Dangers of E-Bikes: What You Need to Know | Sally Morin Law

The Dangers of E-Bikes – What You Need to Know

E-bikes are enormously popular here in California, and it’s easy to see why. They’re speedy, fun, and much more cost-effective than cars.

But from a bicycle injury attorney’s point of view, e-bikes are dangerous. They can reach top speeds of almost 30 mph and tend to travel dangerously close to fast-moving cars.

The Risks of Riding E-Bikes: Understanding the Dangers

While e-bikes offer numerous benefits, they also present unique safety challenges:

• Increased Injury Severity: Studies, like this one from the National Institutes of Health, show that e-bike accidents often result in more severe injuries than traditional bicycle accidents. Hospitalization rates are higher for e-bike riders.
• Higher Speeds: E-bikes can reach speeds up to 28 mph, significantly faster than most people can pedal on a traditional bike. This speed can be unexpected and difficult to control, especially for inexperienced riders.
• Increased Risk of Internal Injuries: Data indicates a higher incidence of internal injuries in e-bike accidents compared to traditional bicycle or scooter accidents. In accidents, 17.5% of e-cyclists suffered internal injuries compared to 7.5% of bicyclists and 7.5% of scooter riders.
• Pedestrian Collisions: E-bike riders are more likely to collide with pedestrians, potentially due to riding on sidewalks (where permitted) or in shared-use paths.
• Heavier Weight: E-bikes are considerably heavier than traditional bikes, making them harder to maneuver and stop quickly. This added weight contributes to the severity of injuries in a collision.
• Motorist Behavior: Motorists may not always anticipate the speed of an e-bike or give riders sufficient space, increasing the risk of accidents.

Plus, motorists don’t always give bicyclists the respect they deserve. Drivers sometimes act like they own the roads, putting e-cyclists’ safety at risk.

Do You Know California’s E-Bike Classifications?

Before you ride an e-bike, know its pros and cons. An e-bike is fast, but is it too fast for you to control? It’s cost-effective, but an e-bike can also be a target for thieves in cities like LA and San Francisco.

Also, make sure you know the law. Below are the three classifications under which your e-bike will be classified under California law. 

• Class 1: E-bike has a pedal-assisted motor that stops helping at 20 mph.
• Class 2: E-bike has a pedal-assisted motor to 20 mph plus a purely throttle-powered mode.
• Class 3: Pedal assistance continues until the e-bike hits 28 mph.

Class 3 electric bicycles, meaning those with top assisted speeds of 28 mph, are forbidden from using trails or bike paths unless allowed by local authorities. But class 3 e-bikes can usually enter bike lanes or separated bikeways when they are directly adjacent to the roadway under California Vehicle Code Section 21207.5.  

Class 1 and 2 electric bicycles are allowed wherever regular bikes are allowed unless a sign specifically prohibits them. This is important to keep in mind when you’re in a big city like San Francisco or LA, both of which have enacted their own rules. Keep an eye out for signs!

State’s Bike Laws

Your e-bike must also be roadworthy under the state’s bike laws, meaning it must include safety equipment like:

• Handlebars installed no higher than the rider’s shoulders
• Brakes that allow a one-handed stop on level pavement
• A permanent, affixed seat
• Lights at night, including a white headlight attached to either the e-bike or the cyclist
• Reflectors, including a red reflector on the back, white or yellow reflectors on each pedal or the rider’s feet, white or yellow reflectors on the front of the e-bike, and a red or white reflector on both sides of the back of the e-bike

Helmets are mandatory for cyclists under the age of 18. Headphones and earbuds must leave one ear free in California. Bicyclists are also legally prohibited from carrying items on their bikes, including passengers, that will create safety hazards while driving.

All bikes, including e-bikes, must be properly sized so that riders can stop and support the bike with one foot on the ground. Sizing is important because cyclists must come to complete stops at many points during the ride, like at traffic lights.

