Electric bikes, or e bikes, are becoming more popular in New York City. With the rise of Citi Bike’s e-bike rentals and the growing number of younger riders and commuters choosing faster transportation, we’ve seen more e bike accidents across the city. While these bikes offer convenience and pedal assistance for longer distances, they also come with higher speeds — and higher risks.
At our law firm, we represent e bike accident victims who have suffered serious injuries. From collisions in bike lanes to crashes involving motor vehicles or pedestrians, electric bicycle accidents can turn lives upside down. The legal process that follows is often confusing and overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to speak with experienced legal professionals who understand bicycle accidents and how they differ from conventional bicycles.
Our firm knows the crucial role legal representation plays after an e bike crash. Victims often face medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Some deal with traumatic brain injuries or broken bones. We fight for their right to fair compensation while they focus on recovery. If you were hurt in a bike accident in NYC, especially one involving an electric bike, you need someone who understands the law and can guide you every step of the way.
Causes of Bicycle Accidents
E bike accidents in New York City can happen in a split second. Many take place on crowded streets where cars, pedestrians, e scooters, and bikes all share limited space. While some crashes happen because of rider error or risky behavior like speeding, many are caused by negligent drivers who fail to check for cyclists when making a left turn or pulling out into traffic.
Our firm has handled personal injury cases where cyclists were hit by reckless drivers or doored by passengers stepping out of parked vehicles. Poor road conditions, lack of proper bike lane protection, and distracted driving all play a role. Sometimes, mechanical problems with the electric bike itself—like brake failure or battery issues—are to blame.
It’s also important to consider that e bikes are different from traditional bicycles. They can reach higher speeds and often move faster than other vehicles expect. This can lead to confusion, especially at intersections or on multi-use trails shared with pedestrians. Some accidents even involve a hit and run driver, leaving the injured cyclist to deal with the aftermath alone.
Knowing what caused an e bike crash is a key part of building a strong case. We work with experts to investigate accidents, review traffic laws, and hold the right parties accountable. When you choose us, you’re getting a team that knows how to uncover the truth.
Common Injuries Sustained in E Bike Crashes
E bike accidents often lead to more than just scrapes or bruises. At our firm, we’ve helped injured cyclists who have suffered severe injuries after being hit by other vehicles or thrown from their bikes. With faster acceleration and heavier frames, electric bikes can cause more damage than conventional bicycles in a crash.
Some of the most common injuries we see include broken bones, deep cuts, and head injuries. In more serious cases, victims suffer traumatic brain injuries that affect memory, speech, or even the ability to work. These kinds of injuries require immediate medical attention and often lead to long-term treatment and high medical expenses.
Younger riders, who may be drawn to e bikes for their speed and ease, are especially vulnerable if they don’t follow traffic laws or wear helmets. While helmet use is recommended — and sometimes required, depending on local regulations — many riders still choose to go without one. This increases the risk of fatal injuries, especially in a bicycle crash involving a car or truck.
After an e bike accident, it’s important to seek medical care right away, even if you feel okay. Some injuries don’t show up until hours or days later. Getting proper care not only protects your health but also helps support your legal case.
Bike Law and Regulations
Electric bike laws in New York can be confusing, especially for new riders or those visiting the city. At our law firm, we often meet clients who didn’t realize there were specific traffic laws for e bikes — laws that differ from those for conventional bicycles and cars. Understanding these rules is critical, not just for avoiding accidents, but also for protecting your rights if you’re injured.
In NYC, electric bikes are classified into three types based on speed and how the motor is activated. Class 1 and 2 e bikes, which top out at 20 mph, are allowed on most city streets and bike lanes. Class 3 e bikes, which can go up to 28 mph, are subject to stricter rules and may be limited in where they can ride. Riders must follow traffic laws just like any other road user, including yielding to pedestrians and obeying signals.
Helmet requirements vary depending on the type of e bike and the rider’s age. For example, helmet use is mandatory for all delivery workers and for anyone operating a Class 3 bike. Age restrictions also apply, especially for faster e bikes. Riders under a certain age may not be allowed to use specific models — yet many still do, especially when using rental services like Citi Bike.
Knowing the law helps riders stay safe, but it also plays a crucial role in personal injury cases. If the other party broke a traffic law or violated city regulations, we use that information to build a stronger case for compensation.
Why You Need Lawyer With Experience In Electric Bike Accidents?
Being involved in an e bike accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. One moment you’re riding through a bike lane or crossing an intersection, and the next, you’re on the ground in pain, unsure of what to do next. As a law firm that has handled many personal injury cases involving electric bikes, we know how overwhelming this situation can be.
Insurance companies often try to downplay the severity of bike accidents or shift blame onto the rider. That’s why having a bicycle accident lawyer on your side is so important. We know how to deal with these tactics and fight back. Our legal professionals understand the unique issues that come with e bike crashes—whether the accident involved another vehicle, a hit and run driver, or even a faulty bike.
