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Injured in a bicycle accident? Our experienced attorneys are ready to fight for your rights.
Bicycle Cases We Handle
- Dooring Accidents
- Right Hook Accidents
- Left Hook Accidents
- Sideswipe Accidents
- Crosswalk Accidents
- Road Rage Incidents
- Hit and Run Incidents
- E-Bike Crashes
- E-Scooter Crashes
- Bus Collisions
- Truck Collisions
- Rideshare Collisions
- Taxi Collisions
- Failure to Stop Accidents
- Underinsured Motorist Collisions
- Product Liability Claims
- Delivery Worker Accidents
- Messenger Accidents
- Bike Share Incidents
E-Bike Bicycle Accidents
Helping Victims of Electric Bike Accidents Seek Compensation
Our Chicago bike crash lawyer team has a proven record of securing compensation for injured cyclists in Chicago. E-bike accidents can lead to serious injuries, leaving victims with medical expenses, lost income, and property damage. We have recovered millions in bike crash settlements, including:
- $1,000,000 – A 26-year-old cyclist suffered a torn rotator cuff when a driver unlawfully opened his car door, violating a city ordinance.
- $499,000 – A bike rider was struck by a vehicle exiting a parking garage in Chicago.
- $250,000 – A cyclist sustained a knee injury requiring arthroscopic surgery after a driver failed to yield on a busy city street during rush hour.
Understanding Accidents Involving Electric Bicycles
Electric bikes (e-bikes) are bicycles equipped with an electric motor that assists riders while pedaling. Under Illinois Public Act 100-0209, e-bikes are classified into three categories:
- Class 1 – Provides pedal-assisted motor support up to 20 mph and stops assisting when the rider stops pedaling.
- Class 2 – Has a throttle-controlled motor that can propel the bike without pedaling, with a maximum speed of 20 mph.
- Class 3 – Offers pedal-assisted motor support up to 28 mph but does not have a throttle.
E-Bike Accident Statistics
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that between 2017 and 2022, approximately 53,200 emergency department visits were related to e-bike injuries, which accounted for 15% of all micro-mobility injuries. The data also shows that 104 fatalities were linked to e-bike accidents, with motor vehicle collisions being the leading cause, resulting in 58 deaths.
A review of 59 investigated cases revealed that fire hazards were the most commonly reported issue, occurring in 28 cases, often while charging the battery. Beyond fire risks, 24 cases involved mechanical defects, such as loose or detached pedals, ruptured or blown-out tires, and unexpected wheel separations.
Common Causes of Electric Bike Accidents in Chicago
E-bike accidents happen for many reasons, often leading to serious injuries for riders. Some of the most common causes include:
- Higher speeds and loss of control – The electric motor allows e-bikes to reach higher speeds than traditional bicycles, making sudden stops and sharp turns more dangerous.
- Motorist negligence – Many negligent motorists fail to see or yield to e-bike riders, especially at intersections and in bike lanes.
- Dooring accidents – Drivers often open car doors into the path of riders, causing sudden and severe crashes.
- Road hazards – Potholes, debris, and uneven pavement pose more significant risks at higher speeds, increasing the chance of losing control.
- Defective e-bike components – Malfunctioning brakes and other mechanical failures can cause dangerous crashes.
- Collisions with pedestrians or other bicycles – Crowded areas increase the risk of pedestrian accidents and crashes with other cyclists.
- Inexperienced riders – Many new electric bicycle riders are unfamiliar with handling higher speeds, leading to preventable accidents.
Common Electric Bicycle Injuries
E-bike crashes often result in more severe injuries due to the higher speeds and lack of rider protection. Some of the most common injuries sustained in bike crashes include:
- Head injuries – Even with helmets, riders can suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBI), brain trauma, and concussions, which may lead to long-term cognitive issues.
- Fractures – High-impact crashes often cause broken bones, especially in the arms, wrists, collarbone, and legs, requiring extensive medical treatment.
- Spinal cord injuries – Severe crashes can damage the spine, leading to neck injuries, paralysis, or chronic pain.
- Internal injuries – Blunt force trauma can cause damage to internal organs, internal bleeding, and other life-threatening conditions.
- Road rash and lacerations – Riders thrown from their electric bicycles may suffer severe skin abrasions, deep cuts, and infections from contact with pavement or debris.
