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The Rising Impact of E-Bike Accidents: Legal Challenges and Safety Tips

By Shant Karnikian

With summer in full swing, an increasing number of people are opting for e-bikes as a fun and efficient mode of transportation. However, the growing popularity of these bikes has brought a corresponding rise in accidents and injuries, raising serious concerns about safety and regulatory measures.

Recent research reveals a staggering 30-fold increase in e-bike injuries in the U.S. from 2017 to 2022, with hospitalizations escalating by 43 times. Over these five years, more than 45,000 emergency room visits and over 5,000 hospitalizations were attributed to e-bike injuries. Alarmingly, the situation continues to worsen as e-bike usage grows, exacerbating the risk of accidents and injuries among riders.

In a heartbreaking incident, 13-year-old Mark Anthony Giordano tragically lost his life in a recent e-bike accident at the Harrison Metro-North station on June 9, 2024. While attempting stunts atop a five-story parking garage, Giordano’s e-bike struck a wall, causing him to fall over the edge. Despite immediate medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries upon arrival at White Plains Hospital. 

Adding to this sobering reality, on May 20, 2024, actress Nina Dobrev bravely shared her harrowing experience with a recent e-bike accident, disclosing that she underwent surgery as a result of the incident. Dobrev candidly discussed the aftermath on social media, sharing photos of herself wearing a neck brace and knee brace. She shared not only the physical injuries she sustained but also the emotional toll of the accident. These tragedies highlight the significant risks of e-bikes, which can reach high speeds and require specific handling expertise. Current regulatory frameworks often treat e-bikes similarly to traditional bicycles despite their potential for greater speed and different handling dynamics. 

This inconsistency can lead to inadequate safety measures, such as varying helmet requirements and ambiguous speed limits.

The legal landscape for e-bikes is still evolving, with inconsistent regulations creating confusion and potential hazards. In California, for example, e-bikes are classified into three categories based on speed and motor assistance, with each category subject to specific rules regarding age, helmet use, and lane usage​. This inconsistency can lead to accidents, especially when riders and drivers are unclear about the rules.

To enhance safety and reduce the risk of accidents, e-bike riders should adhere to the following tips:

Wear Protective Gear: Always wear a helmet and consider additional protective gear like gloves and padded clothing.

Educate Yourself: Take an e-bike safety course to learn proper riding techniques and safety practices.

Follow Traffic Laws: Adhere to all local traffic laws and regulations specific to e-bikes.

Ensure High Visibility: Use lights and reflective materials to increase visibility, especially at night.

Ride Defensively: Be aware of your surroundings and anticipate the actions of other road users.

The rise in e-bike popularity necessitates a corresponding increase in safety awareness and regulatory clarity. While e-bikes offer numerous benefits, the associated risks must be managed through education, proper equipment, and adherence to legal guidelines.

Kabateck LLP has a distinguished track record of successfully representing clients in complex personal injury cases. We specialize in uncovering negligence and hazardous conditions across various contexts, from traffic accidents involving bicycles and trains to workplace incidents in industrial and agricultural settings. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges of e-bike accidents, including disparate state regulations and classification issues, we are committed to advocating for victims and their families with skill and dedication. KBK is committed to representing individuals injured due to negligence and advocating for safer e-bike practices.