Electric bikes (or e-bikes) have become a popular way to get around California’s cities and beach towns, offering speed, convenience, and eco-friendly transportation. But with higher speeds and increased traffic interaction, electric bike accidents are on the rise, and they often result in serious injuries.
The Growth of E-Bikes in California
California has embraced e-bikes as a greener transportation option, with cities expanding bike lanes and allowing e-bikes in more public areas. However, as the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) notes, e-bikes can travel up to 28 mph depending on their class, meaning crashes can cause injuries similar to those in motorcycle or moped accidents. Learn more here: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/new-registration/register-an-electric-bicycle/
Common Causes of Electric Bike Accidents
- Collisions with cars – especially at intersections or during lane changes
- Dooring accidents – when a driver opens a car door in an e-biker’s path
- Loss of control – from excessive speed, poor road conditions, or mechanical failures
- Defective e-bike parts – such as brake or battery malfunctions
- Pedestrian conflicts – in crowded areas
- Driver negligence – distracted or reckless driving around cyclists
Common Injuries in E-Bike Accidents
Because e-bike riders have little protection, crashes often lead to:
- Head injuries and concussions
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Road rash and lacerations
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of severe injury, but it cannot prevent all harm in high-impact collisions.
Who Is Liable for an Electric Bike Accident?
Liability depends on the circumstances of the crash and may involve:
- Motor vehicle drivers – for negligent driving or failing to yield
- E-bike manufacturers or sellers – for defects or faulty components
- Property owners or government entities – for hazardous road or trail conditions
- Other cyclists or pedestrians – in rare cases where they cause the collision
California follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning multiple parties can share responsibility for an accident.
Steps to Take After an E-Bike Accident
- Call 911 and file a police report
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Take photos of the accident scene, injuries, and any involved vehicles or hazards
- Collect witness contact information
- Preserve the e-bike for inspection
- Contact a California electric bike accident lawyer before speaking with insurance companies
How Hillstone Law Can Help
At Hillstone Law, we know e-bike accident cases require a mix of traffic law knowledge and product liability investigation. We can determine who is responsible, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you’ve been injured in an electric bike accident in California, we are here to protect your rights.
Note: These blog posts are created solely for the use of Hillstone Law. The information is gathered from internet research, publicly available sources, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT. While we aim to share helpful and educational content, Hillstone Law does not independently verify every detail. Some information may be incomplete, outdated, or subject to change without notice. If you believe any part of a post is inaccurate, misleading, or infringes upon copyright, please contact Hillstone Law immediately so we can review it and take appropriate action, including correction or removal.
Disclaimer: The material provided in these blogs is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Reading these posts does not create, and is not intended to create, an attorney-client relationship with Hillstone Law. Our intent is to share knowledge, raise awareness, and provide helpful resources to the public; however, Hillstone Law makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided, and expressly disclaims liability for any actions taken in reliance on it. The photos used in these posts are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict actual clients, individuals, or incidents unless expressly stated. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.
