E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular in South Florida, and after a number of serious accidents and even fatalities, cities like Key Biscayne even briefly banned e-bikes to try to figure out how to keep pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers safe.
If you’re an e-bike rider injured in a car accident or a driver injured in an accident caused by an e-bike, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free consultation with a Hollywood accident injury attorney. Since this is an area of the law where local laws and rules are still developing, you may want an experienced attorney to help you seek fair compensation for your injuries.
Understanding E-Bike Injuries
Electric bikes (e-bikes) are bicycles with a rechargeable battery and motor that helps you with pedaling. This increases the speed of these vehicles, which can also heighten the risk of accidents. Both e-bike riders and car drivers need to be aware of this risk and take extra precautions.
E-bike fans can help by:
- Wearing helmets to protect yourself against serious head injury.
- Putting lights on your bike and wearing bright-colored clothing to make you more visible to drivers.
- Not tampering with the e-bikes, making sure the bikes go no more than 28 mph.
- Wearing secure footwear (without laces) and clothes that aren’t too loose to make sure nothing can get caught in the chain or spokes.
- Using extra caution when hopping on or off your e-bike, to account for the fact that these bikes are much heavier than traditional bicycles.
- Using mirrors to get better visibility of the street around you.
- Riding like a vehicle, always following the road signs and never attempting to share a lane with another vehicle.
Another thing that e-bike users can do is to check about recalls. E-bikes come with some additional design flaws and dangers. For example, some bikes have throttles that stick, causing a bike to go faster and faster, even when you’re trying to slow down. Check your model of e-bike to make sure your bike isn’t affected by this design flaw. It’s also a good idea to install upgraded brakes or an emergency cut-off so you can stop your e-bike.
Another issue with e-bikes is the lithium-ion batteries they use. Your battery can fall out if it isn’t securely housed. Always check your battery before you hop on your bike and contact the manufacturer if it keeps falling out. Check recall lists to make sure your e-bike or battery haven’t been recalled and make sure your e-bike is certified by Underwriters Laboratory or another respected organization.
Keep in mind that lithium-ion batteries, including those used in e-bikes, have a risk of fire. Always follow the manufacturer instructions for battery storage, charging, and use. If your battery changes color, has a strange smell or sound, or appears to be leaking, don’t use it and call the manufacturer or shop that sold you your e-bike.
Even if you don’t have an e-bike, you need to be aware of these vehicles, especially if you’re a driver sharing Florida’s roads with an increasing number of these vehicles. Look out for e-bikes and always treat them like another vehicle. Give them plenty of room and prepare for unexpected.
If you do find yourself involved in a traffic accident where an e-bike is involved, contact a Hollywood car accident claims attorney before making any decisions. You may want to discuss whether a design flaw could have contributed to the accident and whether any local e-bike laws were broken. Both these factors could impact who is a liable party in your case and how much compensation you may be able to seek.
To speak with a Hollywood car accident claims lawyer at no cost and with no obligation, call Flaxman Law Group at 866-352-9626. Our team is family-based and has decades of experience helping injured plaintiffs just like you. We’d be happy to discuss your situation and help you understand whether you may have a claim.