Scooter and E-bike Crashes: The Fastest-Growing Accident Type in Colorado

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Micromobility, including e-bikes, e-scooters, and shared dockless scooters, has exploded across Colorado cities in recent years. Unfortunately, so has the number of crashes and serious injuries involving these devices.

The numbers tell the story

According to a study by the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons, there were more than 2,400 reported scooter-related injuries in Denver between 2020 and 2023, and it only seems to be increasing. In the first six months of 2024 there were 84 e-bike and scooter crashes reported to the police, compared to 53 during that same time period in 2023.

And it’s not just scooters. E-bike use is booming statewide, with an exponentially increase in related hospital visits. Many of these crashes happen in bike lanes, on mixed-use paths, or in collisions with vehicles.

When and how these e-scooter and e-bike crashes happen in Denver

• E-scooter-related injuries occur most often at night and on weekends.
• The highest hospital charges are observed during evening hours and in patients who present with alcohol intoxication.
• Total hospital charges for these injuries are rising annually.

These findings suggest that awareness initiatives and policy reforms could target the times when risk is highest, such as placing restrictions on e-scooter use during peak injury periods. Future studies could also evaluate whether limiting scooter operation in high-risk windows actually reduces injuries and medical costs.

Why the spike in injuries from e-bikes and scooters?

• Speed: Many shared scooters travel 15–25 mph, while private e-bikes often exceed 30 mph.
• Infrastructure gaps: Lack of protected bike lanes means riders often mix with cars.
• Sidewalk riding: Illegal, but still common, also putting pedestrians at risk.
• Visibility issues: Like other bikes and peds, they are relatively small and less reflective, and drivers often do not expect scooters and e-bikes to appear so quickly in traffic.
• Nighttime conditions: Lower visibility and higher rates of impairment contribute to more severe crashes.

How to stay safe on an e-bike or a scooter in Colorado

For riders

• Wear a helmet, follow traffic laws, and ride predictably.
• Avoid sidewalks and use bike lanes where available.
• Only ride during the day.
• Wear bright-colored and reflective clothing.
• Slow down in crowded or low-visibility areas, and never ride impaired.

For drivers

• Always check mirrors and blind spots before turning or changing lanes.
• Give micromobility users ample space, at least 3 feet when passing.

Colorado’s streets can be shared safely if all users commit to awareness and respect. For more on safety trends, visit CDOT’s bicycle and pedestrian safety page.

If you have been injured in an e-bike or scooter crash that wasn’t your fault, call or text 303-388-5304 for free legal advice.