Electric scooters seem like the perfect solution for getting around the neighborhood or making quick trips to school. They’re convenient, popular, and kids love them. However, many Arkansas parents may not realize that e-scooters can reach speeds of 20 miles per hour or more, and the associated injuries are becoming increasingly severe. In many cities, safety regulations have yet to catch up with e-scooter usage.
A study by ERideHero found that e-scooter injuries in the United States jumped by 80 percent in 2024 alone, reaching nearly 116,000 cases. Among children under 15, the numbers more than doubled, with close to 18,000 kids getting injured. One children’s hospital in Pennsylvania reported treating more young e-scooter riders in 2025 so far than they did in the entire three-year period before that.
How Are E-Scooter Injuries Happening?
Accidents can occur when children are struck by cars while riding on main roads or sidewalks. Many of these crashes happen during routine activities like traveling to or from school, or in the evening when visibility is poor. E-scooter accidents can result in serious injuries like skull fractures and head trauma, broken bones, and internal organ damage.
E-scooters have small wheels that make them particularly unstable on bumpy roads or uneven pavement. Distraction also plays a major role. Young people often ride with headphones in or while trying to text, and even a few seconds of inattention can be dangerous.
Speed is another factor, as e-scooters can reach 20 miles per hour or higher with little effort. When a child gets hit at those speeds, the injuries tend to be much worse than regular bicycle accidents.
What Does Arkansas Law Say?
Under Arkansas law, riders must be at least 16 years old to operate an electric scooter on public roads. The maximum speed allowed is 15 miles per hour. Helmets are only required for riders under 18 using shared rental scooters.
Liability for an e-scooter accident depends on the circumstances. If a driver hits a child on an e-scooter, the driver may be liable for damages, especially if they were speeding or distracted. If a shared rental scooter had a mechanical defect or wasn’t properly maintained, the scooter company could be responsible. Property owners may be liable if dangerous conditions on their property contributed to the accident.
If you or your child has been injured in an e-scooter accident, it may be possible to pursue compensation for the resulting costs. Arkansas follows a modified comparative fault rule. If your child is found partially at fault for the accident, compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. If they are 50 percent or more at fault, no damages can be recovered.
How to Keep Kids Safe
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under 16 shouldn’t ride e-scooters as doing so requires the same attention and maturity as riding a small motorcycle. Additionally, wearing a helmet is crucial for preventing serious head injuries. In 2024, over 18 percent of e-scooter injuries involved head trauma.
Before every ride, check that the brakes and other parts of the e-scooter are working properly. Riders should also use lights and wear reflective clothing, especially in the dark. Kids should never use headphones or smartphones while on e-scooters.
Even minor accidents can result in underlying injuries. Look out for delayed concussion symptoms for at least 24 hours after a crash. Warning signs include headaches, vision changes, nausea, or vomiting. If you notice these, go to the ER immediately.
When to Contact an Arkansas Personal Injury Attorney
If your child has been injured in an e-scooter accident, you may be dealing with expensive medical bills and emotional distress. Insurance companies often try to minimize or deny claims, shifting blame onto victims. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal options and negotiate on your behalf.
At the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, we help injured families across Northwest Arkansas recover the compensation they deserve. If your child has been hurt in an e-scooter accident in Fayetteville, Bentonville, Springdale, Rogers, or anywhere else in Arkansas, contact us today for a free consultation.
