Electric bikes and e-scooters have become increasingly common across Calgary and throughout Alberta. Shared scooter and e-bike programs have changed how many people commute, travel downtown, and get around the city. But as their popularity grows, so do serious accidents and injuries.
If you were injured in an e-bike or e-scooter accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Depending on the circumstances, responsibility for the accident may involve:
- A negligent driver
- An e-scooter or e-bike rider
- A rental scooter company
- A municipality
- A defective scooter or battery
- Unsafe road or pathway conditions
At Litco Law, our Calgary e-bike and e-scooter accident lawyers help injured Albertans understand their rights and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
Whether you were:
- Hit by an e-scooter
- Injured while riding an e-bike
- Struck by a vehicle while riding
- Hurt because of a defective scooter
- Injured as a pedestrian
…we’re here to help.
Award-winning and trusted since 1976, Litco Law has helped thousands of Albertans navigate some of life’s toughest moments. With 800+ 5-star Google reviews, our team is known for delivering exceptional results and caring support when it matters most.
“You probably hoped you’d never need a lawyer. We do our best to make it a positive experience if you do.”
– Jonathan Noorduyn, President & Lawyer, Litco Law
Get answers to the following topics and questions:
- Quick Answer: Can You Make an E-Bike or E-Scooter Injury Claim in Alberta?
- Why E-Bike and E-Scooter Claims Can Be More Complicated
- Common Causes of E-Bike and E-Scooter Accidents
- Common E-Bike and E-Scooter Injuries
- What To Do After an E-Bike or E-Scooter Accident
- Who Is Liable in an E-Bike or E-Scooter Accident?
- E-Bike and E-Scooter Rules in Calgary and Alberta
- What Compensation Can Be Available After an E-Bike or E-Scooter Accident?
- How Long Do You Have to Make a Claim in Alberta?
- Frequently Asked Questions About E-Bike and E-Scooter Accidents?
- Why Choose Litco Law?
Quick Answer: Can You Make an E-Bike or E-Scooter Injury Claim in Alberta?
Yes. If your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to make a personal injury claim in Alberta. Because these claims can involve multiple parties and evolving laws, it’s important to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as early as possible.
Why E-Bike and E-Scooter Claims Can Be More Complicated
Unlike traditional motor vehicle accidents, e-bike and e-scooter injury claims often involve unique legal and insurance issues.
These can include:
- Rental agreements and app waivers
- Multiple potentially liable parties
- Unclear insurance coverage
- Municipal bylaws
- Shared scooter company policies
- Product defects or battery malfunctions
- Questions around rider impairment or unsafe operation
Our Calgary injury lawyers investigate all possible sources of compensation and work to determine who may be legally responsible for your injuries.
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Common Causes of E-Bike and E-Scooter Accidents
E-bike and e-scooter accidents can happen in many different ways. Some involve motor vehicles, while others result from dangerous riding behaviour, defective equipment, or unsafe conditions.
Common causes include:
Driver Negligence
Drivers may fail to see e-bike or e-scooter riders when turning, changing lanes, or exiting parking lots.
Distracted or Unsafe Riding
Riders using phones, carrying passengers, riding impaired, or travelling too fast can create dangerous situations.
Improperly Parked Scooters
Poorly parked scooters left on sidewalks, pathways, or roads can create tripping hazards and collisions.
Defective Scooters or Equipment Failure
Brake failure, battery malfunctions, wheel lockups, or defective components can lead to serious crashes.
Poor Road or Pathway Conditions
Potholes, debris, gravel, ice, poor lighting, or uneven pavement can contribute to serious accidents.
Nighttime Visibility Issues
Many accidents occur because riders are difficult to see at night or during poor weather conditions.
Common E-Bike and E-Scooter Injuries
Because riders have very little physical protection, injuries can be severe even in lower-speed collisions.
Common injuries can include:
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Facial injuries
- Dental injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Wrist and shoulder injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Internal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Fatal injuries
Head injuries are among the most common e-scooter injuries. The Calgary Police Service strongly recommends helmets to help reduce brain and skull injuries.
What To Do After an E-Bike or E-Scooter Accident
If you’ve been injured, the steps you take after the accident can significantly impact your health and your legal claim.
