Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are increasingly common sources of transportation. People may use e-bikes to commute to work or to get around town while visiting for work or vacation purposes.
E-bikes are fun and fuel-efficient, but they are also somewhat dangerous. E-bike riders can sustain serious injuries in crashes involving motor vehicles. E-bikes also create a risk for pedestrians and cyclists on the road.
How do people cover the costs of an e-bike collision after one occurs?
Financial liability depends on fault
The party at fault for the crash is typically responsible for the costs it produces. E-bike riders who are at fault for collisions may need to compensate pedestrians, cyclists and other people who sustain injuries or property damage losses because they are irresponsible in traffic.
While some people do purchase e-bike insurance, many e-bike operators may not have liability coverage, as the law does not require it. In cases where e-bike riders are at fault for crashes but there is no available insurance, injured people may file lawsuits against unsafe riders.
When a larger vehicle causes an e-bike collision, then the driver at fault for the crash may need to pay collision costs. A driver’s liability insurance coverage can help pay for some of the costs.
If the e-bike rider also has a car insurance policy, they may be able to use their personal injury protection (PIP) coverage for some of their medical expenses. The terms of the policy dictate if coverage applies to motorized bicycle crashes or not.
Lawsuits and complex insurance claims are common after e-bike crashes. Reviewing policy paperwork and crash reports with a personal injury attorney can help those involved in e-bike collisions understand their options.