Motorized electric bikes and scooters are becoming an increasingly popular mode of transportation in metropolitan areas across the country. It’s conveniently accessible, faster than walking, and lacks the fossil fuel emissions and burdensome traffic of city driving.
These electric bikes sell for four times the price of traditional bicycles and are projected to boom into a $20 billion USD industry by 2023 (per Statista). It’s not much of a surprise why these efficient, eco-friendly, and electric vehicles have become so popular in such a relatively short span of time.
But are these e-bikes safer than traditional bikes, and if not, what can be done in the event that they’re unsafe? Keep reading to find out the answer to both questions and how a Sarasota bicycle lawyer could help you following an accident and injuries.
What To Do After An Accident
Most people will assume that motorcycles will naturally carry more safety risks than traditional bicycles, and for very obvious reasons given the speed, weight, and mechanical disparities of both vehicles. Unfortunately, even lower-speed electric bikes will carry extra safety risks over traditional bicycles.
According to a 2020 British Medical Journal study analyzing consumer product data from 2000 to 2017:
- E-bike injuries were three times more likely to involve a pedestrian collision
- E-scooters were three times more likely to cause concussions than e-bikes
- E-bikes are more likely to lead to internal injuries that require hospitalization
- E-bikes can move at almost double the average speed of traditional bikes
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see why e-bikes aren’t quite as safe as traditional bikes. They can present many risks for riders, pedestrians, and other motorists on the road and potentially lead to drastic, dramatically life-altering injuries. Simon Cowell of American Idol fame suffered a particularly gruesome close call last year after seriously injuring his back in an e-bike crash.
You should still prioritize safety no matter which vehicle you’re riding, but after a bike accident specifically, you should:
- Move to safety
- Obtain the contact info of everyone involved
- Call 9-1-1 (if conscious and able to do so)
- Preserve and document evidence at the accident scene
- Obtain a copy of your police report
- Seek appropriate medical attention ASAP
If you can’t get a copy of the police report at the scene, don’t worry, as you can request one later and seek an amendment if it includes incorrect information. After recovering from your injuries, you should then refer to an experienced personal injury attorney ASAP to recover the damages and compensation you deserve.
Learn How a Sarasota E-bike Accident Lawyer Can Help
Our Sarasota personal injury firm has a long history of dealing with bike accident claims, among many others. As society and our means of transportation continue to evolve and adapt, we hope to continue evolving and adapting our practice to serve our clients in the best ways we know how.
If you or someone you know was injured in a Sarasota e-bike accident, then call our Sarasota office at 941-877-5800 or fill out our contact form today.