Philadelphia Electric Scooter & E‑Bike Accident Lawyers
Electric scooters, e-bikes, and other similar vehicles have become increasingly familiar sights throughout Philadelphia, as have accidents involving these modes of transportation. Since these contraptions fall somewhere between a bicycle and a motor vehicle, many people are confused about the laws and regulations that apply to them—and what to do if they are involved in an accident involving one.
The process to recover compensation following an e-bike accident is rarely straightforward, underscoring the importance of having a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer who can advocate to protect your legal rights. An experienced Philadelphia electric scooter and e-bike accident lawyer from Cousin Benny Personal Injury can help, drawing from over 25 years of combined legal experience. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options for recovery.
What Is an Electric Scooter?
Electric scooters, also known as e-scooters, are personal mobility devices equipped with a battery-powered electric motor and floorboards that riders stand on. They feature handlebars that riders use to steer the vehicle. It uses a rechargeable battery, making it an ideal alternative transportation device in an urban setting for short trips.
Pennsylvania defines electric scooters as two-wheeled, self-balancing devices for one person that run on electricity.
What Is an E-Bike?
Electronic bikes, also known as e-bikes, are bicycles that incorporate a small electric motor and battery, which assist in pedaling the bike or provide throttle power. The extra power assists with hills and long journeys. It also makes the ride faster, with some e-bikes traveling up to 28 mph. E-bikes are categorized by the amount of power they provide and their top assisted speed.
The primary differences in e-bikes and scooters are their appearance and speed. Scooters have a floorboard where riders stand. They only travel at speeds of up to 15 mph. In contrast, e-bikes resemble traditional bikes and feature a bike seat. They can travel up to 28 mph for Class 3 bikes.
Pennsylvania Electric Scooter and E-Bike Laws
Electric scooters are permitted on sidewalks and roads in Pennsylvania, except when local laws prohibit their use. They are not regulated vehicles, so they are not subject to titles, registration, insurance, or inspection requirements. They also do not require a driver’s license to operate. However, there is a push to make these vehicles more regulated.
Electric scooters are currently banned in Philadelphia. However, some proponents are advocating for a change in this.
In Pennsylvania, an e-bike must have a motor of 750 watts or less, not exceed 20 mph, have fully functional, operable pedals, and weigh no more than 100 pounds to comply with relevant laws. They can be operated on the same roads and trails as traditional bikes, as long as bikes are not prohibited there.
Riders must be at least 16 years old. Helmets are not required for e-bike users, but they are encouraged. Helmets are only required for bicyclists under 12 years old.
Common Types of Accidents Involving Electric Scooters and E-Bikes
Accidents involving electric scooters and bikes can take many forms, including:
- Collisions between electric scooters or bikes and motor vehicles
- Collisions between e-bikes or scooters and pedestrians or bicyclists
- Crashes between multiple e-bike or scooter operators
- Falls resulting from the loss of control of the electric scooter or bikes
- Falls resulting from potholes and other road hazards
- Fires or electric shocks due to product defects
An experienced attorney from our personal injury law firm can analyze the details of your case and determine if you have a viable legal claim against a third party.
Common Injuries Involving Scooters and E-Bikes
Because these vehicles are in close proximity to faster and heavier vehicles, collisions between these two types of vehicles can result in serious injuries for e-bicyclists. However, e-bikes in Pennsylvania can legally go up to 20 mph, so they, in turn, can cause severe injuries when their operators collide with bicyclists, pedestrians, or other exposed and vulnerable road users. Electric scooter operators using private properties, commercial parking lots, or other areas may pose serious risks to those nearby, especially if they lose control of the vehicle.
Potential injuries accident victims may suffer in these crashes could include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Road rash
- Crushed limbs and amputations
- Internal organ damage
- Sprains and strains
- Torn ligaments and tendons
- Broken and dislocated bones
Seek medical attention immediately after an accident so your injuries can be properly documented and treated.
Common Causes of Electric Scooter and E-Bike Accidents
Electric scooter and e-bike accidents can occur for various reasons, including:
- Unfamiliarity with handling these types of devices
- Product defects
- Malfunctioning devices
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Distracted driving
- Inadequate warnings and instructions
- Poorly maintained roads
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Not knowing the rules of using these vehicles and how they interact with the rules associated with motor vehicles
The causes that contributed to the accident can help determine who may be legally liable for your injuries.
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Who Is Responsible E-Bike and Electric Scooter Accidents
If you’ve been injured in an accident involving an electric bicycle or scooter, it can be difficult to determine who is responsible for your injuries. You could be due significant compensation, but you might not be aware of who is legally responsible for your injuries.
An experienced attorney can help identify all the defendants and legal avenues for financial compensation. Possible defendants in these cases may include the following:
- Other motorists
- Scooter or e-bike riders
- E-bike or scooter rental companies
- Property owners who failed to maintain the property where an accident occurred
- Governmental entities responsible for road maintenance
- Manufacturers of defective e-scooters, e-bikes, or their components
- Maintenance companies or repair shops that negligently performed maintenance or repairs
At Cousin Benny Personal Injury, we know that you weren’t planning on being injured in an accident of this nature and that your financial future may depend on your ability to secure fair compensation through a personal injury claim. We can guide you through the legal process and the pursuit of this compensation.
Financial Compensation You Can Recover in an E-Bike or E-Scooter Accident
Because the injuries you suffer in an e-scooter or e-bike crash can be severe, you could be owed significant financial compensation. You may have expensive medical bills, a prolonged time away from the job, and chronic pain that interferes with your enjoyment of life.
You have the right to pursue compensation for the full extent of the harm you have suffered, which may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
How Can an E-Bike Lawyer Help with My Claim?
Personal injury claims can be complex. To secure compensation, you must be able to show that someone else was responsible for causing you harm and the legal basis for your financial recovery. An experienced attorney can help with your legal claim by:
- Investigating the accident and identifying all at-fault parties
- Gathering compelling evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, medical records, and reports from accident reconstruction experts, to demonstrate how the accident occurred
- Compiling information to demonstrate liability, such as maintenance records, a lack of sufficient warnings, cell phone records, and CCTV camera footage of the accident
- Calculating the full value of your claim
- Handling communications and negotiations with insurance companies
- Negotiating for compensation through a settlement or litigating your case in court
Find out more about how Cousin Benny Personal Injury can help when you call for your free case evaluation.
What to Do After an E-Bike or Scooter Crash
After an e-bike or scooter crash, the main priorities are your health and safety. Get out of the path of traffic if you are able to do so. Then, call 911 to report the accident. A law enforcement officer will likely respond to the scene to prepare a formal complaint, which you can use to help with your insurance claim.
While you wait for the police to arrive, document the accident scene of the accident. Take pictures with your cell phone if it’s still operable. Ask witnesses to write down their names and contact information.
After you leave the scene of the accident, seek medical treatment. Keep all of your medical records and other documentation showing your losses and the effect the accident has on your life. Call a lawyer immediately for tailored legal advice and assistance.
Contact the Experienced E-Bike and Scooter Accident Lawyers from Cousin Benny Personal Injury
Were you recently injured in an accident involving an electric bike or scooter? If so, you could benefit from a complimentary consultation with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer. Cousin Benny Personal Injury offers free, no-obligation consultations to prospective clients.
During your free consultation, you can ask questions to a skilled scooter accident attorney, learn whether you have the legal right to pursue compensation from a third party, and discuss your concerns. Because we work on a contingency-fee basis, you don’t have to pay us anything unless we successfully recover compensation for your claim. Contact us today to get started with your free case evaluation.