As rental scooters and mopeds become increasingly popular across Hawaii, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Honolulu and Waikiki, collisions between these two-wheeled vehicles and full-sized motor vehicles are on the rise. While scooters offer a convenient and affordable way to get around, they also inspire serious safety risks—particularly when they’re sharing the road with cars, trucks and buses. To that end, when a crash occurs, scooter riders are often the ones who suffer the most serious injuries of all of those involved.
In Hawaii, both e-scooters (electric stand-up scooters) and mopeds (small motorized scooters) are legal on public roads, but they must follow certain rules. Riders are required to obey traffic laws, signal turns and ride in designated areas. Despite these regulations, many drivers fail to notice scooters or do not give them the space and respect they deserve. This lack of awareness, combined with scooter riders’ exposure and limited protection, can result in devastating injuries when accidents happen.
Common crash causes and navigating the aftermath of such tragedies
Common causes of scooter-motor vehicle collisions include distracted driving, failure to yield, speeding, unsafe lane changes and opening car doors into traffic. Tourists unfamiliar with local traffic patterns or scooter operation may also make dangerous mistakes, adding to the risk. In some cases, defective scooter design or poor road maintenance may contribute to the cause(s) of a crash.
In the aftermath of a scooter collision, victims may suffer a wide range of injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, lacerations and internal injuries. Medical bills can quickly pile up, especially if long-term rehabilitation is needed. Lost income, emotional distress and pain and suffering are also common consequences.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a scooter collision in Hawaii, it’s important to understand your legal rights. A personal injury claim may potentially be filed against the at-fault driver, scooter rental company or another responsible party, depending on the circumstances of your situation. For example, if a driver was negligent—such as by texting while driving or failing to check blind spots—they may be held liable. If the scooter malfunctioned due to poor maintenance, the rental company where you borrowed a scooter from may bear responsibility.
Scooter accidents can be life-changing, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. With appropriate legal guidance, you can seek justice and secure the compensation you need (and deserve) to recover and move forward.