Lime Bike Lawsuit Alleges Brake Failure Caused Severe Arm Fracture

Lawsuit claims a lack of maintenance on Lime rental bicycles, combined with insufficient safety instructions, puts riders at an increased risk of injury.

A Texas woman has filed a product liability lawsuit alleging she fell and broke her arm while riding a Lime bicycle due to defectively designed brakes.

The complaint (PDF) was brought by Brittany Perkins in the Travis County District Court of Texas on June 25, naming Neutron Holdings Inc., doing business as Lime, as the sole defendant. The case was removed to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas on August 13 .

Perkins’ lawsuit alleges her injuries occurred because Lime negligently failed to inspect or maintain its publicly accessible e-bikes and e-scooters. As a result, she indicates the brakes on the Lime bike she used malfunctioned, throwing her from the vehicle.

Electric Bicycle and Scooter Risks

Electric bikes and scooters have become popular rental options in many urban areas. However, as reports of rider injuries increase, critics have raised concerns that the devices are often rented without helmets, safety training or other protective equipment, and may not receive adequate maintenance or repairs.

In addition to risks for riders, e-bikes and e-scooters can pose collision hazards for pedestrians and other vehicles. Although these incidents are relatively uncommon, the speeds at which the devices travel can result in serious injuries or deaths when crashes occur.

As a result, numerous e-bike lawsuits and e-scooter lawsuits have been filed against Lime, Bird, Spin, Segway and other companies in recent years. Many of these claims allege riders suffered serious injuries due to malfunctioning or defectively designed equipment.

Lime Bicycle Lawsuit Allegations

According to this recently filed complaint, Perkins and a friend were leaving an event in Austin on November 9, 2024, when they rented Lime e-bicycles to return to their car. As they rode downhill, Perkins attempted to slow the bicycle, but the brakes allegedly failed to respond.

The filing states the bicycle continued accelerating toward a busy roadway, forcing Perkins to choose between entering traffic or attempting to get off while the bike was still moving. She tried to dismount but was unable to do so safely because the bicycle would not slow down.

Perkins alleges the bicycle ultimately crashed into the pavement, throwing her from the seat. She suffered a broken arm that required surgery.

The lawsuit claims Lime places its bicycles and scooters on public streets with little instruction, no meaningful rider training and limited access to safety equipment. Perkins also alleges the bicycles remain in constant circulation without adequate inspections for wear, damage or needed repairs.

According to the complaint, Lime was aware that inadequate maintenance and equipment failures could place riders at risk. Perkins points to prior consumer reports and other Lime bicycle lawsuits involving similar alleged malfunctions and rider injuries.

“Lime users are routinely injured – in some cases very seriously – by Lime’s braking system, as public records show.”

— Brittany Perkins v. Neutron Holdings Inc.

The complaint presents claims of negligence and gross negligence. It seeks compensatory damages for pain and suffering, medical expenses, disfigurement, physical impairment and loss of earning capacity.

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