E-Scooter Accidents in Fort Myers: Legal Rights and Safety Tips

E-scooters are a fast, affordable, and eco-friendly way to get around Fort Myers. While they may be an easy and budget-friendly way to scoot about town, they’re also leading to a growing number of serious accidents. If you’re seriously injured in an e-scooter crash, whether as a rider or bystander, understanding your rights and what steps to take is critical. Wolfson & Leon, trusted Fort Myers personal injury attorneys, breaks down your legal options, safety tips, and resources to help you move forward.

Electric scooters have surged in popularity across Fort Myers, especially in areas with high pedestrian and tourist traffic. Some of the top reasons they’ve become popular include:

• Affordable and easy to rent via apps like Bird or Lime
• Great for avoiding traffic congestion on short commutes
• Appeals to tourists and college students (FGCU nearby)
• Environmentally friendly transportation alternative

E-scooter crashes often occur in high-traffic or poorly maintained areas, such as:

• Downtown Fort Myers (33901) – especially near restaurants and nightlife
• Colonial Blvd & US-41 Corridor (33907, 33966) – busy roads and intersections
• Fort Myers Beach & McGregor Blvd (33908, 33919) – heavy tourist zones
• Gateway and Daniels Pkwy (33913) – areas with mixed-use development and high-speed limits

Electric scooters offer convenience, but with minimal protection and high speeds, they pose serious risks—especially when operators or drivers are careless.

• Collisions with motor vehicles – Often happen when cars fail to yield or see the scooter
• Solo crashes due to road hazards – Potholes, curbs, and poor maintenance can cause riders to lose control.
• Pedestrian accidents – Riders striking pedestrians or vice versa, especially on sidewalks
• Dooring incidents – When a parked car’s door is opened into the scooter’s path
• Mechanical failures – Malfunctioning brakes, wheels, or motors from rental scooters

• Distracted riding – Using phones or headphones while riding
• Poor road conditions – Cracked sidewalks, construction debris, or lack of dedicated bike lanes
• Reckless driving by motorists – Speeding, failing to yield, or aggressive turns
• Lack of rider experience – Many riders are first-timers with no training
• Night riding without lights or reflective gear

Florida law allows e-scooters on streets with speed limits of 30 mph or lower and grants them similar rights and responsibilities as bicycles. When an accident occurs, determining liability can be complex and depends on the situation.

If you’re unsure who is at fault, consult a Fort Myers car accident attorney like Wolfson & Leon to review your case and determine the best legal route.

Follow these key steps immediately after a crash to protect your health and legal rights:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your safety - even if injuries seem minor. Some injuries like concussions or internal trauma may not be apparent right away.
2. Call the Police and Report the Accident: A formal police report helps document what happened and who was involved. This is crucial for insurance and legal claims.
3. Gather Evidence: Take photos of the scene, your injuries, the scooter, and any vehicles involved. Get witness contact info and screenshots of the scooter rental app.
4. Do Not Talk to Insurance Companies Alone: When you've suffered serious injuries, speaking directly with an insurance company can put your claim at risk. Insurance adjusters are trained to focus on their company's best interests and may attempt to downplay your injuries or shift blame onto you. It's best to let your attorney handle all communications to ensure your rights are fully protected.
5. Contact Wolfson & Leon: Our Fort Myers accident attorneys can help you navigate your options, negotiate with insurers, and fight for full compensation.

Riding smart can help prevent accidents and injuries. Here are essential safety tips every e-scooter user should follow:

• Always Wear a Helmet – While not legally required for adults in Florida, helmets significantly reduce head injury risk.
• Obey All Traffic Rules – Follow the same rules as cyclists. Ride with the flow of traffic, not against it.
• Avoid Sidewalks and Crosswalks – Unless explicitly allowed, these are often illegal and unsafe for scooters.
• Use Lights and Reflective Gear at Night – Make sure you’re visible to cars and pedestrians.
• Don’t Ride Under the Influence – DUI laws apply to e-scooters in Florida.

• Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) – Publishes pedestrian and micro-mobility safety tips: www.fdot.gov
• Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) – Advocates for safer streets and bike/scooter infrastructure
• Wolfson & Leon, Personal Injury Attorneys in Fort Myers
• Serving all major zip codes including 33901, 33907, 33913, and 33966
• 📞 Call 239-777-9954 or visit https://fortmyers.wolfsonlawfirm.com

Yes. E-scooters are legal in most areas of Fort Myers and are treated similarly to bicycles under Florida law. Riders must follow traffic rules and cannot ride on certain sidewalks.

The driver may be held liable if they were negligent, such as failing to yield or driving distracted. However, liability depends on the specifics of the accident.

Yes. Even if you weren't wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, you could still pursue a legal claim. While Florida law doesn't require adults to wear helmets, not wearing one could impact the amount of compensation you receive if it's shown that it contributed to the severity of your injuries.

Possibly. If a defective scooter or poor maintenance caused the crash. These cases require evidence and a legal team skilled in product liability.

Yes, it's a good idea to have a lawyer after an e-scooter accident. These cases can be complicated, especially when it comes to proving who was at fault. A knowledgeable Fort Myers personal injury attorney can walk you through each step of the legal process and ensure your rights are protected.

E-scooters are here to stay in Fort Myers - but so are the risks. If you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t assume you have no recourse. Whether you’re a rider or a pedestrian, you have rights.

Let Wolfson & Leon, experienced Fort Myers personal injury attorneys, help you seek justice and full compensation for your injuries. 📞 Call 239-777-9954 today for a free consultation.