Electric scooters from Bird, Lime, and other rental companies quickly became one of the most popular ways for tourists and locals alike to navigate Las Vegas. Fast, fun, and easy to rent from a phone, they seemed like the perfect way to get around the resort corridor. Then came the injuries.
Fractured wrists. Head trauma. Severe road rash. Hip fractures. Spinal injuries. Emergency rooms across the Las Vegas Valley have seen a significant rise in e-scooter-related injuries, and in 2024 alone, Clark County recorded six fatalities involving these vehicles, up from four the prior year.
If you or someone you love was hurt on or near a rental scooter in Las Vegas, you may have a serious personal injury claim, and the rules governing these cases changed significantly in 2025.
What Changed in 2025: Clark County’s New E-Scooter Laws
In May 2025, Clark County passed sweeping new regulations for e-bikes and e-scooters. The most significant changes for tourists and riders near the Strip include:
• E-scooters and e-bikes are now BANNED on the Las Vegas Strip resort corridor, effective May 21, 2025.
• E-scooters are also prohibited on Fremont Street and other designated restricted areas.
• A 15-mph speed limit applies in county parks and trails where riding remains permitted.
• Riders must have functioning brakes, a bell or horn, and front and rear lights for nighttime use.
• Reckless behavior (stunts, excessive speed) carries fines up to $600.
• Parents and guardians are now financially responsible for violations by minors.
This matters for injury claims. If you were injured by a scooter rider operating illegally on the Strip after May 21, 2025, that violation can be used as evidence of negligence, significantly strengthening your personal injury case.
Common E-Scooter Accident Scenarios in Las Vegas
Accidents happen in several recurring patterns near the resort corridor and surrounding areas, including:
• Vehicle vs. scooter: A car driver fails to yield to a scooter rider in a bike lane or at an intersection
• Scooter vs. pedestrian: A rider operating on a sidewalk at excessive speed strikes a pedestrian
• Single-rider falls: Brake failure, throttle malfunction, defective components, or uneven pavement cause the rider to crash
• Improperly parked scooters: Pedestrians trip over scooters left blocking walkways
• Hotel/casino property hazards: Defective pavement, inadequate lighting, or unmarked drop off zones near resort properties
Who Is Liable After an E-Scooter Accident in Nevada?
This is where Las Vegas scooter injury cases become legally complex. Multiple parties can share liability depending on the specific circumstances, such as:
The Scooter Company (Bird, Lime, or Others)
If a mechanical defect caused or contributed to your accident brake failure, including throttle malfunction, battery issues, or structural failure, Nevada’s strict product liability laws may hold the rental company responsible. Companies can also be liable for negligent maintenance if a known defect wasn’t repaired before the scooter was returned to the fleet.
A Negligent Driver
If a car, truck, or rideshare vehicle struck you or caused you to crash, that driver is liable under standard Nevada negligence principles. These cases are handled similarly to any other vehicle accident claim.
A Property Owner
If a defective road surface, unmarked construction hazard, inadequate lighting on a hotel property, or dangerous pavement contributed to your crash, the property owner may face a premises liability claim.
What About the User Agreement Waiver?
Bird, Lime, and other scooter companies include liability waivers in their user agreements. These waivers are enforceable in Nevada for ordinary risks that come with riding a scooter, such as losing your balance on a routine ride. However, Nevada public policy limits their enforceability. Waivers generally cannot protect companies from liability for gross negligence, defective products, or willful misconduct. An experienced attorney can evaluate whether the waiver applies to your specific situation.
Typical Injuries from Las Vegas E-Scooter Accidents
E-scooter accidents frequently produce serious injuries because riders have almost no protection, such as:
• Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) because helmets are rarely worn
• Wrist and arm fractures from bracing against a fall
• Road rash and deep skin abrasions
• Shoulder injuries and dislocations
• Dental injuries from impact with pavement
• Hip fractures, especially in older riders and pedestrians struck by scooters
• Spinal injuries from high-speed falls
• Psychological trauma and PTSD following violent crashes
Medical expenses from even a moderate e-scooter injury can run into tens of thousands of dollars, particularly if surgery, hospitalization, or physical therapy is required.
Steps to Take After an E-Scooter Accident in Las Vegas
• Call 911 immediately if there are injuries — get police and EMS on scene.
• Photograph the scooter, the accident scene, your injuries, and any relevant road conditions.
• Note the scooter’s ID number and capture your rental information in the app.
• Get contact and insurance information from all vehicles involved.
• Obtain witness names and contact information.
• Seek medical treatment immediately even if you feel okay because many injuries present delayed symptoms.
• Do not give a recorded statement to the scooter company’s insurer before speaking with an attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue Bird or Lime if their scooter malfunctioned?
Yes. If a mechanical defect, such as brake failure or throttle malfunction, caused your accident, you may have a product liability claim against the rental company and potentially the scooter manufacturer. Nevada law imposes strict liability on sellers and manufacturers of defective products that cause injury.
What if I were riding a scooter on the Strip after the ban?
You may still have a valid injury claim, particularly if a vehicle struck you or the scooter itself was defective. However, riding in a prohibited area could affect comparative fault calculations. Nevada’s comparative negligence rules allow recovery as long as you are not more than 50% at fault.
Is there insurance coverage for e-scooter accidents in Nevada?
Nevada does not require e-scooter riders to carry insurance. However, if a car or truck was involved, the driver’s auto liability insurance applies. Bird and Lime maintain their own insurance policies, though coverage details vary. Your personal auto insurance may also include some coverage. An attorney can identify all available insurance sources.
Hurt in an E-Scooter Accident Near the Las Vegas Strip? The Walsh Firm, Ltd., represents injured riders and pedestrians in e-scooter accident cases throughout Clark County. Call us at 702-474-4660 for a free consultation. No fee unless we win your case.