E-bike & E-scooter Accident Claims

Getting around by e-bike or e-scooter has become a part of daily life for many people in Tallaght and across Dublin. Whether it’s for commuting, errands, or simply getting some fresh air, these modes of transport are quick, affordable, and environmentally friendly. But when something goes wrong—especially on a busy road or cycle lane—the injuries can be serious, and the experience deeply unsettling.

At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we understand how vulnerable e-bike and e-scooter users can be in a collision. We also know how confusing it can feel when you’re injured and not sure what your rights are, particularly when there’s no obvious impact or the other party didn’t stop. That’s where we come in.

For over 20 years, we’ve been helping individuals across Dublin recover after road accidents with practical, straightforward legal support. You won’t be passed around or left waiting for answers. You’ll speak directly with a local solicitor who knows the roads, understands the risks, and takes the time to explain things in plain, honest language.

If you’ve been injured on an e-bike or e-scooter and aren’t sure what to do next, we’re here to help. Whether you were hit by a vehicle, injured by poor road conditions, or involved in a hit and run, get in touch with John O’Leary Solicitors LLP today for calm, trusted legal advice—right here in your community.

Who Can Bring a Claim After an E-Bike or E-Scooter Accident?

If you’ve been involved in an e-bike or e-scooter accident and suffered injury as a result, you may have grounds to bring a claim—whether you were the rider, a pedestrian, a cyclist, or a motorist. These accidents often happen quickly and without warning, but the law is clear: if someone else’s negligence contributed to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation.

Injured Riders

If you were riding an e-scooter or e-bike and were hit by a car, forced off the road due to poor road conditions, or injured due to a vehicle turning across your path, you may have a strong claim. Even if the other party didn’t stop or wasn’t clearly at fault, we can investigate further.

Pedestrians​

E-scooter and e-bike users share space with pedestrians more than ever before. If you were knocked down or hit by a rider using a footpath, going too fast, or failing to yield, you can bring a claim just as you would in any other road traffic incident.

Cyclists and Motorists

If you were injured in a collision with an e-bike or e-scooter while cycling or driving, and the rider was operating the vehicle in a dangerous or unlawful way, you may also be able to seek compensation. These claims are becoming more common as powered personal transporters are now fully integrated into Irish traffic.

Children and Young Riders

Claims involving minors can be brought by a parent or guardian. If your child was injured while riding an e-scooter (even if underage), or was struck by one while walking or crossing a road, you can take legal action on their behalf. We’ll handle the process sensitively and keep you informed throughout.

Injured Delivery Riders

If you were working as a delivery rider and injured due to unsafe routes, faulty equipment, or pressure to meet unrealistic deadlines, you may have a claim against your employer or another road user. These cases often involve both employment and personal injury issues—we can help with both.

What Causes E-bike and E-scooter Accidents—and Who’s at Fault?

E-bike and e-scooter users are among the most exposed road users in Ireland. And while accidents can happen for many reasons, the majority come down to identifiable failings—by motorists, public bodies, or in rare cases, the rider themselves.

At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we take the time to trace each incident back to its cause—so we can hold the right people accountable and secure the compensation our clients deserve.

Motorists Failing to Spot Smaller Road Users

The most common cause is drivers simply failing to see e-scooter or e-bike users. This happens when:

  • A car turns left across a cyclist’s path
  • A driver opens a door without checking
  • A vehicle overtakes too closely
  • Someone pulls out from a side road without yielding

Because e-scooters are small, quiet, and fast-moving, they can easily be missed by inattentive or distracted drivers. But that doesn’t reduce responsibility—drivers are expected to anticipate and watch for all types of road users.

Road Hazards and Poor Infrastructure

Uneven surfaces, damaged tarmac, loose gravel, or poor lighting pose serious risks. An e-scooter hitting a pothole at 20km/h can throw the rider violently forward, causing fractures or head trauma.

If a local authority or contractor failed to maintain the road or footpath—or didn’t properly signpost hazards—they may be liable.

This is particularly common at:

  • Kerb edges and cycle lanes near junctions
  • Tram tracks (e.g. Luas crossings)
  • Bus lane merges and roadworks

We often use accident location photos, public maintenance records, and complaints history to show that a defect should have been addressed.

Driver Speed, Distraction, or Aggression

We’ve represented clients injured by drivers who were:

  • Texting or looking at a device
  • Driving too fast through residential zones
  • Overtaking illegally or blocking cycle lanes
  • Expressing road rage toward e-scooter users

These forms of driver negligence are especially common around school zones, delivery hotspots, or areas with poor lane separation.

Shared Blame: When More Than One Party Is Responsible

Sometimes, fault is not clear-cut. A rider might not have been wearing a helmet, or may have misjudged a turn—but that doesn’t excuse a motorist who was speeding or failing to indicate.

Irish personal injury law allows for contributory negligence, which means even if someone is partly at fault, they may still receive compensation—just at a reduced rate.

If you’re unsure where the blame lies, that’s normal. Our job is to investigate thoroughly, protect your rights, and make sure the full story is told.

Common Injuries in E-bike and E-scooter Incidents

Because e-bike and e-scooter users have little physical protection—no metal frame, airbags, or seatbelt—injuries from a collision or fall can be severe, even at low speeds. The impact of these injuries can extend far beyond the accident itself, often disrupting work, family life, and daily independence.

At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ve supported clients across Dublin dealing with a wide range of serious injuries following e-bike and e-scooter accidents. These aren’t just bumps and bruises—they’re life-altering incidents that deserve legal recognition.

