Unfortunately, with the increasing number of these vehicles on the road, accidents and injuries have also risen. In 2024, there was a 62% jump in fatalities involving electric scooters. From cobblestones to tram tracks and steep turns, these characteristics give Lisbon its charm. However, they also pose a risk to tourists unfamiliar with the conditions. If you’re involved in an incident on your vacation, here’s what to do.

Stay Calm and Get Medical Attention

The most important thing to do after a crash is to move to safety. This will prevent further accidents. Call 121, which is Portugal’s national emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire services.

Ask to be taken to one of the main hospitals. Hospital de São José is in the city center, and Hospital de Santa Maria is near the university. Both have emergency departments. Whether you’re hurt or you feel fine, it’s best to get checked. You might not notice immediately, but you could have bruises, sprains, or even a concussion from falling on the stone.

You may be planning to make an insurance or legal claim once you’re home. In that case, a local attorney, like a Florida personal injury lawyer, can help you understand what steps apply under US law.

Gather Evidence and Report the Incident

If you’re physically able to do so, take photos of everything. If not, ask a travel companion or someone else to do it for you. Make sure pictures are taken before the scooter is moved. Capture the road surface, nearby signs (for reference), your injuries, the scooter itself, and any other vehicle involved.

If anyone saw what happened, get their phone number. Most locals in Lisbon speak some English. Next, report the crash to your rental company. They’ll ask for your rider ID, the scooter number, and where the scooter accident happened. Finally, head to a Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP) station to file a report. This isn’t mandatory. However, it helps with insurance claims.

Contact Your Insurance

As soon as you can, contact your travel insurance company. You must do this before you leave Portugal. In fact, many plans require you to notify them within 24 to 48 hours. If you paid for the rental with a credit card, check whether it offers any travel accident protection. The rental company may provide some coverage themselves, but it tends to be basic third-party only. To make any claim easier, keep copies of all receipts, medical bills, police reports, and anything else related to the incident.

Endnote

Lisbon is a beautiful city to explore by scooter, but it’s built on hills and stone. As a precaution, always wear a helmet and stick to cycle lanes where possible. Avoid risky areas like tram lines, steep downhill streets, and wet cobblestones. If the worst does happen, knowing what to do will help you act quickly. Remain calm, seek medical help, and report the incident. That way, it should have less of an impact on your overall vacation.