E-Bikes are regulated differently around the world and state by state in the USA. Some cities ban them. Some have age limits. Some governments treat as bicycle, motorcycle, moped, or as motorized vehicles.
Advantages of E-bikes are plenty. Helpful going up hills, economical transportation. Reducing gas emissions.
Here’s the caution: they go faster than people expect. The wrecks involving E-Bikes cause injuries that resemble motorcycle wrecks per orthopedists. In a 207 study reported in the link below. Out of 549 patients after e-bike crashes, 65% suffered orthopaedic injuries. In Holland, a 10 year study found e-bikes constituted 2.9% of collisions but 27.6% of fatal bike wrecks in 2017. Note: that’s a 2018 study and consider the increased use of e-bikes since then.
There are classifications in the USA: Class 1 – stops assisting pedaling when reach 20mph, Class 2 – has throttle and max speed of 20mph, Class 3 stops assisting when reaches 28mph.
Some e-bikes bypass restrictions with “tuning kits”. Some e-bikes have increased injuries with wrecks with pedestrians. You basically have inexeperienced riders using the equivalent of a motorcycle.
In the next link:
“E-bikes can reach speeds much higher than traditional bicycles, and this increased velocity means more force during falls or collisions. This higher energy impact is causing injuries we don’t typically see in traditional bicycle falls,” said AAOS spokesperson and orthopaedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine Brian R. Waterman, MD, FAAOS. “The risk of fractures, dislocations and head trauma increases as e-bike usage becomes more popular. The best protection starts with awareness, proper protection and responsible riding.”
“Falls that result in fractures are among the most common e-bike injuries we see in both men and women,” said Dr. Waterman. “More than 10% of injured riders require hospitalization. We’re also seeing a high rate of vehicle-induced collisions, underscoring the need for improved safety regulations.”
Injured in a collision with an e-bike rider? You may have a claim for injuries against the e-bike user / owner
Call 336-510-4000 or email info
NC Bicycle Lawyer 