Physical Injuries We Commonly See

  • Fractures and Broken Bones:Wrist, collarbone, elbow, and leg fractures are common in forward falls and side impacts. These often require surgery, pins, or immobilisation for weeks.
  • Head Injuries:Helmets are not always worn, and even when they are, they’re not foolproof. Concussions, facial trauma, and dental injuries are regularly reported—especially where a rider is thrown forward onto the road.
  • Soft Tissue Injuries:Whiplash, ligament damage, and muscle strain can result from sudden braking, being hit side-on, or landing awkwardly after a fall. These injuries may seem minor at first but can persist for months.
  • Spinal Injuries and Disc Trauma:Jarring impacts to the lower back or neck can lead to spinal complications, particularly in older adults or riders with pre-existing conditions.

Emotional and Psychological Impact

Being struck by a vehicle or thrown off balance in traffic is often traumatic. Many people we assist report:

  • Anxiety or panic when travelling on similar routes
  • Difficulty concentrating at work
  • Sleep disturbances and flashbacks
  • Fear of returning to cycling or scooting

Even if your physical injuries heal, the emotional toll can linger—and it’s just as valid in the eyes of the law.

Long-term and Delayed Symptoms

Some injuries only reveal themselves days or weeks after the crash. Back pain, nerve damage, or joint stiffness may seem minor initially but become chronic over time. These developments can be included in your claim, provided you seek timely medical advice and keep a record of your symptoms.

If you’ve experienced any of the above injuries—or are struggling with symptoms that appeared later—don’t dismiss them. We can help you understand your options and ensure your injuries are fully acknowledged.

What to Do After an E-bike or E-scooter Accident

Being involved in an e-bike or e-scooter accident can be disorienting—even frightening. Whether the incident seemed minor or severe at the time, it’s important to take the right steps early on. These actions protect your health, preserve evidence, and lay the groundwork for a successful claim if you decide to move forward.

At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we often speak to clients who aren’t sure if they “did enough” at the scene. Don’t worry—whatever stage you’re at, we can help. But if you’re reading this soon after an accident, here’s what we recommend.

1. Prioritise Medical Attention

Your health comes first. Call 999 or 112 if the accident is serious, and don’t try to move if you’ve been badly injured. If you’re not taken to hospital, arrange a visit to your GP or Tallaght University Hospital as soon as possible—even if symptoms seem mild. Some injuries (like concussions, whiplash, or back strain) may not show up immediately. A medical report will also help link your injuries to the accident, which is essential for any future claim.

2. Report the Incident to the Gardaí

Whether the accident involved a car, another rider, or poor road conditions, make sure it’s reported to the Gardaí. If officers didn’t attend the scene, you can visit your local station—such as Tallaght Garda Station—and ask to file an official report. Garda records are a valuable part of your claim. They help confirm when and where the accident happened, and they may support your version of events if the other party disputes it.

3. Gather Evidence at the Scene (If You Can)

If it’s safe to do so, collect:

    • Photosof your injuries, the vehicles involved, the road layout, signage, and any hazards
    • Names and contact detailsof witnesses
    • Registration platesand insurance information for any vehicles involved
    • Notes on weather, lighting, and time of day
If the scooter or e-bike was rented, keep screenshots of your hire confirmation and report the fault to the provider immediately.

4. Request CCTV or Dashcam Footage

Shops, buses, taxis, and public transport stops may have cameras that captured the accident. CCTV can often be secured within a short timeframe—ideally within a week. If we’re acting on your behalf, we can make these formal requests.

5. Track the Aftermath

In the days and weeks that follow, keep a written record of:

  • Pain levels, missed workdays, or cancelled plans
  • Appointments, receipts, and travel costs
  • Emotional impact, such as fear of travelling or sleep disruption
These notes help us build a full picture of how the accident has affected your life—not just your body.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still bring a claim if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?

Yes. While helmets are strongly recommended, not wearing one does not automatically stop you from claiming. It may affect how compensation is assessed, but the key factor remains whether another party was negligent and caused the accident.

Even if the scooter didn’t meet the full technical criteria under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023, you may still have a valid claim. Each case depends on fault, not just technical compliance. We’ll advise you on how this affects your position.

I was hit by an e-scooter while walking—can I claim?

Absolutely. If a rider was on the footpath, riding too fast, or failed to observe crossings or pedestrian rights of way, they may be held liable for your injuries. These are treated like any other road traffic incident under Irish law.

What if the scooter malfunctioned and caused my fall?

Mechanical defects or battery failures can be grounds for a product liability claim. If the e-scooter was privately purchased or part of a rental scheme, the manufacturer or provider may be responsible. We can help investigate and trace liability.

Can I claim against a local authority for poor road surfaces?

Yes, if the road defect directly caused your accident and the hazard was known or should have been repaired. We’ll assess maintenance records, complaints, and site photographs to determine whether the council or a contractor was at fault.

Do I need to know who hit me to bring a claim?

Not always. If you were the victim of a hit and run, a claim may still be brought through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI). Report the incident to Gardaí promptly and keep as much information as possible

What if I was using an e-scooter for work?

You may be entitled to claim against your employer if poor equipment, unsafe conditions, or unreasonable delivery pressures contributed to your accident. We’ll determine whether your case involves employer liability or a third party.

Can children bring claims after an e-scooter accident?

Yes, but the claim must be brought by a parent or guardian. Whether the child was a rider or a pedestrian, we handle these claims with care and ensure that the process is child-focused and fully explained to the family.

Contact John O'Leary Solicitors LLP

If you’ve been injured in an e-bike or e-scooter accident, don’t handle it alone. Speak directly with a local solicitor at John O’Leary Solicitors LLP. We’ll listen, advise, and support you every step of the way. Contact us today to begin your claim with confidence and clarity.