E‑scooters and electric bikes are now a common sight across Belfast and Northern Ireland. Unfortunately, our growing experience is that e-scooters – and many electric bikes – often fail to meet the legal standards required for use on public roads, pavements, and cycle paths. This has contributed to a rise in fairly serious collisions and significant injuries.
If you’ve been injured in an e-scooter or electric bike accident, it’s vital to understand your legal rights, liability issues, and how to recover compensation. At Lacey Solicitors, our Belfast team specialises in personal injury and insurance litigation, acting for injured individuals and insurers alike, with early advice on liability, losses, and compensation.
Rising E‑Scooter Injury Collisions in Northern Ireland
Following on from our recent article about E-Scooter regulations in Ireland, according to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), injury collisions involving e-scooters in Northern Ireland have been steadily increasing:
- 2022/23: 25 injury-involved collisions
- 2023/24: 32 injury-involved collisions
- 2024/25: 41 injury-involved collisions
PSNI also recorded a rise in e-scooter seizures, reflecting enforcement against unlawful use:
- 2022/23: 2 seized
- 2023/24: 23 seized
- 2024/25: 28 seized
This data underscores the growing risk of injury associated with e-scooters in Northern Ireland.
Legal Pitfalls: E‑Scooters and Electric Bikes
There are several critical pitfalls to be aware of:
E‑Scooters
- Restricted to off-road use only
- Illegal on public land, including pavements, parks, and roads
- Using them unlawfully can affect liability, insurance coverage, and compensation claims
Electric Bikes (EAPCs)
- Some electric bikes qualify as Electrically-Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPCs), which are legal on public roads and cycle paths if they meet requirements for pedals, motor power, and maximum assisted speed
- Non-compliant electric bikes are classed as mopeds or motorcycles and must be registered, taxed, and insured
- Injuries involving non-compliant e-bikes may require claims through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) if the rider is uninsured
For the latest rules, always check the PSNI and NI Direct websites. Understanding compliance is key to establishing liability and securing compensation.
EAPC Compliance: How to Tell if an E-Bike Is Legal
Identifying whether an electric bike is an EAPC is often crucial for a claim:
- Accelerates without pedalling: Unlikely to be an EAPC
- Travels at high speed without rider effort: Suggests non-compliance
- Make and model checks online: Most major manufacturers in Northern Ireland only sell compliant bikes
- Obvious modifications: Extra batteries or large motors indicate non-compliance
- Expert assessment: A qualified motor assessor can measure maximum speed and motor output
If a bike is non-compliant, this can strengthen a claim through the MIB, particularly if the rider is uninsured. Challenges arise if the bike has been destroyed or not photographed, but expert analysis and witness evidence can help.
How E‑Scooter and Electric Bike Accidents Happen
Accidents can occur in many ways:
- Collisions with motor vehicles at junctions
- Pedestrian injuries on pavements or public areas
- Loss of control due to road hazards (potholes, wet surfaces)
- Careless or aggressive riding
- Riders failing to wear protective gear
Even at low speeds, e-scooters and electric bikes offer virtually zero protection, so injuries can be serious.
Common Injuries from E‑Scooter and E‑Bike Collisions
- Head and brain injuries
- Facial and dental trauma
- Broken bones and fractures
- Neck, back, and soft tissue injuries
- Psychological impacts, including anxiety or PTSD
Pedestrians and cyclists are particularly vulnerable in pavement or junction collisions.
Immediate Steps After a Collision in Belfast
If you are injured:
- Report the incident to PSNI
- Seek medical attention
- Gather evidence — photos, witness details, dash-cam footage
- Preserve vehicle information, such as make and model
- Keep records of medical treatment and expenses
- Contact a solicitor early – expert advice is essential
Early evidence collection increases the chances of a successful claim.
Making a Compensation Claim
You may be entitled to compensation if your injury was caused by another’s negligence, including:
- Dangerous or careless riding
- Riding unlawfully on pavements or roads
- Breaches of traffic law
- Speeding or loss of control
Compensation Can Include
- Pain and suffering / general damages
- Loss of earnings and future income
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Care costs and adaptations
- Property damage
Awards in Northern Ireland are guided by (the “Green Book”), which ensures consistent valuation of injuries.
Claims Against Uninsured or Untraced Riders
If the e-scooter or e-bike rider does not have insurance, a claim may be made through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).
- Non-compliant e-bikes are treated as motor vehicles, so MIB coverage can apply
- Early expert assessment helps establish liability and compliance status
- Even if the vehicle has been destroyed, witness statements and photos can support a claim
Lacey Solicitors has extensive experience handling these complex MIB claims.
Time Limits for Claims in Northern Ireland
- Standard: 3 years from the date of injury
- Child victims: 3 years from their 18th birthday
Early advice is crucial to avoid losing the right to claim.
Why Choose Lacey Solicitors?
Lacey Solicitors is a Belfast law firm specialising in personal injury and insurance litigation. We are trusted by:
- Injured individuals seeking full compensation
- Insurers managing liability claims
- Clients across the island of Ireland needing expert legal representation
Our team provides:
- Deep experience in road traffic and insurance disputes
- Proven success with uninsured and untraced driver claims
- Expertise in EAPC compliance and liability assessment
Contact Lacey Solicitors Today
With rising e-scooter injury figures in Northern Ireland, early legal advice is essential.
If you’ve been injured in an e-scooter or electric bike accident in Belfast or elsewhere in Northern Ireland, contact Lacey Solicitors for confidential, expert advice and support.