Liability in Chicago Electric Bike Accidents
Liability in accidents involving electric scooters and bicycles is based on negligence, meaning someone failed to act responsibly, causing harm. Four elements must be established to prove negligence:
- Duty – The responsible party was legally obliged to act safely (e.g., drivers must follow traffic laws).
- Breach – They failed to uphold that duty (e.g., a driver ran a red light).
- Causation – Their actions directly caused the accident.
- Damages – The victim suffered e-bike injuries, leading to medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses.
Parties that may be held liable include:
- Negligent motorists – Drivers who fail to see, yield, or adequately share the road with electric bicycle riders.
- Employers of negligent drivers – Companies may be liable if an employee causes an accident while working.
- E-bike manufacturers or retailers – Defective electric bicycles or e-bike components (e.g., brakes and batteries) can lead to product liability claims.
- The City of Chicago or other government entities – Poorly maintained roads with potholes or debris can contribute to accidents.
- Other e-bike or bicycle riders – Reckless bike riders can cause collisions.
- Pedestrians – If a pedestrian suddenly steps into an e-bike’s path, they may share fault.
Illinois and Chicago Laws Regulating E-Bikes
Illinois and Chicago laws establish specific regulations for e-bike riders, including classification, equipment requirements, and restrictions on where electric bicycles can be used.
Illinois Electric Bicycle Laws
Under 625 ILCS 5/, Illinois classifies electric bicycles into three categories based on motor assistance and speed: Class 1 (pedal assist, up to 20 mph), Class 2 (throttle-controlled, up to 20 mph), and Class 3 (pedal assist, up to 28 mph).
Riders under 16 years old cannot operate Class 3 e-bikes. All e-bikes must have fully operable pedals and comply with the same traffic laws as traditional bicycles. Additionally, e-bikes must have proper lighting and reflectors when ridden at night.
Chicago Ordinances Pertaining to Electric Bicycles
In accordance with Section 11-1517 of the Illinois Compiled Statutes, Chicago allows e-bikes on streets and bike lanes, but riding on sidewalks is prohibited except in designated areas.
Speed limits vary by location, and specific bike paths and park trails restrict electric bikes to protect pedestrians. E-bike riders must follow all standard bicycle traffic laws, including stopping at signals and yielding when required.
How Electric Bicycle Laws Can Affect Accident Liability
Violating Illinois e-bike laws—such as riding on sidewalks, exceeding speed limits, or ignoring traffic signals—can impact liability in an accident. If an e-bike rider violates the law, they may share fault.
Steps to Take After an E-Bike Crash
Taking the proper steps after an accident involving an electric bicycle can help protect your rights and improve your chances of securing financial compensation.
Gather Evidence
Collect the driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle description. Take photos of the accident scene, injuries, and damage to your e-bike. Speak with witnesses and obtain their contact information. If police respond, request a copy of the accident report, as it can help establish fault.
File an Insurance Claim
Report the accident to your insurance company or the negligent driver’s insurer. Provide all relevant documentation, including medical records, police reports, and photos. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, so consulting with bicycle accident attorneys can help ensure you receive compensation for your injuries and losses.
File a Lawsuit in Illinois Courts
If insurance negotiations do not lead to a fair settlement, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit. This process begins with drafting a formal complaint outlining how the accident occurred, the extent of your injuries, and the compensation you seek. An attorney can handle the legal filings and court proceedings.
The Discovery Process, Negotiations, and Trial
During the discovery process, both sides exchange evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions. Many cases settle during negotiations, but if an agreement isn’t reached, the case goes to trial, where a judge or jury determines fault and awards financial compensation for your losses.
Damages You Can Recover Following an Electric Bicycle Crash
Victims of e-bike crashes may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages to cover their losses.
Economic damages include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and property damage to the e-bike. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accidents in Illinois
Under Illinois law, victims of bicycle crashes, including e-bikes, have two years from the crash date to file a personal injury case. (735 ILCS 5/13-202)
If the accident only caused property damage, the deadline is five years. (735 ILCS 5/13-205) Missing this deadline can prevent victims from recovering financial compensation.
Consult a Chicago Electric Bike Accident Attorney Near You!
Our Illinois bicycle accident attorneys can help injured bicyclists seek fair compensation for their physical, emotional, and financial hardships. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
