New York E-bike Personal Injury Law

For individuals making short commutes, such as delivery workers and students, e-bikes are an effective way to do it faster than sitting in traffic. They also minimize an individual’s carbon footprint.
These advantages have led to an explosion of the e-bike population on New York roads and, consequently, increased e-bike-related accidents. E-bikes on the road are a relatively new phenomenon, and it’s possible to have challenges knowing where to start when pursuing an accident involving one.
E-bike laws in New York
New York law defines an e-bike as a bicycle with an electric motor of less than 750 watts that assists in propulsion up to a set speed based on the e-bike class, operable pedals, and meeting the manufacturing standard set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPS).
New York classifies e-bikes into three: Class I, where the motor provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling up to a maximum speed of 20mph; Class II, where the motor can assist without pedaling up to a maximum speed of 20mph; and Class III which uses a pedal-assist motor with the speed limit of 25 mph.
Common Causes Of E-Bike Accident
E-bike riders face the same risks as cyclists on non-powered bicycles. Poor visibility poses the highest risk for riders. You can improve your visibility when operating one on the road, for example, by wearing brightly colored clothes when riding during the day.
The best rule of thumb when using bicycles and e-bikes is not to ride after sunset, but you must ensure that your bike has a front and backlight for increased visibility.
Distracted Driving
New York has some of the most distracted drivers in the US, contributing to approximately 12 percent of all accidents in the state. Distractions are anything that takes the driver or a rider’s attention from operating their vehicle.
They can be manual, visual, or cognitive. Since you are at the most risk of suffering severe injuries in an accident as a rider, you want to ensure that you eliminate all distractions on your part.
Dui And Speeding
New York law is pretty stringent on intoxicated driving. Still, there is always the chance of encountering intoxicated drivers while on the road. Most intoxicated driving-related accidents involve alcohol intoxication, but it can also involve controlled substances and prescription medication.
Another leading cause of accidents is speeding. The definition of speeding will depend on the road you are on, and a driver can be said to be speeding if they are driving at a speed higher than the posted limit.
Also Read: Significant Legal System Changes Set to Take Effect in Florida
Liability For New Your E-Bike Accident
Typically, liability for a New York accident falls on the person responsible for causing the accident. While you may have to seek compensation through your PIP coverage, establishing the liable party is critical in cases where damages exceed your policy limit, in which case you would need to sue the other driver.
“It doesn’t always have to be the driver. It can be a third party, such as a government entity, if an accident is caused by poor road maintenance. For accidents caused by manufacturer faults and defects, the bike manufacturing company will be held liable for the accident,” says New York personal injury lawyer Neal Goldstein.
Assigning liability can confuse the layperson, and you want to avoid engaging the other side unrepresented, so ensure you talk to a personal injury lawyer. Remember, you do not have to pay anything until they win your case and you recover compensation.