Recently, the popularity of electric bicycles, or e-bikes, has seen a major increase in Los Angeles, as well as other urban areas throughout California. As gas prices and other commuting related costs have increased, e-bikes have provided a more cost-effective alternative for getting around.
Because they are a relatively new entity on Los Angeles roads, there is some confusion regarding the laws that apply to e-bikes and how they are different from other bicycles. Not only that, but the opportunity for an accident or injury are just the same with an e-bike as there are for regular bicycles. In fact, data from a recent study by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) found that e-bike accidents that resulted in trips to emergency rooms rose 70% between 2017 and 2020. Thus, using an e-bike in crowded and congested areas like Los Angeles pose a risk for accidents and injuries.
Experienced and Knowledgeable E-Bike Accident Lawyers in Los Angeles
If you find yourself in a situation where you are involved in an e-bike accident in Los Angeles, having support from our team of experienced and knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyers at Maison Law can help you navigate this challenging time and help ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Like any accident involving two or more parties, fault will need to be determined in order to determine damages and work out insurance considerations, but our team has years of experience doing just that. To learn more about what we can offer you, contact us for a free consultation.
What Are E-Bikes?
An electric bike, or e-bike, is a bicycle with an electric motor to assist you when you’re pedaling. The frame of an e-bike is much thicker than a normal bicycle because the motor and its rechargeable battery are mounted on the bike itself.
To classify as an e-bike, the motor has to:
- Help you pedal rather than propel you on its own.
Thus, an e-bike is one where you pedal and rely on a battery to power the motor. Rather than the motor propelling you, the power that an e-bike delivers is regulated based on how hard you are pedaling.
Further, many e-bike systems offer a number of modes to choose from, allowing you to balance the amount of power supplied through the pedals with range and battery life.
How Does An E-Bike Differ From a Regular Bicycle in Los Angeles?
Aside from its mechanical differences, there are other ways that e-bikes are classified differently than regular bicycles in Los Angeles. According to the law, e-bikes:
- Don’t need to be registered
- Don’t have to be insured
- Don’t require a driver’s license to ride them
Legally, e-bikes are split into three classifications: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3.
- Class 1 e-bikes are pedal assisted and offer a maximum of 20 MPH assist from the electric motor.
- Class 2 e-bikes provide electric power from the motor whether you are pedaling or not, but stop providing power once you reach 20 MPH.
- Class 3 e-bikes continue providing electric power up to 28 MPH.
Like other bicycles, e-bikes are allowed on bike paths, roadways, and most public roads. The only exception here is Class 3 e-bikes, which aren’t allowed on bike paths. Additionally, there are no maximum power regulations for e-bikes, and California’s helmet laws also apply, with riders under the age of 17 being required to wear a helmet.
Common Injuries in E-Bike Accidents in Los Angeles
The nature of e-bike injuries aren’t that different from accidents involving regular bicycles. In fact, much like regular bicycles, e-bikes offer very little protection from other vehicles, especially when there is a collision between you and a larger, heavier vehicle. Most of the time, these types of accidents lead to the following injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Concussions
- Head and neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Muscle sprains or strains
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Lacerations
Because these injuries will likely be serious, the road to recovery will be difficult. Hospital visits, specialists, and rehabilitation may become frequent. This can cause a great deal of strain, both financially and mentally.
Different Types of E-Bike Accidents in Los Angeles
Not surprisingly, e-bike accidents in Los Angeles can involve many different scenarios. Because they are used largely on city streets, there are various factors that are typically involved in these accidents in Los Angeles, which has over 23,000 miles of street available for e-bike riders. All of these factors can lead to accidents, including:
- Struck by another vehicle – Probably the most common accident involving e-bikes occurs when a driver strikes a rider. These also lead to the most serious injuries, as the person on the e-bike has virtually no protection against a moving car. Because the vast majority of e-bikes are operating on Los Angeles’ busy city streets, they are traveling among a large number of fast moving cars. Because things are moving so fast, a split second decision or mistake can lead to serious consequences, either in the form of an injury or property damage.
- Losing control of the e-bike – Because they are a relatively new entity, most e-bike riders don’t have a wealth of experience in riding these devices. This can cause obvious issues, usually resulting in the person falling off of the e-bike and injuring themselves or colliding with parked cars or other stationary objects, causing property damage.
- Mechanical or equipment failures – Not only is the use of e-bikes relatively new, so too is the technology that operates them. What this means is that the bike itself can malfunction. When that happens, the person on the e-bike is very likely to be injured, usually being thrown off the e-bike and down onto the pavement. Further, like other bicycles, e-bikes can suffer brake failure and other equipment malfunctions that can lead to accidents.
Who Is Responsible for an E-Bike Accident in Los Angeles?
The answer to this question depends highly on the circumstances of the accident. Generally, fault is assigned among three parties:
- Driver of vehicle that struck a person on an e-bike
- The manufacturer of the e-bike
- The city or entity that is responsible for maintaining the roadway where the e-bike accident occurred
Like any other accident, a driver is at-fault when their negligent or reckless driving caused the accident with the e-bike.
As to the other entities, the e-bike manufacturer is liable for any injuries the bike user suffers because of a mechanical failure or an otherwise defective part or software causes an accident.
Along those same lines, the City of Los Angeles or State of California can be held liable if the e-bike accident or injury is caused by an improperly maintained road or sidewalk.
As with other accidents, California has a “comparative negligence” statute, which holds that any percentage of your recovery is reduced by the same percentage of fault you are deemed to have contributed to the accident.
Consult a Knowledgeable Los Angeles E-Bike Accident Lawyer
Being injured in an e-bike accident can be a scary experience. Thankfully, if you decide to work with our knowledgeable, experienced Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyers Maison Law, you don’t have to go through this alone.
We know how to position your case to get you the much-needed support you need to restore your health. If you have been injured in an accident involving an e-bike, contact us today for a free consultation.
