E-bikes and e-scooters have become increasingly common over time, with an estimated one million e-bikes sold annually across the United States. However, this growth in popularity has also resulted in an increased number of e-bike accidents, resulting in potentially life-threatening injuries. But how do e-bike accidents happen, and what makes them so dangerous?
What Are E-Bikes?
E-bikes and e-scooters are similar to traditional bikes and scooters, except they have electric motors to enable faster speeds than they otherwise would be able to achieve. Even lower-end models can potentially accelerate to up to 30 mph, while higher-end models can reach more than double that speed. However, many of these faster models are not street legal, but that does not stop people from purchasing or riding them.
What Causes E-Bike Accidents?
In many respects, e-bike accidents are enabled by the same issues that can cause any other type of auto accident: distracted driving, drunk driving, and ignoring traffic laws can all contribute to the risk of an accident. However, laws around e-bikes are relatively lax, and not always consistently enforced.
For example, in New York, anyone who is 16 or older can ride an e-bike without a license, and anyone 18 or older does not need a helmet. Combine this with reckless behavior like having multiple people ride on the same bike, and the risk of a serious accident increases dramatically.
What Makes E-Bike Accidents So Dangerous?
Part of the issue is that people think of e-bikes as simply being another type of bicycle, when in reality they are closer to motorcycles in terms of the danger they pose to their rider and to others on the road. Pedestrians, in particular, are in serious danger of being gravely injured if an e-bike driver collides with them. Victims may suffer from broken bones, internal injuries, spinal injuries, or even traumatic brain injuries, and some do not survive the crash.
What Should You Do?
If you or someone you love has been injured in an e-bike accident, you may have legal options available to you. That is why you need to speak to a lawyer with experience handling personal injury matters. They can help you review the circumstances of your case, and ensure you get the best possible outcome for your situation.
For more than 50 years, the New York lawyers at Elovich and Adell have represented clients like you in personal injury cases. Our attorneys, conveniently located in Long Beach, handle personal injury, real estate, commercial transactions, criminal defense, and labor and employment claims all across New York State. For a consultation, please call us at 516-432-6263 or visit our contact page for more information.
