E-Bike and E-Scooter Accidents

E-Bike and E-Scooter Accidents

In the past few years, e-bikes and e-scooters have become a more common presence, particularly in cities like Philadelphia, New Brunswick or Newark. While they are often a convenient way to get around, they can also pose a serious risk when people drive them carelessly on roadways and sidewalks. E-bike accidents have sometimes resulted in serious injuries, and even deaths in more extreme cases.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an e-bike or e-scooter accident, you should contact the personal injury lawyers at Williams Cedar. Call us at (215) 557-0099, or visit our contact page for more information.

The Dangers of E-Bike and E-Scooter Accidents

​E-bikes and e-scooters are often underestimated because they operate using electric motors, which tend to be less powerful than their gas-powered cousins. However, even basic models can reach speeds of up to 30 mph, and higher-end versions can exceed 60 mph, achieving similar speeds to cars on highways. With greater speeds, there’s greater opportunity for drivers to misjudge e-bikes and scooters, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

​Unfortunately, e-bikes and e-scooters are far less carefully regulated than most other motor vehicles, with licensing and operation requirements often varying wildly from state to state, or even between different towns and cities. In some cases, e-bike and e-scooter operators may not need to wear a helmet, and may not even need to be adults to be able to operate them.

​In New Jersey, E-bikes and E- Scooters are treated differently. A New Jersey E-bike rider must be at least 15 years old and posses a valid driver’s license or an e-bike/motorized bicycle license. All e-bike riders are required to wear a helmet in New Jersey, and the E-bikes must be registered through the NJ MVC, with license plate stickers affixed to both sides of the front fork.

​New Jersey E-scooters do not require license, insurance or vehicle registration to operate an e-scooter. Riders must be at least 15 years of age, and helmet use is legally mandated for riders under the age of 17.

​In the City of Philadelphia, it is illegal to ride a personal e-scooter on any Philadelphia street, bike lane, or public sidewalk. Pennsylvania does not require a driver’s license, registration, or insurance for an E-bike, provided it meets the definition of a pedal cycle with electric assist.

How E-Bike Accidents Can Happen

​There are many potential causes of e-bike accidents. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Excessive speeding
• Reckless driving
• Distracted driving
• Drowsy driving
• Aggressive driving / road rage
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI)
• Mechanical defects

Potential Injuries From E-Bike Accidents

​E-bike accidents can result in potentially severe and life-changing injuries, both to the people who operate them and the people they collide with. These include, but are not limited to:

• Fractured bones
• Muscle strain, sprains, and tears
• Internal organ damage
• Back and spine injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Death

What You Can Get Compensation For

​If you are injured in an e-bike accident, you may be able to recover for a variety of different costs. These include, but are not limited to:

• Medical costs
• Rehabilitation costs
• Lost income
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering

Contact Us For a Consultation

​To be able to get justice for the harm you or your loved ones suffered in an e-bike or e-scooter accident, you will need an experienced lawyer to represent you. That is why you should speak to the personal injury lawyers at Williams Cedar, who have helped many other victims get the justice they deserve.

Williams Cedar is a law firm dedicated to helping clients with personal injury, environmental law, and civil rights cases. We have extensive experience representing the interests of people injured in catastrophic accidents, including fires, explosions and leaks of toxic materials. If you believe we can be of service to you or a loved one, please give us a call at our New Jersey and Pennsylvania offices at (215) 557-0099, or visit our contact page.