If you were hit by an e-bike or e-scooter while walking in a crosswalk in Atlanta, you’re probably wondering how responsibility is determined and what laws apply. E-bikes and e-scooters are changing how people move around cities, but they also bring new challenges for pedestrian safety. Knowing the rules in Georgia and understanding what happens after a crash can help you make informed decisions.
E-Bikes and E-Scooters Are Everywhere in Atlanta
E-bikes and e-scooters are now a common sight in Atlanta neighborhoods like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and Downtown. Their speed, size, and quiet operation often lead to close calls—and sometimes, serious injuries—especially when they’re used in ways not allowed under state law.
Many riders ignore traffic signs, ride on sidewalks, or fail to slow down at intersections. When pedestrians are involved, these actions can cause collisions that result in concussions, broken bones, or worse. While some riders act responsibly, the lack of enforcement and rider training often leads to unsafe behavior and preventable injuries.
Georgia Laws That Apply to Riders
In Georgia, electric scooters are regulated under Georgia Code § 40-6-330 and § 40-6-331. Riders must follow the same traffic rules as bicyclists and are expected to ride on the road, not the sidewalk. Scooters are supposed to travel no faster than 20 mph, and sidewalk use is prohibited.
Electric assisted bikes fall under Georgia Code § 40-1-1 and § 40-6-300, which separates them into three classes. According to § 40-6-303, Class 1 and Class 2 bikes are permitted on bike paths, while Class 3 bikes are generally restricted from sidewalks and shared-use paths unless allowed by local ordinance.
For pedestrians, one of the most important laws is Georgia Code § 40-6-91. This law requires drivers, cyclists, and scooter riders to stop for people in marked crosswalks. If a person on a scooter or e-bike ignores that rule and causes a collision, they can be held legally responsible.
Why These Crashes Keep Happening
Most e-bike crashes and e-scooter collisions in crosswalks happen for the same reasons: riders fail to yield, go too fast, or use sidewalks illegally. These devices are fast enough to injure someone seriously, but not always treated with the same caution as cars.
If you were crossing the street with the pedestrian signal on and were hit by a rider cutting through traffic or zipping along the sidewalk, that rider likely violated state traffic laws. These aren’t rare events—they happen because riders take shortcuts or ignore the rules.
Even when a rider doesn’t intend harm, the result can be life-changing. Many devices don’t have lights or horns, and their small size makes them hard to see. The burden often falls on the pedestrian to notice and avoid them, which isn’t always possible.
When the Rider Is at Fault
In Georgia, fault depends on whether someone acted with reasonable care. If a rider ignored a red light, failed to yield in a crosswalk, or rode where they shouldn’t have, they may be found negligent. That means they could be responsible for the cost of your medical bills, time missed from work, and other harm caused by the crash.
Georgia uses a system called modified comparative fault, found in Georgia Code § 51-12-33. If the rider is found to be more than 50% responsible for the crash, they can be held liable. If you were partly at fault—such as stepping into traffic while distracted—you can still recover damages, but the amount may be reduced.
Understanding this system is important because fault isn’t always clear-cut. Multiple parties may argue about what happened, and even small details—like traffic signal timing—can affect the outcome.
Other Parties Might Share Responsibility
In some situations, someone besides the rider may have played a role. If the scooter or e-bike was rented from a company like Bird or Lime, and the brakes or steering failed, that company could be responsible under Georgia’s product liability laws (Georgia Code § 51-1-11). That’s especially true if the device wasn’t maintained properly or had a known defect.
Local governments might also be involved if road design or traffic signals contributed to the crash. For instance, if a broken signal caused confusion about who had the right of way, that could be a factor. Claims against a city or county require special notice and follow a different process under Georgia Code § 36-33-5.
Each of these situations needs close review. There may be video footage, inspection reports, or other evidence that can help clarify what happened and who should be held responsible.
What to Do After the Collision
After being struck, your first step should be to get medical attention. Injuries from these crashes can be deceptive and sometimes get worse over time. Even if you feel okay, a medical evaluation helps document the injury.
It also helps to collect information as soon as possible. Take photos of the crosswalk, the device involved, and your injuries. Write down what happened while it’s still fresh in your memory. If there were witnesses, ask for their names and contact information.
If the device was a rental, try to get a photo of the scooter’s ID number or QR code. These details can be important later, especially if the company needs to be notified. Keep a record of everything—doctor visits, prescriptions, time off work, and any costs you’ve had to cover.
Atlanta Crosswalk Accident Lawyer
Crosswalk crashes involving e-bikes and e-scooters often leave pedestrians with serious injuries and important questions. If this has happened to you or someone in your family, you don’t have to sort through Georgia’s legal system alone. You can talk with an experienced personal injury attorney at Butler Kahn who understands how these cases work and what steps to take. To discuss your options, contact Butler Kahn by calling (678) 940-1444 or contacting us online for a free consultation.
