The popularity of e-bikes and scooters has surged in South Florida, becoming a preferred mode of transportation for many. However, the convenience of these “micro-mobility” devices comes with significant risks, as South Florida’s current infrastructure struggles to accommodate them. In a region dominated by larger vehicles, scooters and e-bikes often go unnoticed at intersections and along busy roads, putting riders in danger.
Unlike traditional vehicles, scooters and e-bikes offer little to no protection, leaving riders vulnerable to severe injuries and fatalities. Many see these accidents as a clash between new technology and an outdated infrastructure that has yet to figure out ways to accommodate micro-mobility devices.
Furthermore, the legal landscape leaves much to be desired. Rules and regulations have been implemented across South Florida cities, towns and counties – but they are all differ. Meanwhile, privately owned scooters remain unregulated.
Fighting for One Victim’s Justice
Kelley | Uustal partner Todd Falzone has represented victims of scooter accidents in South Florida, including 27-year-old Ashanti Jordan, who was left in a vegetative state after a crash while riding a Lime scooter home from work. Falzone is currently representing Ashanti and her family in a lawsuit against Lime.
When Ashanti rented the Lime scooter, she—like every rider—had to agree to the company’s extensive “user agreement” within the app, a document spanning over 50 pages.
“It’s terribly unfair to the consumer,” Falzone said in a recent interview with NBC 6 Miami. “It’s (the agreement) going to be hundreds of screens-long on a cell phone to try to read and understand the terms and conditions.”
According to Falzone, the Lime app instructed his client to ride in the streets, which is prohibited in Fort Lauderdale, where Ashanti was riding.
Falzone showed the NBC 6 Investigators a screenshot that he says appeared in the app on Ashanti’s smartphone, instructing her not to drive on the sidewalk “other than as permitted by law.”
“Shortly after, they (Lime) altered it and changed the app,” Falzone told NBC 6 Miami.
A Confusing Legal Landscape for Scooters
In response to rising scooter accidents in South Florida, some cities have banned scooters altogether. Hollywood was the first to prohibit all types of scooters on streets, roadways, and sidewalks. Miami revoked permits for scooter companies in 2022, leading to a decrease in accidents the following year.
By 2024, Miami-Dade County and cities like Key Biscayne introduced new regulations, including speed limit changes and further restrictions on micro-mobility devices. However, privately owned scooters remain largely unregulated, and accidents involving them are often grouped with pedestrian incidents, making it difficult to track injury data.
Experts cite inconsistent laws, lack of enforcement, and insufficient injury reporting as key safety concerns (NTSB Report). The responsibility for regulating scooters appears to fall on local governments, yet many lawmakers remain uncertain about the necessary changes.
Legal Options After a Scooter Accident
If you or someone you know has been injured in a scooter accident in South Florida, contacting a personal injury lawyer should be the first step. Liability may fall on another scooter rider, a negligent motorist, poor infrastructure, or even the scooter company itself. A personal injury lawyer specializing in vehicle accidents can help determine your legal rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
