A Milwaukee nightclub owner is recovering from serious injuries after a Lime scooter rider plowed into him on a King Drive sidewalk, slamming him to the pavement and leaving him facing spinal surgery, according to his friends.
Video of the collision shows the rider barreling straight into the man as he steps out of a bar onto the sidewalk. The impact sends him crashing backward, and friends say he was left with head, rib and foot injuries. Witnesses told police the scooter rider stayed at the scene, and Milwaukee police are now investigating.
TMJ4 reports that the victim has been identified as Dave Wolz, who owns a nightclub in Walker's Point. The station says Wolz gave permission to use the surveillance footage and that his friends say he will need surgery on his spine. According to the same report, Milwaukee's Department of Public Works has already logged 266 reports of improper scooter usage in 2025, with about 16 percent involving riders using scooters on sidewalks.
What the Law Says
Under Wisconsin law, riders operating electric scooters on sidewalks are required to yield to pedestrians and exercise due care, in line with Wisconsin Statute 346.805, as published on Justia.
Milwaukee's dockless scooter ordinance gives the city power to impound scooters that are operated improperly and to set specific operating restrictions for scooter companies, according to Milwaukee Legistar records. The city's dockless terms also require scooter operators to use geo-fencing and follow parking standards designed to keep sidewalks clear, under a Milwaukee DPW agreement.
Calls for Tougher Enforcement
People who have seen the video say the crash highlights a growing problem in busy corridors where scooters, cars and pedestrians all compete for space.
"People are just picking up these Lime scooters kind of weaving inbetween traffic, on the sidewalk but they have no helmets," said visitor Kate Fregetto of Chicago in an interview with TMJ4. She urged Lime to tighten geo-restrictions so that rides are blocked in crowded areas during game days and other big events.
City Steps and Safety Questions
Milwaukee's agreement with scooter operators already requires them to create no-ride zones, follow parking rules and keep sidewalks passable, while the city has paired those rules with helmet distributions and other safety outreach.
The operator program also generates permit revenue that is folded into broader transportation planning. Advocacy voices, however, argue that education alone is not enough and that consistent enforcement of scooter rules will be needed to prevent more crashes like the one that injured Wolz.
Milwaukee police are continuing to investigate the incident, and it is not yet clear whether any charges will be filed. Anyone with footage or information related to the crash is asked to contact Milwaukee police.
