Electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric scooters (e-scooters) have become increasingly popular as eco-friendly, convenient, and cost-effective modes of transportation in urban and suburban areas. These electric vehicles provide an alternative to traditional transportation methods, helping to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. However, the rise in their usage has also led to an increase in related injuries.

An e-bike is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor that assists with pedaling and can often reach speeds of up to 28 mph. There are three classes of e-bikes: 

• Class 1 — These are pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and the motor ceases to provide assistance when the bike reaches 20 mph. 

• Class 2 — These also have a maximum speed of 20 mph but include a throttle-assisted motor, allowing operation without pedaling. 

• Class 3 — These are pedal-assist only, similar to Class 1, but the motor continues to assist up to a maximum speed of 28 mph. 

E-scooters, on the other hand, are stand-up vehicles powered entirely by motors. They typically have a top speed of around 15 to 20 miles per hour. 

Among the significant risks associated with e-bikes and e-scooters is fires caused by the lithium-ion batteries these vehicles use. These batteries can be prone to overheating that may lead to thermal runaway, where an increase in temperature changes the conditions in a way that causes a further increase in temperature, often leading to a fire or explosion. Factors contributing to these incidents can include internal defects, improper handling, damage from accidents or using incorrect chargers.

Injuries can occur in several other ways. Collisions with cars, pedestrians, or other riders are common, especially in crowded urban environments where e-bikes and e-scooters share the road with larger vehicles. Riders can also suffer falls due to potholes and uneven road surfaces. E-scooters are especially likely to undergo these accidents, due to having small wheels that afford the vehicles less stability.

If you are injured while riding an e-bike or e-scooter, you may have legal remedies. If your injury was caused by a collision with a vehicle, the driver may be liable if they were negligent, such as failing to yield the right of way. If a road hazard caused your accident, the entity responsible for road maintenance might be liable. Additionally, if your injury resulted from a defective e-bike or e-scooter, you might have a product liability claim against the manufacturer or retailer.

In any of these situations, you need strong legal representation to prevail in your claim. An experienced Connecticut personal injury attorney can assist you by gathering key evidence such as traffic camera footage or witness statements and by negotiating effectively with insurance companies. A skilled attorney can help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The O'Neil Law Firm in Hartford, Connecticut represents accident victims across Hartford, Middlesex and Tolland counties. We are committed to helping you achieve the compensation you deserve. Call us at 866-418-7593 or contact us online to set up a free initial consultation.