Electric Scooter Malfunctions

Electric scooters have become a popular choice for getting around Los Angeles. Their convenience and eco-friendly appeal make them an attractive transportation option for short trips through the bustling city. However, when an electric scooter malfunctions, the results can be catastrophic, causing severe injuries or even fatalities.

If you’ve been injured due to a malfunctioning scooter, you may have the right to pursue compensation. McGee Lerer Ogrin, a trusted Los Angeles law firm, is here to help you through this challenging process.

Contact McGee Lerer Ogrin at (310) 231-9717 for skilled legal help after a scooter injury. Get the compensation you deserve—call today!

Common Electric Scooter Malfunctions

Electric scooters are not without risks. Riders rely on these devices to function safely, but when malfunctions occur, the consequences can be devastating. Some of the most common scooter malfunctions that lead to accidents include:

• Brake failures: Defective or improperly maintained brakes can prevent scooters from stopping in time, leading to collisions or falls.
• Loose or detached handlebars: Faulty handlebars can make it impossible to control the scooter, resulting in loss of balance.
• Throttle issues: A stuck throttle can send the scooter speeding uncontrollably, while sudden acceleration or deceleration can cause riders to lose control.
• Baseboard fractures: Cracks or breakage in the scooter’s baseboard can send riders tumbling to the ground.
• Wheel lockups: Front or rear wheel malfunctions, especially during braking, can cause the scooter to come to an abrupt stop, leading to dangerous accidents.
• Electrical problems: Unexpected battery depletion or a software glitch can leave the scooter disabled mid-ride on busy streets.

High-profile recalls, such as those issued by Lime due to faulty baseboards and battery-related fire risks, highlight the serious dangers these malfunctions pose. When something goes wrong, it takes a seasoned electric scooter accident lawyer to hold the responsible parties accountable. Filing a report with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) can also help document your experience and contribute to public safety.

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Determining Liability When a Scooter Malfunction Causes an Accident

Unfortunately, malfunctioning electric scooters can lead to serious accidents and injuries. Determining liability in an electric scooter malfunction injury can be complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility. The attorneys at McGee Lerer Ogrin carefully investigate each case to identify the at-fault party.

The key parties who may be held liable in an electric scooter malfunction case include:

• Manufacturer: If a defect in the design or production of the scooter caused the accident, the manufacturer may be held liable under product liability laws.
• Scooter Rental Companies: Companies like Bird, Lime, or Lyft have a responsibility to maintain their fleets and ensure that scooters are safe for public use. Failure to inspect and repair defective scooters can make them liable for resulting accidents.
• Maintenance Contractors: Some companies outsource maintenance to third parties. If negligent maintenance contributed to the malfunction, those contractors could be liable.
• Third Parties: If road hazards or obstacles created by third parties contributed to the accident, they may bear responsibility.

Evidence such as maintenance records, eyewitness testimony, and expert evaluations can help establish liability. An experienced attorney from McGee Lerer Ogrin can help gather and present this evidence to support your case.