E-bikes are rapidly gaining in popularity, with an estimated 50,000 units currently being sold in the UK every year, and worldwide sales projected to reach 40 million units in 2023. Whether used for fun, getting around towns and cities, commuting or tourism, there is no doubt that e-bikes are here to stay, with one study finding that 5% of all UK residents said that they are likely to purchase an e-bike in the following year, equating to around 2.5 million prospective buyers.
One of the many current controversies surrounding the use of e-bikes is the fact that, although in the UK and EU the power delivery must be cut out at 15.5mph (25km/h), they can go faster unassisted, meaning the rider can travel at a higher speed after reaching 250W of continuous power, essentially making a mockery of the speed limit. In fact, many e-bikes and e-scooters can reach 40mph (65km/h) – faster than other vehicles are allowed to travel in residential areas.
Lack of Regulation and Unclear Classification
The danger posed to both e-bike riders and other road users, particularly pedestrians and cyclists, is obvious. Given the relative novelty of electric bikes, riders are usually inexperienced and often unaware of the rules governing their use on UK roads, pavements and other public spaces. Anyone aged over 14 years old can legally ride an e-bike as long as the power delivery doesn’t exceed 250 watts, with no licence or insurance required. There are also no regulations concerning protective clothing for riders as long as their bike does not exceed this level of power.
Another problem is that many riders do not know what type of e-bike they are using, while an e-bike can quite easily be modified using a conversion kit to increase its speed. The classification system for e-bikes remains unclear, even to the police and other authorities tasked with enforcing the rules. The present system is confusing, open to abuse and presents a clear safety risk to the general public. Rules governing e-bike use need to catch up with the practical reality before more people are seriously injured or killed in e-bike accidents.
Case Study: Compensation for Cyclist Knocked off E-Bike
Bartletts Solicitors recently represented a cyclist who was injured while riding his e-bike in Liverpool city centre. Mr G was riding in a safe manner down a small street when a car accelerated past him and clipped him with its wing mirror, knocking him off his e-bike and throwing him onto the pavement. The driver immediately stopped, and seeing that Mr G was clearly badly injured, called an ambulance which took the latter to hospital. Mr G’s arm was fractured in two places and he also sustained extensive bruising to his upper body.
He was subsequently unable to work for two months, during which time he lost a significant amount of earnings, while his e-bike was also damaged beyond repair. During his recuperation, Mr G decided to take legal action against the driver, mainly due to the financial hit he had taken as a result of the accident.
Our firm went on to represent Mr G in a no win no fee compensation claim against the driver in question, who acknowledged he had become frustrated at being unable to pass Mr G and another cyclist in the narrow street, and had therefore accelerated past them in a risky fashion, although he believed there was enough space to do so without hitting either of them. This was a clear case of the driver failing to pay due care and attention to road conditions and consequently causing an accident which resulted in Mr G’s injuries.
Within a few months of starting the claim, the driver’s insurance company accepted liability for the accident, and we were able to agree a compensation settlement totalling £9,250 on Mr G’s behalf, including £1,000 for a new e-bike and a sum reflecting his loss of earnings due to time off work.
Solicitors Advising on E-Bike Accidents
If you are an e-bike rider, pedestrian, cyclist or other road user and have been injured in an accident involving an electric bike, contact our firm for expert legal advice from solicitors who are themselves cyclists with experience of e-bikes and e-scooters, and who have recently handled e-bike accident compensation claims.
Make a free compensation enquiry today
For specialist advice on your personal injury claim, call us now on Liverpool 0151 227 3391 or Chester 01244 645830 or Wrexham 01978 360056 or complete a Free Online Enquiry and we will soon be in touch.
