Emergency rooms in Tampa are seeing a sharp rise in serious e-bike and e-scooter injuries. Doctors are warning about head trauma, fractures, paralysis, and in some cases, fatalities. The issue has become a growing concern for parents, riders, and anyone sharing the road.
 

But when the unthinkable happens, the question quickly shifts from safety to liability: who pays?
 

Here’s the breakdown under Florida law:
 

PIP (Personal Injury Protection): Florida drivers may have PIP coverage, but it doesn’t always apply to non-vehicle riders like e-scooters.
 

MedPay & UM/UIM: Medical payments coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance can cover big gaps and are often the only safety net when the other driver has minimal insurance.
 

Homeowners/Renters Insurance: May cover accidents caused by, or involving minors, depending on the policy language.
 

Product & Maintenance Claims: If the e-bike or e-scooter failed due to a defect or poor maintenance, claims may extend to manufacturers or service providers.
 

And remember, under Florida’s 51% rule, if the rider is found more than 50% at fault for situations such as running a light, riding without a helmet and etc., recovery may not be possible.

Steps can be taken to help protect the rights of those injured in these types of accidents.

At the scene of a crash, capture these 10 things:

• Photos of the accident site, vehicles/scooters, and road conditions
• Photos of your injuries (immediate & visible)
• Contact info for all drivers, riders, and witnesses
• Insurance info from every involved driver
• Screenshots of ride app trip data (e.g., Bird, Lime, Uber)
• Helmet and equipment photos (condition at crash)
• Police or incident report number
• Emergency room/hospital intake paperwork
• Short video statement (what happened, in your words)
• Timestamped notes (pain, impact, events right after crash)

E-Bike Insurance Coverage FAQ

Q: Were you hit by a car?
     ➡ Yes → Driver’s auto liability may cover you.
     ➡ Your own PIP/MedPay may also apply.

Q: Was the other driver uninsured/underinsured?
     ➡ Yes → Your UM/UIM coverage can step in.

Q: Was it a solo crash (no car)?
     ➡ Check homeowners/renters insurance for liability coverage.
     ➡ If a mechanical failure: explore product liability claim.

Q: Was a commercial scooter involved (Bird, Lime, etc.)?
     ➡ Preserve app data and report incident through the app.
     ➡ Some companies carry limited liability coverage.

Q: Is fault disputed?
     ➡ Remember: if you’re found >50% at fault, you may recover nothing under Florida law.

Our e-bike accident lawyers are very experienced and fully prepared to litigate aggressively on behalf of our clients.  

We've been successfully representing clients who were victims in motorcycle accidents and bicycle accidents for years.  There are no up front fees or costs unless we win and our consultations are always free. Reach us by phone, email, or our quick contact form. And if you’re still unsure, have a look at the reviews we receive.