E-Bike and E-Scooter Accidents: Liability and Safety Tips for Riders in Seattle and Tacoma

As urban mobility evolves in the Puget Sound region, e-bikes and e-scooters have become increasingly popular for commuting, recreation, and short trips around Seattle and Tacoma. These devices offer convenience and eco-friendly transportation, but they’ve also led to a surge in accidents. Nationally, e-scooter injuries jumped 80% between 2023 and 2024, reaching nearly 116,000 cases. In Seattle specifically, data shows a sharp rise in such incidents, with nearly all injuries stemming from falls (87.6%) and about 5.7% involving collisions with motor vehicles. At Kobes Legal, we specialize in personal injury cases and have seen firsthand how these accidents can result in serious injuries like fractures, head trauma, and abrasions. This blog explores liability in e-bike and e-scooter accidents, key regulations in Washington State, common causes, and essential safety tips to help riders stay protected.

Understanding E-Bike and E-Scooter Regulations in Washington, Seattle, and Tacoma

Washington State classifies e-bikes into three categories: Class 1 (pedal-assist up to 20 mph), Class 2 (throttle-assist up to 20 mph), and Class 3 (pedal-assist up to 28 mph). Class 3 e-bikes are generally restricted from shared-use paths like trails and sidewalks, except in specific cases. For e-scooters, riders must be at least 16 years old, no driver’s license is required, and devices can’t exceed 20 mph, with operational speeds often capped at 15 mph in certain areas. Helmets aren’t mandated statewide for adults, but new e-bikes must have labels indicating class, speed, and wattage.

In Seattle, e-scooters and e-bikes are permitted in bike lanes and on roads with speed limits under 25 mph. The city emphasizes shared micromobility programs, with safety tips available through the Seattle Department of Transportation. King County allows some e-bikes on paved trails at a maximum of 15 mph but prohibits them on natural surface trails.

Tacoma follows similar state guidelines, though its shared micromobility program saw changes in 2025 when Razor exited the market, removing their e-bikes and e-scooters from streets. Riders should stick to bike lanes and low-speed roads, and local ordinances align with state laws to ensure safe integration with traffic. Always check for updates, as cities like Tacoma may adapt rules to local needs.

Common Causes of E-Bike and E-Scooter Accidents

Accidents involving these devices often stem from a mix of rider errors, environmental factors, and other road users’ negligence. Key causes include:

• Unsafe Speeds or Speeding: Riding too fast, especially on uneven surfaces or in crowded areas, can lead to loss of control.
• Distracted Riding: Texting, using phones, or not paying attention increases risks, similar to distracted driving.
• Impaired Operation: Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a top factor, accounting for up to 48% of injuries in some studies.
• Road Hazards: Small tires make e-scooters vulnerable to potholes, debris, or uneven pavement, often causing falls.
• Collisions with Vehicles or Pedestrians: Drivers failing to yield or getting too close contribute to many incidents.

In urban settings like Seattle and Tacoma, where traffic is dense, these issues are amplified. Common injuries include fractures (e.g., clavicle or radial head), contusions, and head trauma.

Determining Liability in Accidents

Liability in e-bike and e-scooter accidents depends on the circumstances, but Washington follows a comparative negligence system, meaning fault can be shared among parties. Potential liable parties include:

• Negligent Drivers: Car or truck drivers must treat e-riders as vulnerable road users and yield appropriately under RCW 46.61.5259. If a driver is distracted, speeding, or fails to watch for scooters, they can be held responsible.
• Rental Companies: If a malfunctioning device (e.g., faulty brakes) causes an accident, companies like those in shared programs may be liable for negligence.
• Riders Themselves: Operators can be at fault if they violate traffic laws, ride impaired, or cause harm to others.
• Cities or Manufacturers: Poorly maintained infrastructure or defective products could lead to claims against municipalities or makers.

Proving liability often requires police reports, witness statements, and expert analysis. Victims may recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Safety Tips for Riders in Seattle and Tacoma

Preventing accidents starts with proactive measures. Here are key tips tailored to urban riding:

• Wear Protective Gear: Always use a helmet—it’s strongly recommended, and some cities enforce it for younger riders. Consider gloves, knee pads, and reflective clothing for visibility.
• Follow Local Laws: Stick to designated lanes, obey speed limits (e.g., 15 mph on trails), and avoid sidewalks unless permitted.
• Stay Alert: Keep eyes scanning for hazards, avoid distractions, and be extra vigilant in high-traffic areas like downtown Seattle or Tacoma’s waterfront.
• Maintain Your Device: Check brakes, tires, and battery before riding; listen for unusual noises and address them promptly.
• Ride Sober and Predictably: Never operate under the influence, and signal turns to communicate with drivers.
• Be Aware of Fire Risks: Store batteries safely to prevent fires, as e-device batteries can overheat.

What to Do If You’re Involved in an Accident

If injured, seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Document the scene with photos, gather witness info, and file a police report. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney to navigate insurance claims and potential lawsuits.

At Kobes Legal, we’re here to help victims in Seattle and Tacoma recover what they deserve. If you’ve been hurt in an e-bike or e-scooter accident, reach out for a free consultation. Visit www.kobeslegal.com or call us today—let’s get you back on the road safely.

This article was prepared by Kobes Legal PLLC with support from our content team and approved by attorney Brett Kobes.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney–client relationship. Please consult a licensed attorney about your specific situation.