Forensic Investigations in Micromobility Accidents: E-Scooters, E-Bikes, and More

 

Micromobility has exploded in popularity over the last decade, reshaping how people travel in cities and on campuses. Electric scooters, e-bikes, and other compact personal transport devices offer convenience and affordability—but they also bring unique safety challenges and legal complexities.

As their numbers grow, so do the accidents. Garrett Forensics has seen a steady rise in micromobility cases, ranging from rider injuries to pedestrian collisions, equipment failures, and fire incidents. These cases require specialized investigation techniques that blend accident reconstruction, mechanical analysis, and sometimes product liability expertise.

 

The Rise—and Risks—of Micromobility
Micromobility devices are typically light, portable, and powered by small electric motors and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Their appeal lies in low operating costs and easy accessibility—especially with the rise of app-based rental services.

However, their rapid adoption has outpaced safety regulations and infrastructure planning. Common accident scenarios include:

Collisions with motor vehicles in mixed-traffic environments.

Falls due to road hazards such as potholes, rails, or uneven pavement.

Brake, steering, or frame failures during operation.

Battery fires caused by charging issues or manufacturing defects.

Collisions with pedestrians on sidewalks or crosswalks.

 

Key Forensic Questions in Micromobility Cases
Investigations into these incidents often focus on:

Operator behavior — Was the device being used within its intended limits? Was the rider impaired or inexperienced?

Environmental factors — Did road conditions or inadequate infrastructure contribute to the accident?

Device condition — Were brakes, tires, lights, or steering mechanisms functioning properly at the time of the incident?

Battery safety — Was the device’s battery pack properly manufactured, maintained, and charged?

Each of these factors may point toward different responsible parties—ranging from the rider, to the rental company, to the manufacturer.

 

How Garrett Forensics Approaches These Cases
A micromobility accident investigation often begins with securing the device for inspection. From there, Garrett Forensics’ multidisciplinary team may conduct:

Mechanical inspection of brakes, steering, suspension, and frame integrity.

Electrical system testing to check for battery defects, wiring failures, or control unit malfunctions.

Accident reconstruction using scene measurements, witness statements, and sometimes video evidence to determine speeds, angles, and collision dynamics.

Material analysis if component failure is suspected, to identify fatigue, corrosion, or manufacturing flaws.

Biomechanical assessment to evaluate whether injuries claimed align with the forces and motions involved.

 

Special Considerations with Rental Devices
App-based rental scooters and bikes introduce additional investigative challenges:

Devices may be shared by dozens of riders per day, leading to accelerated wear and tear.

Maintenance records can be incomplete or inconsistent, making it harder to establish whether the device was roadworthy.

Built-in GPS and ride data logs can provide valuable insights into speed, route, and braking activity before the incident.

Liability may be spread between platform operators, local municipalities, and third-party contractors.

 

Lithium-Ion Battery Hazards
Battery failures in micromobility devices can be particularly dangerous, often resulting in intense fires. Forensic battery analysis examines:

Internal cell damage from impacts or drops.

Overcharging or charger incompatibility.

Poor heat dissipation design.

Manufacturing defects like dendrite formation leading to short circuits.

In some cases, the investigation extends to chargers and power supplies, especially when fires occur indoors.

 

Why These Cases Require Expert Analysis
Micromobility accidents may appear straightforward, but they involve a mix of:

Mechanical engineering (structural and functional integrity of the device).

Electrical engineering (battery and control systems).

Human factors analysis (rider behavior, visibility, and perception).

Legal complexity (multiple parties with potential liability).

A comprehensive investigation ensures that attorneys and insurers have the evidence needed to determine causation, apportion fault, and assess damages accurately.

 

Conclusion
Micromobility is here to stay—but so are the legal and engineering challenges that come with it. From brake failures to battery fires, these small devices can create big questions in insurance and litigation. Garrett Forensics applies a disciplined, multidisciplinary approach to uncovering the truth—ensuring that every factor is examined, every finding is defensible, and every conclusion is grounded in sound science.