Amazon E-Scooter Lawsuit Claims Defective Aovopro Device Threw Rider Onto Pavement

Manufacturers knew, or should have known, the e-scooter was prone to failure, making it inappropriate for the types of spins and jumps it was promoted as being able to perform by the company CEO.

Both the makers and distributors of a popular Aovopro electric scooter face a product liability lawsuit filed by a Florida man, who alleges that a design defect caused him to be thrown from the scooter, resulting in severe injuries.

The complaint (PDF) was originally brought by Ryan Murray in Florida Circuit Court on April 22, and it was removed to the U.S. District Court of Florida on June 15, naming Amazon.com Services LLC, Amazon Logistics Inc., Prime Now LLC, Aovopro Electric Scooters, and Huizhou and Peter Technology Co. as defendants.

Murray claims he suffered permanent disfigurement and disability after an Aovopro e-scooter wheel stem unexpectedly failed, violently throwing him to the ground.

Electric Scooter Risks

Aovopro is a brand of electric scooters powered by rechargeable batteries. They are intended for short distance travel on roads, bike lanes and sidewalks, and have been marketed to teens and young adults by the CEO, who has demonstrated aggressive spins and tricks with the products.

While e-scooters have become increasingly popular in recent years, their widespread use has also raised concerns about rider safety, especially when the devices contain design defects or otherwise fail during use.

A lawsuit was filed in March alleging a defective Amazon e-scooter collapsed during normal use and threw the rider to the ground. The woman suffered orthopedic injuries and other soft tissue injuries. In May, a complaint was filed against Lime, alleging the e-scooter’s defective design caused a woman’s fall, resulting in a traumatic brain injury as well as other life-altering injuries.

Amazon E-Scooter Injury Allegations

Murray alleges his mother purchased the Aovopro e-scooter from Amazon when he was 17 years old. He was using the scooter on April 26, 2024, when the suspension and the front wheel stem suddenly failed, throwing him violently from the device. At the time, the lawsuit notes that Murray’s face struck the pavement and he sustained severe injuries.

Murray was hospitalized with catastrophic bodily injuries that caused permanent scarring, disfigurement and disability. He indicates that he will continue to suffer ongoing health issues and disability in the future.

The filing claims the scooter was unreasonably dangerous and the manufacturer, along with Amazon, either knew of the design flaw or failed to test the scooter sufficiently to detect the defect. Murray claims safer alternative designs were available, yet the companies failed to implement them.

“Defendants, Amazon.com, Amazon Logistics, Prime Now, and H&P Technology knew that the scooter posed a substantial risk of harm because it had an unreasonably dangerous propensity to rupture and fracture during known foreseeable use, which included jumps and spins.”

— Ryan Murray v. Amazon.com Services LLC et al.

The complaint raises allegations against Aovopro Electric Scooters and H&P Technology over their role in designing and manufacturing the defective scooter. It also alleges Amazon shares responsibility for the sale of the scooter on its online marketplace and fulfillment system.

In addition, the filing raises claims of strict liability against all defendants, as well as negligence against Amazon.com, Amazon.com Services LLC and Prime Now.

Murray is seeking damages for mental anguish, pain and suffering, hospitalization expenses, medical care expenses and treatment, loss of income and loss of earning capacity.

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