P&N BLOG | Chicago E-Scooter Riders Experiencing Rising Injuries

In recent years, the streets of Chicago have seen a dramatic rise in e-scooter use. However, with the growing popularity of these micromobility devices comes an increase in serious injuries, with no comprehensive system in place to track how often riders are getting hurt.

Consider the case of Marie-Claire Ching, a 20-year-old Chicago resident who experienced two e-scooter accidents within weeks of each other. While riding her Segway scooter in the city, Ching was first struck by a car turning in front of her on Halsted Street. Less than two weeks later, she was hit again, this time by a BMW that ran a red light. Both incidents left her shaken and injured, underscoring the hazards that e-scooter riders face on Chicago’s busy streets.

Ching’s experiences are not isolated. Since e-scooters were introduced to the city in 2019, their use has skyrocketed. Between mid-2022 and late 2023, more than 3.7 million e-scooter trips were recorded, a significant increase from previous years. However, despite this surge in ridership, data on scooter-related injuries is noticeably absent. According to the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), the city does not actively track these incidents, and e-scooter companies like Lime and Lyft’s Divvy have not shared local crash data.

The lack of transparency around e-scooter accidents is alarming, especially as healthcare providers report a rise in injuries. Dr. David Trotter, chair of emergency medicine at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, notes a steady uptick in e-scooter-related traumas. His hospital, which handles Level 1 trauma cases, has seen injuries ranging from minor cuts to traumatic brain injuries, particularly in riders who fail to wear helmets.

E-scooter injuries aren’t limited to scrapes and bruises. Fatal accidents are also possible. In 2022, Rayshawn D. Thomas was tragically killed when a truck struck him while riding his scooter in the Austin neighborhood. Unfortunately, incidents like these are becoming more frequent, with a 2023 Consumer Product Safety Commission report showing a 21% increase in micromobility device injuries nationwide compared to the previous year.

The city’s efforts to improve rider safety have been incremental. CDOT has worked with rental companies to introduce in-app safety quizzes and continues to expand bike lanes, which e-scooter riders can use. However, these measures alone are not enough to prevent accidents. Safety advocates like Christina Whitehouse of Bike Lane Uprising argue that more must be done to protect riders and other vulnerable road users.

For riders like Ching and others who have sought legal counsel after their crashes, the road to recovery is not only physical but financial. High medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing health issues are common struggles. As the popularity of e-scooters continues to grow, it’s clear that Chicago needs a better system to protect riders and hold negligent parties accountable. Without proper data and enforcement, the risks for e-scooter users will remain dangerously high. 

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If you or a loved one has been injured in an e-scooter accident, The Law Offices of Parente & Norem, P.C. is here to help. Contact us at 312.641.5926 for a free consultation.

Source – Chicago Sun-Times