In recent years, electric bicycles (e-bikes) have become very popular in California and other parts of the country, especially in densely populated urban areas. This is because e-bikes offer a cheaper way to travel compared to traditional commuting methods, like driving a car. Data from the Federal Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) shows that there were 136 million e-bike or e-scooter trips made nationwide in 2019.
In California, which has some of the most populated and technology-conscious areas in the country, e-bike use is especially prevalent. While this is certainly an environmentally friendly way to get around cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco, there’s also a significant risk of accidents and injuries.
Understanding E-Bike Accidents
An electric bicycle, often referred to as an e-bike, is a bicycle that adds an electric motor to provide assistance while you’re pedaling. Unlike a regular bicycle, an e-bike features a sturdier frame, designed to accommodate the motor and its rechargeable battery which are integrated into the bike’s structure.
For a motorized bicycle to classify as an “e-bike”, the pedals must be fully operable and the motor can’t exceed 750 watts.
Even with a sturdier frame, an e-bike still offers little protection for you in the event of being in an accident with a vehicle. Worse yet, being in an e-bike accident with a vehicle is just as likely as a regular bicycle accident to lead to serious, even fatal injuries. According to a study from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), fatal e-bike accidents increased every year between 2017 and 2021.
Source: CPSC
Obviously, there are many different types of injuries that can occur in e-bike accidents, any of which can be fatal under certain conditions. With that said, there are more common types of injuries that are more likely to be fatal:
- Head Trauma – If your head hits a hard surface during an e-bike accident, it can cause serious brain injuries. Even if you’re wearing a helmet, severe head trauma can make you lose consciousness, lead to bleeding in the brain, and be deadly.
- Spinal injuries – A strong impact in an accident can hurt your spinal cord, making you unable to move or feel properly. If the upper part of your spinal cord is injured, it might affect your ability to breathe and could be fatal.
- Chest and abdominal trauma – If your chest or belly gets hit hard in a crash, it can harm important organs like your heart, lungs, liver, or spleen. Bleeding inside your body and organ damage can be very dangerous and even cause death.
- Neck injuries – Big crashes might hurt your neck, causing fractures or damage to the part of your spine in your neck. This could affect your breathing and other really important functions.
- Hemorrhages – A major impact can make you bleed inside your body, and if it’s not treated quickly, it can cause shock and even death.
- Organ damage – If an accident hits you hard, it can hurt important organs like your heart, lungs, liver, or kidneys. This kind of injury could lead to very serious problems that might be deadly.
E-Bike Usage
There’s no denying that e-bikes are becoming more popular. Data from the Light Electric Vehicle Association (LEVA) found that sales of e-bikes increased every year between 2017 and 2020, topping out at 437,000 that year–coincidentally the same year that the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the world.
Source: LEVA
Obviously, using an e-bike has certain benefits as opposed to using a regular bicycle, especially in areas with diverse terrain and population density like California. Typically, these benefits include:
- E-bikes produce zero emissions, helping to reduce pollution and protect the environment.
- E-bikes are cheaper to maintain than cars, with lower fuel and maintenance costs.
- E-bikes can help you navigate through traffic jams and congested areas, saving you time during your commute.
- Riding an e-bike still requires some pedaling, providing exercise and improving your cardiovascular health.
- E-bikes take up less space than cars, making parking much easier and saving you the hassle of searching for a spot.
- Most e-bikes don’t require a driver’s license or insurance, simplifying legal requirements.
Accidents and Injuries Involving Bicycles in California
It’s important to understand that, at least in terms of tracking accidents, e-bikes are lumped in with regular bicycles. Bicycle accidents are, unfortunately, quite common in California. And with the increasing popularity of e-bikes, particularly in the state’s more urban areas, it’s no surprise that e-bike accidents will also be on the rise.
According to the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Record System (SWITRS), there has been an average of 9,203 bicycle accidents over the last five years throughout California. While that number fluctuated during that period, there were nearly 1,100 more bicycle accidents in the state in 2022 than there were in 2021.
Source: SWITRS
Currently, SWITRS doesn’t have dedicated tracking of e-bike accidents throughout the state. However, certain local city councils and governments have taken steps to increase awareness and try to increase overall safety when it comes to e-bikes. Initiatives like Mobility Plan 2035 from the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) and Vision Zero from the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Authority (SFMTA) both place emphasis on improving existing infrastructure for bikers, pedestrians, and e-bike users. That said, studies have found that accidents involving e-bikes are always present.
A study from PLOS One found that electric scooters (e-scooters) and e-bike injuries resulted in a wide range of different treatments in Southern California between 2014 and 2020.
Source: PLOS ONE
Experienced California Bicycle Accident Lawyers Can Help You
Nobody wants to be in a bicycle accident, whether it involves a regular bicycle or an e-bike. But as these statistics show, e-bike accidents are a growing concern in California. At Maison Law, we know how e-bike accidents can affect you and your family. That’s why our team of experienced California bicycle accident lawyers is here to help you. E-bikes are fun, but they can be risky, just like regular bikes.
If you’ve been hurt in an e-bike accident in California, contact us to set up a free consultation to learn about your options.
