Micromobility devices, such as e-bikes and e-scooters, have experienced a surge in popularity in Santa Fe and throughout New Mexico. They offer convenient, eco-friendly ways to navigate the city, but they also come with significant safety risks. From Hunt Law Firm, here’s what you need to know about the latest accident trends, why these crashes happen, how to avoid them, and what legal options are available if you’re injured.
Rising Accident Rates: National & State Trends
While statewide data is limited, national statistics provide a clear warning:
- E‑bike fatalities climbed sharply, from six deaths in 2018 to 42 by 2022—a 600% increase over five years. In 2022 alone, nearly half of all e‑bike injuries since 2017 occurred, and 55% of fatalities involved motor vehicle collisions.
- E‑scooter injuries surged 21% from 2021 to 2022, making up nearly half of micromobility device injuries in 2022.
- Children under 14 accounted for 36% of all micromobility injuries between 2017 and 2022, despite making up only 18% of the U.S. population, double their proportional share.
Locally, Santa Fe and Albuquerque mirror national trends: the Santa Fe Metropolitan Planning Organization warns of “overly high” crash rates involving scooters and bike-share programs, while Albuquerque has cracked down on sidewalk parking due to safety concerns . Though precise city-level injury numbers aren’t publicly available yet, the increases are alarming.
Why These Accidents Happen
Collisions with Motor Vehicles
More than half of fatal e‑bike accidents involve cars, and distracted or aggressive driving is a major contributor  .
Loss of Control & Road Hazards
Rider inexperience, sudden obstacles (such as potholes and debris), and mechanical defects are leading causes. A large chunk of e‑bike fatalities result from losing control, and scooter accidents often happen at intersections.
Equipment Issues
Brake failures, handlebar malfunctions, and abrupt stops due to software glitches increase the risk of crashes.
Lack of User Protection
Many riders forgo helmets, and devices often lack crash-resistant designs, which can magnify injury severity.
How to Reduce Your Risk
- Always wear a helmet and other protective gear.
- Inspect the device before riding: brakes, tires, handlebars, lights.
- Ride defensively: keep alert at intersections, obey traffic rules.
- Avoid distractions: no phones or earbuds while riding.
- Follow speed limits: particularly in busy or uneven areas.
- Don’t ride impaired: alcohol or substances significantly increase crash risk.
Cities and operators can help by investing in bike lanes, repairing potholes, and implementing stricter safety standards, but riders must also prioritize caution.
What to Do After an Accident in Santa Fe
- Seek immediate medical attention: even minor injuries can worsen.
- Document everything: photos of injuries, equipment damage, road conditions, and the vehicle involved.
- Collect evidence: witness info, police reports, GPS data, rideshare logs.
- Report defects: notify the e‑scooter/e‑bike provider about any malfunction.
- Notify your insurer and start a claim: even if you’re not at fault.
- Contact an attorney right away: evidence degrades fast, and municipalities or insurers can shift blame.
Legal Options for Injury Victims
If you’re injured by a negligent driver, defective device, or unsafe road conditions, you may have legal recourse:
- Claim against the at-fault driver: Seek medical bills, lost income, pain, and suffering.
- Product liability: If a defective e‑scooter or e‑bike contributed to the accident, manufacturers may be sued.
- Municipal liability: In rare cases, city negligence (e.g., failing to fix dangerous potholes) may be responsible.
- Comparative fault: New Mexico uses a “pure comparative negligence” rule—it allows recovery even if you are partly at fault, though your damages are reduced proportionally.
At Hunt Law Firm, our team has experience with similar micromobility cases. We’ll preserve evidence, leverage expert testimony for accident reconstruction, and navigate claims to secure the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Hunt Law Firm
- We prepare your case as if it’s going to trial, with access to accident reconstruction and liability experts.
- We understand New Mexico’s liability rules and how to maximize recovery, even when multiple parties share fault.
- You receive prompt, empathetic service and no fees unless we win.
Get Help Today
If you or a loved one has been injured on an e‑bike or e‑scooter in Santa Fe or elsewhere in New Mexico, you don’t have to go it alone. Contact Hunt Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing.