Electric scooters are popular in Chicago but can be dangerous. If you were injured in an e-scooter accident, consult a Chicago electric scooter accident lawyer at our personal injury law firm for legal representation and to seek compensation for your losses.
What to Know About Riding an E-Scooter in Chicago
What Is an Electric Scooter?
The Municipal Code of Chicago defines e-scooters as two-wheeled, battery-powered vehicles that can reach speeds of up to 15 mph. They are smaller than motorcycles and mopeds and do not require a Class M or Class L motorcycle license to ride.
Are Electric Scooters Legal in Chicago?
As of 2026, electric scooters are a permanent part of Chicago’s transportation network. They are legal in Chicago and can be rented through the city’s scooter share program.
What E-Scooter Program Is Approved in Chicago?
Chicago has an e-scooter sharing program in which electric motorized scooters are available for short-term rentals. They are available for rent in Chicago through the Divvy bike share system, as well as other e-scooter companies like Lime and Spin.
What You Need to Know Before Renting an Electric Scooter in Chicago
Do I Need a Driver’s License to Operate an E-Scooter in Illinois?
No. In the state of Illinois, an e-scooter rider does not need a license to operate an e-scooter.
Do I Have to Sign a Waiver to Operate an E-Scooter?
Yes. In Chicago, all scooter riders must sign a rental agreement and waiver of liability before using a shared scooter. These waivers protect the scooter company from legal or financial responsibility in case of an accident.
What If I Signed a Waiver and I’m Injured in an E-Scooter Accident?
You may still be eligible for compensation for your injuries despite signing a liability waiver. A Chicago scooter accident attorney can assess your case for a valid claim.
What Other Chicago Laws Apply to E-Scooter Operators?
- Individuals aged 18 and older, or 16 to 17 with parental consent, can operate e-scooters and must sign a rental agreement and liability waiver.
- Riders must sign a rental agreement and liability waiver through the operator’s app, which often includes a brief safety quiz for first-time users.
- Only one person may ride an e-scooter at any time.
- Riders must follow traffic laws just as motor vehicles and bicycles do—such as obeying traffic laws like signals and yielding to pedestrians.
- Most shared scooters are capped at 15 mph. For a rider’s first trip, speed is limited to 10 mph for safety.
Where Can I Ride an Electric Scooter in Chicago?
E-scooters in Chicago must be ridden on city streets and bike lanes, similar to bicycles. Riding on sidewalks is strictly prohibited. Many electric scooters for rent use sidewalk detection technology to warn riders or slow the device down if they leave the street or bike lane.
Can I Ride an Electric Scooter on the Lakefront Trail in Chicago?
No. Even where bikes are allowed, scooters are specifically banned from the Lakefront Trail, The 606 (Bloomingdale Trail), and the Chicago Riverwalk.
Does Chicago Require E-Scooter Riders to Wear Helmets?
While helmet use is not mandated by law in Illinois, it is strongly recommended for riders to wear protective gear like helmets to prevent serious head injuries.
What Is My Electric Scooter Accident Case Worth?
The best way to find out what your case may be worth is to discuss the details of your accident with a lawyer. Chicago personal injury lawyers consider case specifics such as the severity of electric scooter accident injuries and available insurance to assess the value of e-scooter accident victims’ cases.
Common Injuries in Electric Scooter Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents involving e-scooter riders can result in serious injuries, including head and neck injuries, broken bones, internal injuries, lacerations, spinal cord injuries, and other injuries (including fatalities).
E-Scooter Accidents and Wrongful Death
E-scooters offer minimal protection in car accidents, making them potentially deadly for riders in an e-scooter crash.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a scooter accident caused by someone else’s negligence, our wrongful death lawyers can help your family pursue damages, including medical expenses prior to death, burial and funeral costs, loss of income, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering.
Types of Compensation for Chicago Scooter Accidents
If you were injured as an electric scooter rider, you may be entitled to fair compensation for future lost wages, current medical bills (such as hospital, doctor, and physical therapy bills), future medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
What to Do After a Crash on an Electric Scooter
In the event of an accident:
- Call 911 if someone is injured.
- Seek medical treatment even if injuries seem minor; save your medical records.
- Replace any damaged safety gear and replace a defective scooter.
- Document all critical facts, such as vehicle details and witness information.
- Contact a Chicago scooter accident lawyer to explore your legal options for a fair settlement.
Call Us Today
If you’ve been injured in an e-scooter accident, a personal injury attorney from our law firm can help. We will identify causes of the crash, such as distracted driving, and work to recover compensation from potentially liable parties.
Contact The Kryder Law Group today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore filing a personal injury lawsuit.
(312) 223-1700