Electric Bike Biking Accidents in Arizona

Electric bikes, also called as e-bikes, motorized bikes, and mopeds, are becoming more and more common. And as their reputation increases, so does the amount of accidents that involve an electric bike. If an electric bike rider is hit by a vehicle, it can cause serious injury.

Bike accidents with an electric bike are extremely hazardous. Electric bicycles are considered as an alternative to a car. Because they are now so popular, local municipalities and insurance companies are all struggling to catch-up.  

What Is Considered An Electric Bike?

Electric bikes are bicycles that have a battery-powered “pedal assist.” The extra firepower will let you get around at a much higher speed without having to use your car.

Arizona law states that it is legal to ride an electric bike. In May 2018, H.B. 2652 was passed and detailed what are the different types of electric bikes.

The law states that an electric bicycle is a bicycle or tricycle that is fitted with pedals and an electric motor carrying less than 750 watts. There are three separate classes.

• Class I – An electric bicycle which gives assistance when the rider is pedaling but stops when it gets to 20 miles per hour.
• Class II – An electric bike that has a motor that is used to move the bicycle or tricycle but does not provide help when the electric bike gets to 20 miles per hour.
• Class III – An electric bike which assists only when the rider is pedaling but stops providing help when the electric bike gets to 28 miles per hour.

As well, the law prohibits any rider under the age of 16 from operating an electric bike. In addition, anyone riding who is under 18 has to wear a helmet.

Electric Bike Accidents

With electric bike accidents, there can be any number of people at fault. This includes other bicyclists, pedestrians, and automobile drivers. 

Negligence causes most accidents. If you retain injuries as a result of another driver’s carelessness, you can be entitled to compensation to recover losses, such as hospital bills.

Here are some scenarios where you would gain compensation.

If you were injured on a bike and own the vehicle, your insurance may assist you in covering some of your financial damages. If you do not own the bike, and you were not at fault for the incident, the at-fault person can be held responsible for any medical bills or lost wages.

If you were involved in a hit-and-run, the collision should be reported to the police immediately. This case is treated like any other hit-and-run. Your insurance company may help cover any financial losses.

If your electric bike was defective, which then caused an accident and your injuries, you can file a product liability claim. With this claim, the manufacturer can be held liable.

Electric-powered bicycle riders are still required to follow the rules of the road, which entails riding with traffic, using turn signals, and following regulations like wearing a helmet. If you have decided to buy an electric bike, you may want to contact your insurer to see if they will cover accidents or injuries on the electric bike.

Filing An E-Bike Accident Lawsuit

When filing an e-bike lawsuit, you need to contact a personal injury attorney. Your lawyer then files a complaint. Compensation for your damages include:

• Compensation for medical treatment
• Future medical losses
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacityPain and suffering

Seek Legal Counsel In Arizona

If you are hurt while riding an electric bike, seek a skilled bike attorney. An experienced attorney will be able to examine your accident and represent you. 

If you or a loved one sustained an injury in a bike collision, contact the expert personal injury attorneys at ELG Law. Contacting ELG Law will help you in the case of your accident claim as soon as possible. Each accident is unique and damages vary from case-to-case. It is important to retain the services of an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you within the boundaries of your accident. Contact us to discuss the details of your accident and how we can assist you to regain the compensation you fully deserve.