VeoRide Electric Scooter Lawsuit Alleges Brake Failure Caused Serious Injuries

Lawsuit claims VeoRide failed to properly inspect, maintain and repair its rental scooters, exposing riders to potentially dangerous equipment.

A California woman has filed a product liability lawsuit against VeoRide, alleging she lost control of a rented electric scooter and crashed after its brakes malfunctioned while she was traveling downhill.

The complaint (PDF) was brought by Sandra Sumandal in the Alameda County Superior Court of California on October 27, naming VeoRide Inc. and other unnamed entities as defendants.

Sumandal claims the electric scooter crash caused her to suffer shock and bodily injuries that required medical treatment.

Electric Scooter Risks

Electric scooters have become increasingly common in cities, offering convenient transportation options through rental services. However, growing reports of rider injuries have raised safety concerns, particularly because the devices are frequently rented without helmets, protective gear or proper safety instructions. Critics also question whether rental companies adequately inspect, maintain and repair their equipment.

Beyond the dangers to riders, e-scooters can create collision risks for pedestrians and motorists. Although serious accidents are relatively rare, the speeds these devices can reach may contribute to severe injuries or fatalities when collisions occur.

As a result, a number of product liability lawsuits have been brought against companies such as Lime, Bird, Spin and Segway in recent years. Many of these complaints allege defective designs, mechanical failures or inadequate maintenance caused accidents that left riders with serious injuries.

Electric Scooter Crash Allegations

According to the complaint, Sumandal rented a VeoRide Cosmo 2 electric scooter in Oakland on November 4, 2024. While traveling downhill toward an intersection, she applied the brakes to slow down, but the lawsuit alleges the brakes failed to respond, causing the scooter to accelerate out of control and crash.

As a result of the accident, Sumandal claims she suffered serious bodily injuries, including shock to her nervous system, which required medical treatment.

The lawsuit accuses VeoRide of negligence, alleging the company failed to properly inspect, maintain and repair the scooter before making it available for rent. Sumandal claims the company knew or should have known that the scooter posed a risk to riders due to potentially defective brakes, but failed to address the problem or warn consumers about the danger.

The complaint further alleges that VeoRide’s failure to maintain the scooter in a reasonably safe condition directly contributed to the brake failure and resulting injuries.

“At all times mentioned Defendants VeoRide, Inc. rented that certain Cosmo 2 Scooter to the general public for its use and owed a duty to the general public who rented the scooter to make it safe in its operation.”

— Sandra Sumandal v. VeoRide Inc. et al.

Sumandal raises allegations of strict liability, negligence and breach of warranty. She seeks compensatory damages for medical costs, future medical treatment, emotional distress, pain and suffering, lost wages and loss of earning capacity.

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