On July 19 in Myślenice, a Bolt‑rented electric scooter broke down, causing Piotrka to suffer fractured wrists, prompting a police investigation and a dispute over company liability.
Accident and Injuries
Piotr was riding an electric scooter rented through Bolt’s app on the Osiedle Tysiąclecia sidewalk in Myślenice. During the ride, the front wheel detached sharply, and he fell, breaking three bones in the left wrist and a small finger in the right hand. He received an ambulance at the scene and was taken to a hospital where a cast was applied in mid‑August.
Police and Prosecution Findings
The local police confirmed the incident, stating that Piotr, a 34‑year‑old male, was sober and no other parties were involved. The Prosecution Office noted that the scooter was not technically sound, with corroded steering components that led to a broken steering tube and wheel failure. No liability for damages has been established yet.
Bolt’s Response
Bolt’s Safety Team sent an email acknowledging the accident and apologized for Piotr’s suffering. They also stated that “Bolt’s responsibility for the reported damages has not been confirmed” and that the company could not cover the costs. Bolt reiterated that safety is its top priority and that all scooters undergo safety checks every 2–3 days.
Insurance Stance
The insurance partner of Bolt informed Piotr that a claim would only be valid if he registered a minimum of 15‑percent permanent disability. Piotr’s injuries, while severe, did not meet that threshold according to the insurer’s assessment.
Potential Litigation
Piotr indicated he would consider legal action if no agreement is reached with Bolt, arguing that the system of monitoring rental scooters in Poland is ineffective and that users face real danger without company support.