Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are becoming increasingly popular. They help those who use their bikes to commute to work or to make deliveries as part of their job get where they’re going faster. They also let cyclists (particularly older or less experienced ones) tackle mountainous roads they couldn’t manage on a traditional bike.
Of course, e-bikes aren’t just a California phenomenon. In cities across the country and around the world, the e-bike market has become worth about $23 billion. It’s expected to more than double within the next few years.
What kinds of injuries do e-cyclists suffer?
With more power, weight and speed, however, come more serious injuries. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) cyclists on e-bikes are more likely to suffer internal injuries or other injuries that require hospitalization if they’re involved in an accident than those on regular bikes.
E-bike accidents are also considerably more likely to involve collisions with pedestrians, which can result in serious injuries for everyone involved. Interestingly, one study found that over 83% of e-bike injury victims are male.
One San Diego trauma surgeon confirms that he and his team are treating an increasing number of cases of people injured on e-bikes. He says the injuries involve everything from head and orthopedic injuries to spinal and other types of fractures. That’s in addition to road rash and other types of abrasions common in bike crashes.
Why encounters with reckless drivers may be more likely on an e-bike
Cyclists who ride e-bikes may be more at risk of reckless and negligent drivers than regular cyclists because they’re more likely to be on roads where drivers might be less likely to expect them. Some of these roads, like Highway 1 around Big Sur, don’t have designated bike lanes. Cyclists have to ride on the shoulder or even on the road.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to the recklessness or negligence of another driver or even another cyclist, it’s crucial to make sure you get the compensation you need for medical costs and other expenses and damages. Experienced legal guidance can help ensure that you don’t get less than you deserve.