For well over 100 years, America’s urban regions have been dominated by infrastructure geared toward cars and trucks, leaving little room for public transportation or greener options. Now, electric bikes, or e-bikes, have grown into an urban phenomenon across the country. Not only are they more environmentally friendly, but they are also more accessible for individuals who struggle to use traditional bikes. Unfortunately, e-bikes are not without their dangers and e-bike accidents are on the rise. If you’ve been injured in an e-bike accident in California, an e-bike accident attorney could help you claim compensation.
What Are E-Bikes?
E-bikes are the newest craze in public and personal transportation. These bicycles run on electricity and are often available for borrowing in public or personal purchase, offering those without reliable transportation an easier way to get around. E-scooters and e-bikes have provided new ways to implement greater public or personal transit options in urban centers without upending the entire city’s existing infrastructure. What sets e-bikes apart is their battery system which supplies more power to the pedals and allows riders to go further and longer than on traditional bikes.
Common Causes of E-Bike Accidents
Both e-bike and e-scooter accidents in California have soared over the past five years, demonstrating a need for increased safety measures. The most common causes of e-bike accidents in California are:
- Failure to yield or stop
- Riding on incorrect areas, such as a sidewalk
- Failure to remain in bike lanes
- Reckless maneuvers
- Intoxicated riding
Injuries on e-bikes and e-scooters are also rising, with many riders failing to take precautions like wearing visible clothing or wearing a helmet.
Types of E-Bike Accident Injuries
Emergency rooms have reported a huge increase in e-bike and e-scooter related injuries and deaths in recent years. In California, many emergency rooms have seen e-bike accident victims suffering from:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Road rash
- Internal bleeding
How Often Do E-Bike Accidents Happen?
Unfortunately, the more casual nature of e-bikes and e-scooters has led to an increase in accidents both in California and across the country, especially among kids and teenagers. Nationwide, in 2022, there was an astonishing 293% jump in e-bike related crashes and 88% jump in e-scooter accidents. A staggering 41% of all e-bike related injuries in California happened in Orange County, where new legislation is being proposed to increase safety measures for e-bike and e-scooter riders.
How Can an E-Bike Accident Lawyer Help?
E-bikes are brand new to the urban transportation space, and many riders and drivers are still trying to understand how to maneuver with e-bikes and e-scooters on the road. E-bikes have undeniable benefits for public health and the environment, but safety remains a concern. With such a huge influx of e-bike accidents, an e-bike accident attorney in California can help victims and their families protect their rights when others act negligently. Our lawyers can investigate the cause of your e-bike accident, collect evidence for your case, and negotiate directly with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair settlement after your e-bike accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are e-bikes considered vehicles on the road?
Yes, e-bikes are road vehicles, first and foremost. This makes safety of particular concern in areas where bike lanes are not consistently marked or aren’t designated in the first place. For safety, if a car wouldn’t do it, an e-bike shouldn’t either.
Do you need a license to ride an e-bike?
No, there is currently no legislation demanding riders of e-bikes or e-scooters receive permits or licenses to operate their vehicles.
Are e-bikes more dangerous than motorcycles?
In terms of the number of injuries incurred from accidents, e-bikes are, in fact, more dangerous than motorcycles. However, the severity of injuries is often greater with motorcycle riders due to the speeds at which they ride.
Do you have to wear a helmet when riding an e-bike in California?
Yes! The California Department of Motor Vehicles states that all e-bike operators must wear a helmet when riding.
Pursuing Compensation for Injured E-Bike Riders in California
E-bikes appear to only be growing in popularity, but with the growth of new eras of transportation, we should also identify areas for improvement. Safety must be a priority, especially among younger riders. At BD&J, we support the implementation of extended safety measures nationwide for e-bike and e-scooter riders, while also supporting those responsible riders who have been injured by negligent car drivers. Our team specializes in assisting those who experienced catastrophic injuries on bikes, motorcycles, and while walking to claim compensation for their extensive injuries. If you were hurt by a negligent driver while on an e-bike, schedule a free consultation today with our e-bike accident attorneys in California to learn if you’re eligible to bring a case.
