The Rising Risk of Kansas E-Bike and
E-Scooter Accidents

Attorney Jerry Wallentine and wife Lisa on bike trail - Kansas E-Bike and E-Scooter Accident

Attorney Jerry Wallentine and his wife, Lisa, are avid exercise enthusiasts. During the warmer months, they can often be found walking or cycling along popular trails in the greater Kansas City area, such as the Indian Creek Trail and Olathe Lake Trail in Olathe, as well as the Flint Hills Trail across Kansas.

Like many others, Jerry and Lisa value this time outdoors together. However, what was once a peaceful evening activity has become increasingly stressful due to the growing presence of electric bicycles and scooters. Each time they head out for a walk or bike ride, it feels as if they have a close encounter with the speeding vehicles. This concern is not unique; in fact, the American College of Surgeons has even described the issue as a potential public health hazard.

The rapid rise in popularity of e-bicycles and e-scooters has created new challenges for both riders and pedestrians. Because these vehicles grew in use so quickly, some cities rushed to implement regulations, while others have yet to enact clear laws at all.

Nationwide, there is ongoing debate about how electric bicycles and scooters should be classified, where they may legally operate—on sidewalks, trails, or roadways—and how to balance the safety of both riders and pedestrians. While riders face obvious risks when traveling near motor vehicles, the greater danger often lies in the crossover of shared spaces between pedestrians and e-bikes or e-scooters.

Although relatively new to the field of personal injury law, Kansas e-bike and e-scooter accidents deserve serious attention. If you or a loved one has been struck and injured as a pedestrian by an electric bicycle or scooter, the attorneys at Wallentine Injury Law are here to help. Our team will guide you through this emerging area of law, protect your rights, and ensure you receive the medical care and compensation needed to move forward.

How Does Kansas Define Electric Bicycles
and Scooters?

Although electric bicycles and scooters have existed for decades, their rapid rise in popularity in recent years—both through individual ownership and urban rental programs—combined with an increase in related injuries, has made clear legal definitions necessary. Because there is no uniform federal definition of e-bikes or e-scooters, each state and local government sets its own rules. In Kansas, the legislature has established specific definitions under the Kansas Statutes Annotated (K.S.A.).

Under K.S.A. 8-1489, an electric-assisted bicycle is defined as:

“A bicycle with two or three wheels, a saddle, fully operative pedals for human propulsion, and an electric motor of not more than 750 watts.”

Moreover, the electric motor on the bicycle must meet one of three classifications.

  • Class 1- Provides assistance only while the rider is pedaling and stops assisting once the bicycle reaches 20 mph.
  • Class 2- Equipped with a motor that can propel the bicycle without pedaling, but stops once the bicycle reaches 20 mph.
  • Class 3- Provides assistance only while the rider is pedaling and stops assisting once the bicycle reaches 28 mph.

By comparison, K.S.A. 8-1498 defines an electric-assisted scooter as:

“Every self-propelled vehicle, other than an electric-assisted bicycle, that has at least two wheels in contact with the ground, an electric motor, handlebars, a brake, and a deck that is designed to be stood upon when riding.”

These definitions play a vital role in determining the legality of the vehicle in the location where it is being operated (which we will discuss later), as well as distinguishing it in the minds of consumers who may think it is simply “a toy” for their child. Unfortunately, many parents have learned the hard way that these vehicles are not toys, through their child being involved in a Kansas e-bike and e-scooter accident.

How Common Are E-Bike and
E-Scooter Accidents?

For years, bicycle accidents have been recognized as more severe than many other forms of transportation. Without the protection of an enclosed vehicle, riders face a heightened risk of injury from external factors and the direct impact of a crash.

The same holds true for electric bicycles and scooters, though with added risks. Because these vehicles are powered by assistive motors, they can reach higher speeds than traditional bicycles or scooters, increasing the likelihood of loss of control. Many riders are also inexperienced, whether children or adults using a rental for the first time, which further contributes to accident risks. Read our Kansas Bicycle Accident Checklist to learn what to do if you or a loved one is involved in a wreck.

