.edu.au/cases/sa/SASC/2022/155
What happens when you ride an e-scooter and someone else causes an accident?
When a driver of a motor vehicle causes injuries to other road users, typically the injured person can make a claim against the driver’s Compulsory Third Party insurer. This includes pedestrians, cyclists, and e-scooter riders.
As a rider of an e-scooter, you may have a right to compensation for your injuries caused by negligent driving.
If you have been injured while riding an e-scooter, Lindbloms Lawyers can help. Tiffany Laslett explains the process in – I’ve been injured in a car vehicle accident, do I need a Lawyer?
What happens when an e-scooter rider has caused an accident?
Under the current rules, e-scooters are not registered vehicles and are not insured under the Compulsory Third Party insurance regime.
Nevertheless, if you have suffered an injury caused by an e-scooter, you still have options for claiming compensation.
For example, if a public-use e-scooter rider was negligent and caused you injury, you might seek compensation from the e-scooter company and its public liability insurance.
Regardless of your circumstances, Lindbloms Lawyers can advise you about a claim for compensation. Give us a call today to discuss your options.