Electric bikes, or e-bikes, have surged in popularity in recent years. Their eco-friendly design and ability to assist riders with pedalling have made them a compelling choice for commuters and recreational riders alike. However, this rise in e-bike use has coincided with a growing concern about e-bike accidents.
Several factors contribute to this rise in e-bike accidents:
Higher Speeds: E-bikes can reach speeds exceeding 20 mph, which is faster than traditional bicycles. This increased speed can lead to more serious injuries in the event of a collision. It also means that e-bikes on cycle paths or recreational spaces like parks where they come into conflict with pedestrians can cause more serious harm when collisions occur .
Unfamiliarity with E-bikes: Newer riders may be unfamiliar with how to handle the increased power and speed of e-bikes, leading to accidents.
Sharing the Road: E-bikes often ride on the road along with cars and other vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents. Cyclists who do not hold a driving license will not have undergone any training to know how to navigate our road system safely. That is especially prominent in tourist areas where cyclists from abroad may not be familiar with our left hand drive traffic and roundabout priorities, leading to more serious accidents.
What can I do if I was injured in an accident involving an e-bike?
The legal responsibility in an e-bike accident in the UK depends on the circumstances of the incident. Whoever is found to have caused the accident will be liable for damages.
E-bikes that comply with regulations are classified as bicycles Owners of e-bikes may not be aware that if the e-bike exceeds the power limits (250w motor and 15.5mph assisted speed) it’s treated as a motor vehicle. Then, licensing, registration, and insurance requirements for mopeds or motorcycles apply. –
It’s recommended to get third-party liability insurance for e-bikes even if not legally required. Cyclists may have this cover with their home insurance.
Julia Prior, our Personal Injury expert on accidents involving cycles, said “Bringing a claim against an e-bike rider is equally complicated as when bringing a claim against a pedal power bicycle rider. It is not impossible but requires a very experienced solicitor to help you navigate the possible ways of making your claim. In my practice, I always explore whether the rider has any form of insurance that may cover them for the usage of their bike. In the example of cycle schemes, the riders are generally insured by the company providing the e-bikesFor privately owned e-bikes my first point of call is to find out if the rider has home insurance.”
At Enable Law, we have a lot of experience bringing claims to support people that have been injured at accidents involving bikes and e-bikes. Visit here for more information or if you would like a free, confidential discussion to see if we can help you or your loved one, give us a call on 0800 044 8488 or fill in our contact form below.
