CPSC Report Indicates Accidents Involving E-Bikes and Similar Vehicles on the Rise

Wednesday, September 14, 2022 by The Law Offices of J. Jeffrey Herman

Micromobility devices include e-bikes, e-scooters, and hoverboards. Such devices have become increasingly common sights on California’s roads in recent years.

Thus, accidents resulting in harm to those riding such vehicles have also become more common. According to a recent report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), between 2017 and 2021, injuries involving riders of these vehicles increased by 127% across the country.

Common Causes of Accidents Involving Micromobility Devices

The CPSC’s report includes findings regarding the various factors contributing to this rise in injury rates. Points worth being aware of include the following:

• Most e-bike deaths result from accidents involving collisions with motor vehicles
• Both pedestrians and e-bike riders can be seriously injured or lose their lives when collisions between pedestrians and micromobility devices occur
• Black riders of micromobility devices are more likely to sustain injuries than those belonging to other racial groups
• Brake issues were reported in a relatively small number of accidents
• Several accidents studied in the report did not involve micro-mobility devices being in motion, but instead resulted from fires that started when such devices were being charged
• Several accidents covered in the report appear to have been caused at least to some extent by rider error

How to Stay Safe on an E-Bike or Other Micromobility Device

The report didn’t arrive at any conclusions regarding how this increasing rate of micro mobility accidents could be properly addressed. However, the following general safety tips are worth keeping in mind:

• Wear proper safety gear and obey all rules of the road when riding a micro mobility device
• Wear bright or light-colored clothing that will help you be more visible to motorists and pedestrians if you plan to ride a micro mobility device in dark conditions
• Never ride a micro mobility device while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Don’t ride an e-bike or other such device if you’re very drowsy
• If you own a micro mobility device, prioritize maintenance and upkeep
• Stay away from roads with high-speed limits whenever possible if riding a micro-mobility device
• Keep an eye out for potholes and other hazardous road conditions that can cause a serious accident
• Never look down at your phone when riding a micro mobility device
• Don’t wear earbuds or headphones when riding
• Practice riding these devices in low-traffic areas before using them elsewhere
• Check weather reports and don’t ride a micro mobility device in rain or other such conditions
• Stick to lanes and paths designated for such devices and vehicles whenever they’re available

All that said, even if you exercise caution, it’s still possible you’ll one day be involved in an accident resulting from someone else’s negligence while riding an e-bike, e-scooter, or hoverboard. This could happen if a motorist is careless, if a government agency doesn’t address hazardous road conditions in a timely manner, or if your device’s manufacturers overlook a defect.

Has this already happened to you? If so, review your case with a Ventura personal injury attorney at the Law Offices of J. Jeffrey Herman. We may be able to help you pursue compensation for your medical bills and other such losses. Learn more by contacting us online or calling us at 805-983-2344.