We help injured cyclists recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Whether the crash happened while using a Citi Bike rental or your personal electric bicycle, we can guide you through the legal process and explain your legal options. From proving negligence to handling court proceedings, we’re with you every step of the way.
Our firm has a proven track record of helping e bike accident victims in New York recover fair compensation. You don’t have to go through this alone.
What to Do After an E Bike Accident
The moments after an e bike accident can be scary and confusing, but what you do next can make a big difference in your recovery and any legal claims you may file. As a law firm with deep experience handling e bike crash cases in New York, we guide victims through each step—starting from day one.
First, always seek immediate medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, internal injuries or head trauma may not be obvious right away. Getting checked out by a doctor helps protect your well-being and creates a record that can be used later in your case.
Next, try to gather as much evidence as possible. If you’re able, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Get contact information from witnesses and the other parties involved. If a motor vehicle was part of the crash, make sure to get the driver’s insurance details. In hit and run cases, this information may not be available, which makes legal representation even more important.
You should also avoid speaking to insurance companies without legal assistance. They may ask questions that sound routine but are designed to reduce or deny your claim. That’s where we come in. We’ll step in to deal with the legal process while you focus on healing.
Finally, contact our law firm as soon as you can. The sooner we begin working on your case, the better we can protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Who Can You Sue for an E-Bicycle Accident?
In the aftermath of an e bike crash, one of the biggest questions our clients ask is: Who can I hold responsible? In New York, the law allows injured cyclists to sue any party whose negligence contributed to the accident. That might be a driver, a business, a manufacturer, or even the city in some cases.
We’ve seen cases where a hit and run driver left an e bike rider with severe injuries and no insurance information. In others, a delivery truck failed to yield in a bike lane, causing a collision. You may also have a claim against a company if your electric bicycle had a design defect or mechanical failure, such as faulty brakes or battery issues. Even a pedestrian or another cyclist acting recklessly on a multi-use trail can be held accountable.
Environmental factors like poor road conditions or construction hazards may also play a role. In some cases, we can pursue claims against government entities responsible for maintaining the streets. Every case is different, and it takes a legal team with experience to investigate thoroughly and identify all liable parties.
Our job is to prove fault and fight for maximum compensation. Whether you suffered broken bones, head injuries, or other serious injuries, we make sure the legal process works in your favor. Don’t assume you have no options. Let us review your case and explain who can be held responsible.
E Bike Accident Statistics and Prevention
As e bikes become more common across New York City, the number of related accidents has sharply increased. In the past few years, over 50 deaths have been linked to e bike crashes nationwide, and many more riders have suffered serious or even life-changing injuries. The rise in electric bike usage—especially through popular services like Citi Bike—has made bicycle safety a growing concern.
Most e bike accident victims fall between the ages of 18 and 59. These riders often rely on electric bikes for daily commuting, food delivery, or recreational travel. While e bikes offer faster acceleration and the ability to travel longer distances, these features also raise the risk of collisions, particularly when riders share the road with motor vehicles, pedestrians, and other bikes.
Accidents frequently occur at intersections, where confusion over traffic laws and right-of-way can lead to sudden impacts. Many crashes involve negligent drivers who fail to check their surroundings, make illegal turns, or drift into bike lanes. In busy areas like Manhattan or Brooklyn, the mix of e scooters, conventional bicycles, and cars only adds to the danger.
To prevent future incidents, it’s critical for both riders and drivers to follow traffic laws. Helmet use, respecting age restrictions, and being aware of surroundings all play a role in safer streets. At our firm, we believe education and accountability are key. The more informed the public becomes about e bike safety, the fewer accidents we’ll see on our roads.
Next Steps After an E Bike Crash
If you’ve been hurt in an e bike accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At our New York law firm, we help injured cyclists take the right steps toward recovery and justice. The first step is simple: reach out for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story and explain your legal options.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we win your case. This ensures that everyone—no matter their financial situation—can access strong legal representation after a bike accident. Whether your crash involved a reckless driver, another cyclist, or a faulty electric bicycle, we know how to build a case that gets results.
Our attorneys have years of experience handling e bike and bicycle accident claims in NYC. We’re familiar with local roads, bike lane layouts, and common problem areas—especially in neighborhoods where Citi Bike usage is high. We understand the challenges riders face and the tactics insurance companies use to avoid responsibility.
Taking action quickly is important. Evidence fades, and deadlines for filing claims can come up fast. Let us take care of the legal process so you can focus on healing. Your well-being is our top priority, and we’ll fight to make sure you get the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Whenever you’re ready, we’re here to help. Call us today to speak with an experienced e bike accident lawyer who knows New York and knows how to win.