The rapid rise of electric scooters and e-bikes has transformed urban transportation, but defective batteries, faulty braking systems, and poor manufacturing quality have led to serious injuries across Pennsylvania. When these devices malfunction due to design flaws or manufacturing defects, riders may face catastrophic injuries including burns from exploding batteries, traumatic brain injuries from sudden stops, and fractures from structural failures. Product liability laws allow injured riders to hold manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable for defective electric mobility devices that cause harm.
The attorneys at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. have extensive experience helping injury victims navigate complex product liability cases involving defective electric scooters and e-bikes. We understand how to investigate manufacturing defects, gather critical evidence, and build strong cases against responsible parties to secure compensation for our clients’ injuries and losses.
Legal Basis for E-Scooter and E-Bike Defect Claims
Pennsylvania product liability law allows consumers to pursue compensation when defective products cause injuries, regardless of whether the manufacturer acted negligently. Three primary theories support these claims: manufacturing defects, design defects, and failure to warn. Manufacturing defects occur when products deviate from their intended design during production, such as improperly installed batteries or faulty wiring that creates fire hazards.
Design defect claims arise when the product’s design itself creates unreasonable dangers, even when manufactured correctly. For example, e-scooters with inadequate braking systems for their weight and speed capabilities may be considered defectively designed. Failure to warn cases involve manufacturers who fail to provide adequate safety instructions or warnings about known risks, such as battery charging dangers or weight limitations.
Strict liability principles mean injured parties do not need to prove the manufacturer was negligent, only that the defect existed and caused their injuries. This legal framework provides stronger protection for consumers than traditional negligence claims, as it focuses on the product’s condition rather than the manufacturer’s conduct.
Common Defects and Manufacturing Issues
Electric scooters and e-bikes contain complex components that can fail catastrophically when manufactured improperly or designed inadequately. Battery systems pose significant risks when defective, as lithium-ion batteries can overheat, catch fire, or explode during charging or use. These incidents often result in severe burns, property damage, and toxic smoke exposure for users and bystanders.
Mechanical failures represent another major category of defects affecting rider safety. Several common issues create dangerous conditions for riders:
- Brake system failures that prevent riders from stopping safely
- Steering mechanism defects that cause loss of control
- Throttle malfunctions that create sudden acceleration or deceleration
- Structural weaknesses in frames, handlebars, or wheels that lead to catastrophic failures
- Electrical system problems that cause sudden power loss or unpredictable behavior
Software and firmware issues in modern electric mobility devices can also create hazardous situations. Faulty programming may cause erratic speed control, sudden power cuts, or failure of safety features designed to protect riders from accidents.
Proving Your Case and Damages Available
Successfully pursuing defective product claims requires thorough investigation and evidence preservation immediately after accidents occur. Retaining the defective device in its post-accident condition provides crucial evidence for engineering analysis and expert testimony. Our legal team works with qualified engineers and product safety specialists to examine devices, identify specific defects, and demonstrate how those defects caused our clients’ injuries.
Documentation plays a critical role in building strong cases against manufacturers and distributors. Medical records establishing the extent of injuries, witness statements describing the accident, and photographs of the scene and device help establish liability and damages. We also investigate recall notices, safety complaints filed with regulatory agencies, and similar incidents involving the same product models.
Compensation in defective product cases may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other economic and non-economic damages. Pennsylvania does not cap economic damages in product liability cases, allowing full recovery of financial losses. In cases involving particularly egregious conduct, punitive damages may be available to punish manufacturers and deter future misconduct.
Our attorneys handle all aspects of product liability litigation, from initial investigation through trial if necessary. We negotiate with manufacturers’ insurance companies and legal teams while preparing for litigation to ensure our clients receive fair compensation. Personal injury cases involving defective products often require extensive discovery, expert testimony, and complex legal arguments that benefit from experienced representation.
Contact Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. for Defective Product Injury Cases
Injuries caused by defective electric scooters and e-bikes can result in substantial medical expenses, permanent disabilities, and significant pain and suffering that may continue for years. Product liability law provides important protections for consumers harmed by dangerous devices, but successfully pursuing these cases requires thorough investigation, technical understanding, and skilled legal advocacy. We help injured riders hold manufacturers accountable while securing compensation for their injuries and losses.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. has been recognized as a “Best Law Firm” by U.S. News & World Report every year since 2010, reflecting our commitment to achieving positive outcomes for injury victims. With over 65 years of combined experience, our legal team provides compassionate representation while fighting aggressively to protect your rights against large manufacturers and insurance companies. Contact us today at (215) 822-7575 or through our contact form to discuss your defective product injury case.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
Pennsylvania Attorney's
October 22, 2025