The statistics below highlight the growing impact of electric bicycle and scooter crashes nationwide:

While state-specific data for Kansas is limited, local governments, physicians, and residents alike have acknowledged the risks these vehicles present.

Most reported accidents and injuries involve riders themselves, but pedestrians remain at risk as well. Instances of bystanders being struck demonstrate the danger these vehicles can pose to others sharing the road.

Given these trends, electric bicycles and scooters present safety concerns for riders, pedestrians, and communities at large. In response, many local governments have enacted regulations and guidelines aimed at reducing accidents and protecting the safety of all.

child on motorized scooter - Kansas E-Bike and E-Scooter Accident

What Are the Kansas Laws on Electric Bikes and Scooters?

Most states across the U.S. have now adopted some form of regulation for electric bicycles and scooters at both the state and city levels. Kansas not only defines what qualifies as an e-bike or e-scooter but also sets rules for their operation.

State Regulations for Electric Bicycles

Per K.S.A. 8-1592a, the provisions of K.S.A. 8-1586 through 8-1592 regarding regular bicycles are also applicable to motorized bicycles and their operators. Key requirements include:

  • General rules of the road (K.S.A. 8-1401) apply to cyclists.
  • Cyclists must keep as far right as practicable except when passing, preparing for a left turn, or avoiding hazards.
  • Cyclists should use adjacent paths if they are available and usable.
  • Bicycles must have proper lights and reflectors for visibility.

K.S.A. 8-1592b sets out regulations specific to electric bicycles only:

  • An electric-assisted bicycle is considered a vehicle to the same extent as a bicycle.
  • No driver’s license, liability insurance, registration, title, or license plate is required.
  • E-bikes must comply with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission standards.
  • Electric bicycles may be operated in the same locations as regular bicycles.
  • Class 3 e-bikes may not be operated by anyone under 16.

State Regulations for Electric Scooters

Because electric scooters are newer, their regulations are less extensive than those for e-bikes. K.S.A. 8-15,113 provides the following rules:

  • E-scooters cannot be operated on any interstate, federal, or state highway.
  • Bicycle traffic laws also apply to e-scooters, except in prohibited locations.
  • E-scooters may cross federal or state highways, unless restricted by local authorities.

Local Regulations for Electric Bikes
and Scooters

Both K.S.A. 8-1592b and 8-15,113 allow cities and counties to adopt ordinances that further restrict or even prohibit the operation of e-bikes and e-scooters in public areas. Therefore, even with the aforementioned statutes, an individual looking to ride one of these vehicles must also adhere to any local guidelines in their area.

Examples of local regulations near our Kansas office include:

Olathe, KS

  • E-bikes are banned from interstate, federal, or state highways within city limits.
  • E-bikes may not operate on streets with posted speed limits above 35 mph.
  • E-bikes cannot exceed 20 mph.
  • E-scooters may not operate on streets with speed limits above 35 mph.
  • E-scooters cannot exceed 17 mph.

Topeka, KS

  • E-scooters cannot exceed 15 mph.
  • E-scooter riders under 18 must wear a helmet.
  • E-scooters may not operate on streets with speed limits above 35 mph, unless in a bike lane.

Lenexa, KS

  • E-scooters may only be operated on roads with posted speed limits of 25 mph or less, sidewalks, or recreational trails.
  • E-scooters cannot exceed 15 mph.
  • E-scooters are prohibited in public parks.

Johnson County Park and Recreation District

  • Class 2 e-bikes are prohibited on shared-use paved trails.
  • E-scooters are prohibited on shared-use paved trails.

Blue Valley School District

After several incidents, including one collision that left a teacher with a broken elbow, the Blue Valley School District is enacting stricter regulations, including:

  • Elementary and middle school students are required to get a permit for their e-bike or e-scooter. Once the permit is signed by the operator’s parents, the school issues an ID number to be placed as a sticker on the vehicle.
  • Students must power off their e-bike or e-scooter and walk it when on school property. This same rule applies to traditional bicycles as well.

