Electric bicycles, or e-bikes, offer an eco-friendly and efficient mode of transportation in San Francisco. However, with their increasing popularity comes a rise in accidents and injuries. E-bike riders face unique risks on busy city streets, from collisions with vehicles to malfunctioning equipment.
If you were injured while riding an e-bike in San Francisco, Choulos, Choulos & Wyle can fight for you. Equipped with decades of knowledge and experience, our e-bike accident lawyers understand the challenges that victims face and are committed to securing the compensation that they deserve. Schedule a free consultation with a San Francisco bike accident attorney today and learn how we can support your rights during this difficult time.
An e-bike is a pedal-assisted bicycle that has an electric motor. This motor provides additional power while the rider is pedaling, which can make cycling easier and more accessible for a wider range of people. In San Francisco, people use e-bikes to commute to work or school, explore the city, or simply travel from place to place. These bikes come in many styles, from commuter models to mountain bikes.
E-bike accidents can result in a range of injuries, often more severe than those from conventional bicycle accidents due to the higher speeds involved. Because e-bikes can go faster, victims can suffer more forceful impacts during a collision. Their heavier build may also cause more extensive damage during falls or crashes.
Common injuries sustained in e-bike accidents include:
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) classifies an e-bike as an electric bicycle with fully operated pedals and an electric motor of 750 watts or less. Although e-bikes are motorized, they are not subject to licensing or insurance requirements that apply to motor vehicles or motorcycles. However, e-bike riders must be at least 16 years old, wear a helmet, and may face restrictions on where they can operate.
Additionally, there are three classes of e-bikes under California state law:
Navigating the aftermath of an e-bike accident can be complex and overwhelming, especially while you are recovering from a serious injury. This is where the support of an attorney from Choulos, Choulos & Wyle becomes invaluable. Our San Francisco e-bike accident attorneys will fight to protect your rights and recover the compensation that you deserve.
E-bikes often occupy a gray area between traditional bicycles and motorized vehicles, requiring a nuanced understanding of applicable laws. Our lawyers stay informed of the latest regulations so that we can handle your case with the most up-to-date legal knowledge.
Motor vehicle drivers are often at fault for e-bike accidents, but the technology that powers these bikes may also play a role. Our attorneys can determine if equipment malfunction or battery issues contributed to your accident, potentially uncovering product liability claims that might otherwise be overlooked. With this thorough approach, we make sure that all responsible parties are held accountable.
The unique characteristics of e-bikes, such as their higher speeds, can create complex accident scenarios and lead to severe injuries. Our firm will tap into our network of experts to help reconstruct these incidents, providing clear and compelling evidence to support your claim and demonstrate the at-fault party’s liability.
At Choulos, Choulos & Wyle, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll an e-bike accident can take. Our attorneys provide personalized attention to each case so that we can get to learn your story and develop a tailored strategy to recover the compensation that you deserve. We handle negotiations with insurance companies, gather and analyze evidence, and if necessary, represent you in court to secure a fair settlement.
Beyond recovering compensation for victims, our attorneys are committed to advocating for improved e-bike safety. By leveraging our experience in e-bike accident cases, we push for better infrastructure and policies that accommodate the growing presence of e-bikes on our roads and improve overall rider safety.
As the popularity of e-bikes grows in San Francisco, so does the need for justice for victims of tragic accidents. If you’ve been injured while riding an e-bike, the attorneys at Choulos, Choulos & Wyle can help you understand your rights and pursue fair compensation.
We stay current on the evolving laws and regulations surrounding e-bikes to provide you with informed, effective representation. Our attorneys know what it takes to seek justice. Contact us at (415) 604-9915 to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can support your recovery.