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even injuries that seem minor can become more serious over time.
- Report the Accident
Call police if a vehicle was involved or if there are serious injuries.
- Take Photos and Video
If you are able and it is safe to do so, it can be helpful to take pictures or video of:
- The scene
- Injuries
- Road conditions
- Damage
- Scooter or bike details
- Gather Witness Information
Witness statements can be extremely important in personal injury claims.
- Preserve Rental App Information
If a shared scooter or e-bike was involved, keep screenshots, ride history, receipts, and communications.
- Avoid Admitting Fault
Liability may not be as straightforward as it initially appears.
- Speak With a Lawyer Before Accepting an Insurance Offer
Some insurance companies may attempt to minimize or deny claims.
Who Is Liable in an E-Bike or E-Scooter Accident?
Liability depends on the specific facts of the accident. Potentially responsible parties may include:
Negligent Drivers
If a driver hit an e-bike or e-scooter rider, the driver’s auto insurance may be responsible for compensation.
E-Bike or E-Scooter Riders
Riders who operate negligently or unsafely may be legally responsible for injuries they cause.
Rental Scooter Companies
Companies may potentially be liable if:
- Equipment was defective
- Maintenance was inadequate
- Safety issues were ignored
Municipalities
In some cases, unsafe road or pathway conditions may contribute to an accident.
Manufacturers
Defective brakes, batteries, tires, or design flaws can potentially lead to product liability claims.
E-Bike and E-Scooter Rules in Calgary and Alberta
The rules surrounding e-bikes and e-scooters in Alberta continue to evolve. The City of Calgary Shared Micromobility Program states that shared e-scooters can operate on bike lanes, pathways, low-speed roads, and some sidewalks, but they are prohibited on busier roadways like Macleod Trail. Shared e-bikes generally follow the same rules as bicycles.
Current regulations and legal issues may involve:
- Age restrictions
- Helmet recommendations or requirements
- Speed limits
- Impaired riding
- Sidewalk restrictions
- Shared scooter pilot programs
- Insurance obligations
- Parking regulations
There are also ongoing legal and regulatory discussions around privately owned e-scooters in Alberta.
What Compensation Can Be Available After an E-Bike or E-Scooter Accident?
Depending on your injuries and circumstances, compensation may include coverage for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Future loss of earning capacity
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Pain and suffering damages
- Housekeeping and care costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Future treatment costs
- Fatal accident claims
If a motor vehicle was involved, you may also qualify for Section B accident benefits regardless of fault.
How Long Do You Have to Make a Claim in Alberta?
In Alberta, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to start a personal injury claim. It’s important to speak with a lawyer as early as possible to protect your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions About E-Bike and E-Scooter Accidents
Can pedestrians make claims after being hit by an e-scooter?
Yes. If a negligent rider causes injuries to a pedestrian, the injured person may be able to pursue compensation.
What if an e-scooter malfunctioned?
You may potentially have a claim against the rental company, manufacturer, maintenance provider, or another responsible party.
Are helmets legally required in Alberta?
Helmet requirements can vary depending on the type of device and rider age. Regardless of legal requirements, helmets are strongly recommended for safety.
What if I was partly at fault?
You may still be able to recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident.
Can children make claims after an e-scooter accident?
Potentially, yes. Claims involving minors can involve additional legal considerations and limitation periods.
Why Choose Litco Law?
E-bike and e-scooter injury claims are still relatively new territory in Alberta law. These cases often involve complicated insurance questions, multiple liable parties, and evolving regulations. At Litco Law, we help Albertans navigate these complex claims with compassionate, experienced legal support.
For more than 50 years, we’ve helped injured Albertans through some of life’s toughest moments. Our team has earned over 800+ 5-star Google reviews by combining strong legal representation with genuine client care.
If you’re looking for a Calgary e-bike or e-scooter accident lawyer, contact Litco Law today for a free consultation.
Have questions about the Alberta government’s proposed shift to a no-fault (Care-First) system? Wondering how it will impact injured Albertans?
If you or a loved one has suffered catastrophic injuries, our team is here to support you and help you pursue compensation for lost income, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and the many other impacts a serious injury can have on your life.
