E-Bike Accident Attorney

E-bikes are everywhere now — on bike trails, in crosswalks, alongside traffic, and weaving through neighborhoods at speeds that catch people off guard. California has more e-bike riders than any other state, and with that comes a growing number of serious accidents.

Two very different people call us after an e-bike accident. The first is a pedestrian or cyclist who was hit by an e-bike they never saw coming. The second is an e-bike rider who did everything right and got struck by a car anyway. Both are injured. Both deserve full compensation. And both face legal situations that require an attorney who understands exactly how these cases work under California’s evolving e-bike laws.

Whoever you are in this situation — we can help.

Position 1: Hit by an E-Bike on a Trail or in a Crosswalk?

You Were Just Walking. Now You’re Hurt.

You were on a bike path, a pedestrian trail, or crossing at a crosswalk. An e-bike came from nowhere — fast, quiet, and with no warning. Maybe the rider was on a Class 3 e-bike that can reach 28 miles per hour. Maybe they blew past a yield sign or failed to give way to pedestrians. Either way, you’re the one dealing with the injuries.

These accidents are more serious than people expect. E-bikes are heavier than traditional bicycles — often 50 to 70 pounds — and at higher speeds, a collision with a pedestrian can cause broken bones, head trauma, torn ligaments, and worse. The impact is real. So is your right to be compensated for it.

California law is clear on this. Riders are required to yield to pedestrians and follow all traffic laws on shared-use paths and trails. Class 3 e-bikes, which can reach 28 mph, are generally prohibited from multi-use bike paths and most trails, specifically to minimize conflicts with pedestrians and slower cyclists. When a rider violates those rules and injures someone, that’s negligence — and it’s the foundation of your claim.

Who Is Liable When an E-Bike Hits a Pedestrian?

Liability in e-bike pedestrian cases can extend beyond just the rider. Depending on the circumstances, responsible parties may include:
● The e-bike rider, for speeding, failing to yield, or riding in a restricted area
● A parent or guardian, if the rider was a minor operating illegally
● A rental or shared e-bike company, if a defective or improperly maintained bike contributed to the crash
● A property manager, if the trail or path lacked proper signage, warnings, or barriers
● A manufacturer, if a throttle malfunction or mechanical defect caused the rider to lose control

Getting hit by an e-bike doesn’t mean you face a simple claim against one person. We investigate every angle — and we pursue every responsible party.

What To Do If You Were Hit by an E-Bike

● Call 911 and get a police report filed at the scene
● Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor
● Photograph the e-bike, the rider, the location, and any visible injuries
● Get the rider’s name, contact information, and insurance details
● Note whether the e-bike was a rental or privately owned
● Do not give a recorded statement to any insurer before speaking with us

Position 2: E-Bike Rider Hit by a Car?

You Were Riding Legally. The Driver Wasn’t Paying Attention.

You were in the bike lane, following traffic laws, riding a properly classified e-bike. A driver turned without looking, drifted into the lane, or simply never registered you were there. Now you’re injured, your bike is damaged, and you’re trying to figure out what comes next.

E-bike riders face the same dangerous realities as cyclists and motorcyclists — no protective barrier, no airbags, and drivers who consistently underestimate how quickly e-bikes travel. A collision at speed can cause catastrophic injuries: road rash, fractures, spinal damage, and traumatic brain injury. The recovery is long. The financial impact is immediate.

Here’s what works in your favor. California law classifies legal e-bikes as bicycles, not motor vehicles — which means riders are entitled to the full protections afforded to cyclists under state law. Drivers who fail to share the road safely, maintain proper distance, or yield to riders in bike lanes can be held fully liable for the damages they cause.

What E-Bike Riders Can Recover After a Car Accident

A successful claim can recover compensation for:
● Emergency medical treatment, surgery, and hospitalization
● Ongoing physical therapy and rehabilitation
● Damage to or total loss of your e-bike
● Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
● Pain and suffering and emotional distress
● Permanent disability or scarring

Insurance companies will look closely at your e-bike’s class, your speed at the time of the accident, and whether you were riding in a legally permitted area. California’s SB 1271 reinforces the three-class e-bike system and limits motor power to 750 watts — riders operating within those legal parameters have strong standing in a negligence claim against a driver. We know how to establish that standing and use it to build the strongest possible case.

What To Do If Your E-Bike Was Hit by a Car

● Call 911 and stay at the scene
● Get medical attention — adrenaline masks serious injuries
● Document everything: the vehicle, the driver’s plate, the road conditions, and your bike
● Get witness contact information before people leave
● Preserve your e-bike — don’t repair it until it’s been documented as evidence
● Call Chris and Frank before giving any recorded statement to the driver’s insurer

Why Hire Chris and Frank as Your E-Bike Accident Attorney

E-bike accident cases sit at the intersection of personal injury law, California traffic code, and rapidly evolving state regulations. Not every attorney understands that landscape. We do.

Whether you were hit by an e-bike or were riding one when a driver struck you, we handle the investigation, the insurance negotiations, and the legal strategy from day one. We connect you with top medical specialists at no upfront cost, offer cash advances if lost income is creating pressure, and charge no fees until we win.

We’ve recovered over $100 million for our clients. We win 99% of our cases. We hold a BBB A+ rating and 499 five-star Google reviews from real clients who came to us hurt and overwhelmed — and left with settlements that changed their situations.
With offices across California and the Pacific Northwest — and more locations opening — we’re always within reach. Call us for a free consultation and find out exactly what your case is worth.