An electric bike (e-bike) is intended to make pedaling easier and give you extra power when you are riding. This convenience comes at a cost. E-bike accidents are even more common than those involving standard bicycles. Between the extra power and the presence of a battery, e-bikes are more dangerous than regular bicycles.
Given their growing usage, the number of e-bike accidents has sharply increased in recent years throughout the Houston area. These accidents can result in even more serious injuries than you may suffer on a normal bicycle due to the speed involved.
E-Bike Accident Statistics
E-bike accidents have risen dramatically in recent years, becoming a serious public health concern. E-bicycle injuries increased from just 751 in 2017 to 23,493 in 2022, nearly doubling every year over that period. Across the country, e-bike injuries surged 293% from 2019 to 2022, and in 2024 alone, more than 1.7 million e-bikes were sold in the U.S., a 75% increase from 2023.
Head trauma from e-bike accidents increased 49-fold nationally between 2017 and 2022, and the death rate for e-bike accidents was 37 times higher than for crashes involving traditional pedal bicycles. The leading cause of death in e-bike accidents is motor vehicle collisions, accounting for approximately 55% of fatalities, with males representing 80% of deaths. Children are particularly vulnerable, with injuries disproportionately affecting younger riders.
Why E-Bike Accidents Are Increasing Throughout Houston
Commuters are increasingly turning to e-bikes to escape the notorious Houston traffic. The area does have numerous bicycle trails and lanes, but these are often not connected. When an e-bike rider is attempting to reach their destination, there are multiple points where they may be funneled into traffic with vehicles on the road. For example, e-bike riders are at serious risk in the following areas of Houston:
- Downtown
- The Woodlands
- Montrose
- The Heights
- Midtown
Although drivers are obligated to share the roadway with bicyclists, they may not do this in practice. When a rider is in traffic, they are entitled to their own lane. Further, drivers must leave a certain minimum distance when attempting to pass an e-bike on the road, and they do not always do so.
What Is the Process to Receive Financial Compensation After an E-Bike Accident?
The first thing that you must do is determine who was to blame for your e-bike accident injuries. When you hire an e-bike accident lawyer, they will conduct a complete investigation to help figure out the responsible party. Most often, the driver who was involved in the accident would be the one who was to blame if their negligence caused your injuries. For example, a driver may be liable when they have done the following to cause an accident:
- Failed to yield the right of way when it was required by law.
- Made an illegal turn that cut across your pathway.
- Ran into the back of your bike because they did not see it.
In addition, you may be able to hold other parties liable for your e-bike accident injuries, including:
- The company that manufactured the bike, if the crash was caused by a defect.
- A company that rented you the e-bike if they fail to properly maintain it.
- A state or local government if the accident was caused by a defect in the roadway or improper design.
You may file an insurance claim for your e-bike accident injuries, or you can file a lawsuit directly against the responsible party in court. Your lawyer would fight for you to receive full compensation for your accident injuries.
Have You Been Injured While Riding Your E-Bike? A Knowledgeable Harris County E-Bike Accident Lawyer at the Law Office of Todd E. Webb Will Fight to Get You the Settlement You Deserve
A Harris County e-bike accident lawyer at the Law Office of Todd E. Webb can investigate your accident and determine whether you may be entitled to financial compensation. The first step in the legal process is to schedule a free consultation, which you can do by filling out our online form or by calling us today at 713-529-4400. Located in Houston, Texas, we gladly serve clients in the surrounding areas.