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Video: Can Parents Be Liable for eBike, Scooter, or Moped Accidents in Massachusetts?
May 28, 2026
Transcript
Can Parents Be Held Liable for eBike, Scooter, or Moped Injuries in Massachusetts?
Can parents in Massachusetts be held liable if their child injures someone else while riding an e-bike, scooter, or moped? The answer is sometimes, but it depends on the facts. I’m Attorney Tracy Paulsen, founder of Rightful Legal.
Rise of eBike and Scooter Injuries
As e-bikes, electric bikes, electric scooters, and mopeds become more common, we’re seeing more serious injuries involving minors. These are not just childhood bicycle accidents. The devices today can move really quickly.
They can be used in traffic, and when a pedestrian, cyclist, or driver is hit, the injuries can be very significant.
Massachusetts Parental Liability Law
Under Massachusetts law, parents are not automatically responsible for every careless act of their child. But there are several ways that parental liability can become an issue.
First of all, Massachusetts has a parental liability statute for willful acts by unemancipated minors between the ages of seven and 18. That law can apply when a child intentionally causes injury, death, or property damage. But recovery under this statute is very limited.
When Parents May Be Negligent
Secondly, and more often and more important, a parent may face liability based on the parent’s own conduct.
For example, did the parent allow a child to operate a motorized scooter without a license or learner’s permit? Did the parent know that the child was too young, reckless, untrained, or was riding in a dangerous way? Did the parent purchase or provide the device despite knowing it was unsafe for that child to operate?
All of these facts matter.
Scooter and Moped Legal Requirements in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, motorized scooters are subject to very specific rules. Operators must have a valid license or learner’s permit. There are speed restrictions, helmet requirements, and traffic laws. They all still apply.
Evidence in Injury Claims
If a parent allows a minor to use a device in violation of these rules, that can become powerful evidence in a personal injury claim.
The legal issue is not simply, did a child cause the accident? The deeper question is, was an adult negligent in allowing that child to use the device in the first place?
Insurance Coverage Issues
These cases also require a careful insurance analysis. Homeowners insurance, auto insurance, umbrella coverage, and exclusions for motorized vehicles may all become very important.
The coverage question can be just as important as the liability question.
What Victims Should Know
So, if your child was injured by a minor or you were injured by a minor riding an e-bike, scooter, or moped in Massachusetts, do not assume there is no case just because the rider was under 18.
The investigation should look at the parent’s conduct, the parent’s knowledge, the legality of the device, and every possible source of insurance.
Contact Rightful Legal
If you have potential questions about your case, you can reach me directly at 617-821-5856.
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