Since their introduction in 2019, electric scooters have become a go-to mode of transportation in Chicago, with more than 3.7 million trips taken between mid-2022 and late 2023. However, as e-scooter use continues to rise, so do the risks associated with riding them. A recent article in the Chicago Sun-Times highlights the very real dangers that some riders face.
Take 20-year-old Bridgeport resident Marie-Claire Ching, for example. Earlier this month, Ching was hit by cars twice while riding her Segway e-scooter, both incidents happening just weeks apart. The back-to-back accidents left her shaken and questioning whether to continue using her scooter. "Right after I was hit, I was actually shaking," Ching said. "It almost felt like everything went blank."
Her first accident happened while riding south on Halsted Street near Cermak Road when a car reversed to allow another vehicle to turn, blocking her view. The turning car struck her, throwing her off her scooter. Less than two weeks later, on her way home from work in the Loop, a BMW ran a red light and hit her. Though she escaped with minor injuries, the emotional impact of the incidents has made her think twice about relying on her scooter for transportation.
E-Scooter Injuries Are On The Rise In Chicago, But Data Remains Scarce
Tracking e-scooter accidents in Chicago is difficult, as the city doesn't specifically track scooter-related incidents, according to the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT). Despite the lack of official data, Dr. David Trotter, chair of emergency medicine at Advocate Illinois Masonic in Lake View, has seen a noticeable rise in what he refers to as "e-scooter traumas."
Riders are showing up at the hospital with a range of injuries, from cuts and bruises to serious traumatic brain injuries, especially when helmets aren't worn. With many e-scooters reaching speeds of 15 to 20 mph, Trotter warns, "To put that into perspective, that's the speed that cars will go. The human body is not really prepared for that type of contact."
Common Causes Of E-Scooter Accidents In Chicago
As e-scooter use continues to grow in Chicago, so does the risk of accidents. Common factors include reckless driving, lack of helmet use, and poor infrastructure. With scooters capable of reaching high speeds, riders are left vulnerable to severe injuries, as they lack the protection offered by cars, such as seatbelts, airbags, and reinforced frames.
Tragically, these dangers were underscored in 2022 when 36-year-old Rayshawn D. Thomas was struck and killed by a truck while riding his scooter in the Austin neighborhood. Thomas' death serves as a sobering reminder of the serious risks scooter riders face on Chicago's streets every day.
Attorney Michael Keating Calls for Stronger Law Enforcement
The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is working to improve e-scooter safety by expanding and enhancing bike lanes, which are also used by e-scooter riders. In 2022, CDOT installed over 50 miles of bikeways, including 27 miles of protected lanes. However, the city still doesn't track e-scooter crashes, making it difficult to fully understand the scope of the issue.
While rental companies like Lyft and Lime claim they prioritize safety, they do not share local crash data. Despite facing lawsuits related to scooter safety, these companies argue that new technology is making scooters safer for riders.
Attorney Michael Keating of Keating Law Offices believes law enforcement plays a critical role in improving safety for e-scooter riders. He highlighted a key issue: the lack of citations in scooter crashes, as officers are often hesitant to write tickets unless they personally witness the incident.
"More and more what we're seeing is that police officers, unless they immediately observe the infraction themselves, there's an unwillingness to write a citation, even if there are witnesses, even if there is credible testimony by the victim of the crash," Keating told the Chicago Sun-Times.
What Do Chicago Riders Want To See Changed?
Safety advocate Christina Whitehouse from Bike Lane Uprising believes the rise in micromobility use also comes with the need for better safety infrastructure. "There's this huge growing network of people who are wanting to get around outside of vehicles, and how do we make it safer?" Whitehouse asked.
Ching and another rider, Joseph Fattal, both sought legal advice after their crashes. Fattal was injured when an Uber passenger opened a car door into his path, sending him flying into a parked vehicle. He ended up with plantar fasciitis and had to cancel jobs as a contractor, which cost him work and resulted in mounting medical bills. Lime refunded him $1 for the ride, but Fattal said the company closed the report before his injuries were fully assessed. "They just didn't respond whatsoever," he said.
Both Ching and Fattal have become more cautious about riding their scooters. Ching now prefers using trails over busy streets, and Fattal is working with attorneys to resolve his case.
Injured In A Chicago E-scooter Accident? Get Legal Help Today.
If you've been hurt in an e-scooter accident in Chicago, it's important to protect your rights and get a skilled attorney on your side. E-scooter injuries often involve head trauma, fractures, and other serious consequences. This can disrupt your life and leave you with medical bills. Keating Law Offices represents clients injured by reckless drivers, faulty scooters, and other negligent actions that lead to scooter accidents.
With years of experience handling personal injury cases involving micromobility devices, we are ready to advocate for you every step of the way. We have a proven track record of getting positive outcomes for our clients, and our case results prove it. Among our notable outcomes are:
- A $100,000 settlement for a scooter rider struck by a vehicle on Halsted Street, dislocating both shoulders.
- $50,000 settlement for a Chicago man rear-ended in a bike lane by a driver who ran a red light.
- $20,500 settlement for a Chicago man doored by an SUV driver exiting onto a bike lane on Damen Avenue.
Contact us online or call 833-CALL-KLO to learn how we can help you. We'll review your options and provide the legal support you need to pursue compensation. Our consultations are always free, and we're here to take your call 24/7.
