E-Bike Crashes Can Cause Catastrophic Injuries

In 2025, electric bikes and scooters were involved in 197 crashes on Philadelphia streets alone, according to Pennsylvania Department of Transportation data reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer. Four riders were killed, and another 193 were injured, representing a 40 percent increase in crashes over the previous year.

If you were seriously injured while riding an e-bike, or were injured by someone operating one, you may be entitled to compensation through an e-bike accident lawsuit if another person’s negligence caused or contributed to your injuries.

Why Are E-Bikes So Dangerous?

Electric motors allow riders to travel faster with less physical effort than a traditional bicycle. That can mean less time to react when a vehicle turns across a bike lane, a driver fails to yield, or an unexpected road hazard appears. Unlike people inside cars and trucks, e-bike riders have virtually no protection between their bodies and the pavement, another vehicle, or a fixed object.

A serious collision can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, multiple fractures, internal bleeding, severe lacerations, permanent disability, or death. Catastrophic injuries may require surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, assistive equipment, and long-term medical care, and may prevent someone from returning to work or living independently.

What Does Pennsylvania Law Say About E-Bikes?

Pennsylvania’s Vehicle Code defines a pedalcycle with electric assist (commonly referred to as an e-bike) as a vehicle weighing no more than 100 pounds, equipped with an electric motor rated at no more than 750 watts, with operable pedals, and capable of no more than 20 mph on a level surface when powered solely by the motor. Pennsylvania law also prohibits anyone under 16 from operating an e-bike.

That definition matters because not every electric bicycle fits Pennsylvania’s definition of an e-bike. While most e-bikes top out around 20-28 mph, some can reach highway speeds, and some lower-speed e-bikes can be modified to travel faster than intended.

Riders should understand their bike’s specifications to know where they can legally ride and what safety precautions are appropriate.

What Should Be On An E-Bike Safety Checklist?

No safety measure can eliminate the risk created by another person’s negligence, but riders can take reasonable precautions:

• Wear a properly fitted helmet - Pennsylvania requires bicycle helmets for riders under 12, but helmets are strongly recommended for bicyclists of all ages.
• Know your e-bike’s specifications - Check its motor wattage, maximum assisted speed, and other specifications. If it falls outside Pennsylvania’s requirements, it may be subject to different rules.
• Check the brakes, tires, and controls - Make sure the brakes work, tires are properly inflated, and controls function correctly.
• Follow traffic laws - Obey traffic signals and stop signs, ride with the flow of traffic, and use appropriate hand signals.
• Stay visible - Use appropriate lights and reflective equipment, particularly in low-light conditions. Pennsylvania requires a front lamp and rear and side reflectors for nighttime riding.
• Watch for turning vehicles and opening doors - Pennsylvania requires motorists to provide at least four feet of clearance when overtaking a bicycle, and drivers may not open a vehicle door unless it is reasonably safe.
• Avoid distractions - Remain aware of traffic, pedestrians, cyclists, road conditions, and other hazards.
• Never ride impaired - Alcohol and other substances can impair judgment, balance, coordination, and reaction time.
• Avoid unauthorized passengers - Passengers can affect an e-bike’s balance, steering, and braking and should only be carried when the e-bike is designed for them.
• Choose the safest route available - When possible, use bicycle infrastructure and routes that minimize interactions with high-speed motor vehicle traffic.

What Happens When An E-Bike Crash Causes A Catastrophic Injury?

Even a careful e-bike rider can be seriously injured because of someone else’s actions. A driver who is speeding, distracted, impaired, fails to yield, makes an unsafe turn, violates a traffic signal, or otherwise acts negligently can cause a devastating collision.

A crash can result in traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries, multiple fractures, internal injuries, permanent disability, or the need for lifelong assistance. Consequences can include extensive medical treatment, lost income, reduced future earning capacity, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

Determining what happened after a serious crash can be critical. Evidence can disappear quickly, and identifying who was responsible may require investigating the crash, vehicles, witnesses, roadway conditions, and other evidence. When catastrophic injuries or death are the result of another driver’s negligence, understanding exactly how the collision occurred can help a victim and their family get the justice that they deserve.

Why Choose Ross Feller Casey?

A catastrophic personal injury or wrongful death can change a family’s future in an instant. Victims and families deserve an experienced legal team that understands these cases and their long-term consequences. Ross Feller Casey has built a nationally recognized reputation for representing people and families dealing with catastrophic injuries and wrongful death, and has won more than $1 billion for our clients in the past four years alone.

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury or lost a family member in an e-bike crash, the legal team at Ross Feller Casey is ready to help you fight for the justice that you and your family deserve. There’s no fee unless there is a financial recovery in your case, so contact us today.