Chicago Shared Electric Scooter Insurance Requirements

E-scooters, introduced in Chicago in 2018 through a pilot program by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), have quickly gained popularity. Unlike policies for rental and owned cars, shared electric scooter insurance is not required for shared electric scooter riders.

Our Chicago electric scooter accident lawyers assist victims in seeking compensation for serious injuries when accidents are caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness.

Do You Need to Have Insurance to Operate a Shared Electric Scooter?

Operating a shared electric scooter in Chicago does not require riders to have their own e-scooter insurance. However, e-scooter vendors are required by Section 9-103-090 of the Municipal Code of Chicago to have liability insurance that covers incidents involving their equipment.

Your personal auto insurance usually doesn’t cover you in electric scooter accidents, but there may be exceptions. Check your policy to see if e-scooter operation is covered.

Does My Auto Insurance Cover Me If I Am Operating a Shared E-Scooter?

A client’s auto insurance policy doesn’t usually cover electric scooter accidents, as they only apply to the insured vehicle. However, insurance providers offer umbrella or health insurance policies that might cover them, depending on the terms.

If I’m Injured by a Driver While Riding an E-Scooter, Does Their Car Insurance Cover It?

If you are injured by a driver while you are operating a shared electric scooter, their car insurance may cover medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other losses. However, this depends on the specifics of the accident and the liability coverage limits of their insurance policy. Some drivers may have additional personal injury protection (PIP) coverage that could apply to your injuries.

What If I’m Injured on an E-Scooter and the At-Fault Driver Has No Insurance or Won’t Pay?

If you’re in an e-scooter accident and the responsible driver is uninsured or won’t pay, you may be able to file a claim through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) car insurance coverage for medical bills and other losses.

What If I Am Injured While Riding an E-Scooter and the At-Fault Driver Flees the Scene?

If you’re in a hit-and-run on an e-scooter, report it to the police, gather details, and consider filing a claim through your insurance or the e-scooter vendor’s coverage.

Common Accidents on E-Scooter Rentals

Out of all e-scooter related injuries during Chicago’s pilot program, 93% involved the riders themselves. Across the United States, over 80% of all e-scooter fatalities are caused by a collision with motor vehicles.

Common accidents to riders while e-scooter sharing include:

• Being hit by a car
• Being hit by a municipal truck
• Being hit by a cyclist or another e-scooter
• Injuries from an e-scooter malfunction
• Injuries from hitting a pothole

What Should You Do If You Are Involved in an E-Scooter Accident?

If you were injured in any type of e-scooter accident, you should take the following steps:

1. Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor, as symptoms may appear later.
2. Avoid signing any documents after an accident, as this could waive your right to seek further compensation if it turns out to be more serious later. Refer questions from an insurance agent to your attorney.
3. Take photos of the accident scene and your injuries to help prove liability and damages.
4. Collect contact details of witnesses, the driver (if applicable), and obtain a copy of the police report.
5. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney to evaluate your case.

Get Help From The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers

If you have been injured in a shared e-scooter accident due to an inattentive driver, scooter malfunction, dangerous road condition, or other unforeseen event, you may be entitled to compensation.

Free Consultation

We offer a free, no-obligation consultation with our experienced electric scooter accident attorneys, who will evaluate your case, outline your legal options, and answer your questions.