These regulations may affect children in Olathe, Overland Park, and Leawood.

Shopping Centers

  • Prairie Village Shopping Centers (The Shops of Prairie Village, Corinth Square, and Corinth Quarter)- e-bikes and e-scooters are banned without exception.
  • Stanley Square in Overland Park– individuals 17 and younger are prohibited from riding e-bikes and e-scooters on its property.
  • Ranch Mart in Leawood and Overland Park– individuals 17 and younger are prohibited from riding e-bikes and e-scooters on its property.
  • Nall Valley Shops in Leawood– individuals 17 and younger are prohibited from riding e-bikes and e-scooters on its property.

Because local governments set their own rules, discrepancies are common. The safest approach is to confirm local guidelines before operating an e-bike or e-scooter. Being aware of state statutes, city ordinances, and property regulations not only improves safety but may also strengthen a legal claim if you are ever involved in a Kansas e-bike and e-scooter accident.

What Legal Challenges Arise in Kansas E-Bike and E-Scooter Accident Claims?

Micro mobility vehicles can serve as an affordable and convenient alternative mode of transportation. For individuals without a driver’s license, access to a car, or other secure transportation, e-bikes and e-scooters provide a way to travel independently. While these devices offer many benefits, they also create significant legal challenges, both in everyday use and in personal injury claims.

Unmarked Vehicles

One major challenge in Kansas e-bike and e-scooter accidents is the lack of clear vehicle identification. When a car strikes a cyclist or pedestrian, the vehicle is traceable through its license plate and registration. If the driver flees, law enforcement has documentation to track them. By contrast, e-bikes and e-scooters are not required to display identifying information. If a rider collides with a pedestrian and leaves the scene, holding them accountable is much more difficult.

Liability Issues

Another dominant legal complication involves determining liability. Most often, e-bike and e-scooter accidents involving a struck pedestrian occur on sidewalks, trails, or parks where space is shared and traffic patterns are less defined. Without marked lanes or clear right-of-way rules, disputes often arise over who was at fault. Adding in another party, such as the rental company that owns the e-bike or e-scooter, can make liability even more complex.

Insurance Complications

Insurance coverage also presents challenges in Kansas e-bike and e-scooter accidents. State law does not require operators to carry insurance for these vehicles. While some insurers offer policies and recommend coverage due to rising accident rates, most riders have not adopted it. As a result, injured pedestrians may face limited options for compensation if struck by an uninsured micro mobility operator.

Law Enforcement

Although Kansas and some cities have addressed micro mobility use through statutes and ordinances, enforcement often lags behind. Without consistent enforcement, reckless riding continues, placing both riders and pedestrians at risk.

In seeking clarification on how enforcement is handled locally, we reached out to several agencies, including the Olathe Police Department and the Johnson County Park and Recreation District (JCPRD). While those agencies did not respond, a Johnson County commissioner explained that enforcement varies by jurisdiction — each city handles cases within its limits, while the Sheriff’s Office oversees unincorporated areas. However, no new countywide regulations are currently under consideration.

Until laws are more strictly applied, accountability remains limited, and victims of accidents may face additional hurdles when reporting incidents or pursuing personal injury claims.

Attorney Dimarco and Wallentine - Kansas E-Bike and E-Scooter Accident Lawyers

Talk to a Kansas E-Bike and E-Scooter
Accident Attorney

Electric bicycle and scooter accidents are relatively new in the personal injury scene, and often involve significant legal hurdles. You do not have to face them alone.

With over 20 years of combined legal experience, the attorneys at Wallentine Injury Law are well-versed in personal injury claims. Our knowledge, combined with a client-centered approach, allows us to handle even the most complex Kansas e-bike and e-scooter accident cases. While these accidents may be less common than traditional bicycle crashes or car wrecks, they still matter — and you still deserve fair compensation.

Call our Kansas e-bike and e-scooter accident attorneys at 913-934-6333 or contact us online today to hold negligent e-bike and e-scooter riders accountable.

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