E-Bike Maintenance and Safety Checks: A Pre-Ride Checklist

Regular maintenance and pre-ride checks are crucial for safe e-bike operation. This checklist helps ensure your e-bike is in good working order:

• Tire Pressure:
  • Check the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) printed on the tire sidewall.
  • Use a pump with a gauge to inflate tires to the correct pressure. Under-inflation increases the risk of pinch flats and reduces efficiency.
• Brakes:
  • Inspect brake pads for wear. Replace them if they’re thin.
  • Test brake levers. They should feel firm and engage the brakes effectively.
  • Check brake cables for fraying or damage.
• Battery Health:
  • Check the battery charge level before each ride.
  • Avoid storing the battery in extreme temperatures (very hot or very cold).
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storage.
• Chain/Drivetrain (if applicable):
  • Keep the chain clean and lubricated. Use a bike-specific lubricant.
  • Check for any stiff links or excessive wear.
• Lights and Reflectors:
  • Ensure all lights are working correctly (headlight, taillight).
  • Clean reflectors to maximize visibility.
• Wheels and Spokes:
  • Check for any loose spokes by gently squeezing pairs of spokes.
  • Make sure the wheels are properly secured to the frame.
• Bolts and Fasteners:
  • Check for any loose bolts, especially on the handlebars, stem, and seat post. Use a torque wrench if you have one, following the manufacturer’s torque specifications.
• Throttle and Pedal Assist (if applicable):
  • Test both the throttle and pedal assist to ensure they’re functioning smoothly.
• Display/Controls:
  • Make sure the display is working and showing accurate information.

E-Bike Insurance in California: Do You Need It?

E-bike insurance isn’t legally required in California in the same way car insurance is, but it’s a wise consideration for many riders. Here’s a breakdown:

• Is it Legally Required? Generally, no. E-bikes that meet the Class 1, 2, or 3 definitions are not considered “motor vehicles” under California law in the same way cars are, so mandatory insurance isn’t required. However, if you modify your e-bike to exceed the legal speed or power limits, it could be reclassified, potentially requiring registration and insurance.
• What Does E-Bike Insurance Cover? Typical e-bike insurance policies can cover:
  • Theft: Reimbursement if your e-bike is stolen.
  • Damage: Repair or replacement costs if your e-bike is damaged in an accident, collision, or by vandalism.
  • Liability: Covers your legal and financial responsibility if you injure someone or damage their property while riding your e-bike.
  • Medical Payments: Can help cover your medical bills if you’re injured in an accident, regardless of fault.
  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Protects you if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance or has insufficient coverage.  

Cost Factors: The cost of e-bike insurance varies based on:

• The value of your e-bike.
• Your location (theft rates in your area).
• Your riding habits (commuting vs. recreational use).
• The coverage limits you choose.
• Your deductible.

When is insurance highly recommended? * If you own a high-value e-bike * If you commute regularly on your e-bike * If you ride in areas with high traffic or high theft rates.

Were You in an E-bike Accident? Take Action!

If you’re injured on your e-bike, it’s worth talking to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. California has many laws that protect e-cyclists, and you’re legally entitled to seek compensation from someone who hurts you.

For example, at Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers, we helped a client who was hit while riding his e-bike in San Francisco land a $70,000 settlement despite the city’s strict bike laws. This kind of victory can be huge for someone who’s struggling to move forward with their life after a traumatic e-bike accident.

Did someone hurt you? We’re here to help e-cyclists. Here at Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers, most of us are cyclists ourselves. We truly care about protecting your rights. Call (415) 413-0033 or get a FREE online case evaluation now.

Further Bicycle accident reading:

We Handle Your Accident Claim So You Can Focus on Your Life

After a personal injury, contact the attorneys at Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers. We handle many areas of the law, including e-bike injuries. We believe you should be able to focus on recovering while we handle the legal details. We truly care about the people of California. Contact us today for a free online case evaluation.