Safety Concerns About Florida e-Bikes

Electronic bicycles, commonly known as Florida e-bikes, are an increasingly popular way to travel in Broward County and throughout the state. Their ease of use and eco-friendliness make them an attractive alternative to traditional bikes and cars. However, as their popularity has grown, so have the safety risks associated with them.

This blog, from a Hollywood, FL bicycle accident lawyer at Cohen & Cohen Law, explores the unique challenges e-bike riders face, the importance of understanding local regulations, and what steps to take if you have an accident caused by someone else’s negligence.

Our personal injury law firm has been representing clients in bicycle accident cases in Hollywood, FL and surrounding areas for more than 50 years. Continue reading to learn more, then contact us at 800-33COHEN800-33COHEN to schedule a free consultation.

At Cohen & Cohen Law, we are here to be the experience you need and the legal representation you can trust with personal injury claims.

Common Safety Challenges for e-Bikes in Florida

E-bikes may seem like a simple and safe method of getting around, but their higher speeds and relatively recent introduction to mainstream roadways and city streets have led to a rise in bicycle accidents. Here are some significant safety concerns to consider:

1. Increased Risk of Bike Crashes

E-bikes can reach speeds of up to 28 miles per hour, which makes collisions more severe than traditional bicycle crashes. Drivers on Florida’s crowded roads often fail to notice or properly share space with e-cyclists, leading to serious accidents. Additionally, e-bike riders themselves may misjudge their ability to stop or maneuver at higher speeds, increasing the likelihood of crashes.

2. Limited Safety Regulations

Although Florida Statute § 316.20655 permits e-bike riders to operate in bicycle lanes and shared paths, Florida does not require them to have a driver’s license or a policy with an insurance company. While riding an e-bike, Florida law requires the rider to follow the same rules that apply to traditional bicycles, but many new users are unaware of their legal obligations. This knowledge gap can lead to dangerous situations for both cyclists and pedestrians.

3. Lack of Protective Gear

Although Florida mandates helmets for cyclists under age 16, there’s no such requirement for adults. Because e-bikes travel at higher speeds, riders of all ages should wear helmets and other safety gear. Unfortunately, many e-bike users fail to prioritize safety and opt for convenience, increasing their risk of serious head and bodily injuries.

4. Battery-Related Fires

E-bikes rely on lithium-ion batteries, which pose a fire hazard when improperly handled or stored. Overcharging, using incompatible charging devices, or exposing the battery to extreme heat can result in dangerous explosions or fires. While not as common as other risks, battery malfunctions can lead to devastating injuries and property damage.

5. Pedestrian Conflicts

Florida’s cities, including Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale, have seen serious injuries occur from e-bikes navigating sidewalks. According to state law, e-bikes are permitted in pedestrian areas unless explicitly prohibited by local ordinances. However, narrow sidewalks and crowded urban spaces make it difficult to safely share these areas. Accidents can occur when riders fail to yield to pedestrians or misjudge stopping distances.

The Importance of Knowing Florida e-Bike Laws

Personal injury lawyers know that to minimize risks,  e-bikers—and everyone sharing the road with them—should familiarize themselves  with Florida’s e-bike laws.

Florida Statute § 316.003 classifies e-bikes into three categories based on their maximum speed and whether the motor assists while pedaling. Understanding your e-bike category can clarify where and how it’s appropriate to ride.

• Class 1 e-Bikes: These e-bikes are equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling. The motor ceases to assist when the e-bike reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.
• Class 2 e-Bikes: These e-bikes are equipped with a motor that can propel the bicycle without pedaling. The motor stops providing assistance when the e-bike reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.
• Class 3 e-Bikes: These e-bikes are equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling. The motor ceases to assist when the e-bike reaches a speed of 28 miles per hour. Additionally, Class 3 e-bikes are required to be equipped with a speedometer.

Per Florida Statute § 316.2065, all bike riders must obey traffic laws, including yielding to pedestrians, using bike lanes where available, and equipping their bike with lights and reflectors when riding at night.

By following the law, riders can help reduce the chances of accidents and avoid legal trouble after a crash.

Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers Explain How to Stay Safe on Dangerous Roads in Florida

As an experienced lawyer will tell you, if you ride an e-bike, taking the following steps will reduce your risk of an accident:

1. Wear a Helmet and Reflective Gear

Even if the law doesn’t mandate it, wearing a helmet provides increased protection from life-threatening injuries. Reflective clothing makes you visible to others on the road.

2. Perform Regular Maintenance

Check your brakes, tires, and battery regularly to keep your e-bike in safe working condition.

3. Obey Traffic Laws

Stay in bike lanes when available, signal your turns, and never rush through stop signs or red lights. Treat your e-bike like any other vehicle on the road.

4. Ride Defensively

Always assume drivers may not see you and ride with caution. Avoid blind spots, maintain a safe distance from vehicles, and make eye contact with drivers before crossing intersections.

5. Stay on Designated Paths

Whenever possible, stick to bike paths or shared-use trails to avoid navigating through heavy traffic.

Steps to Take After an e-Bike Accident to Protect Your Health & Potential Personal Injury Lawsuit

If you’re involved in an accident caused by a negligent motor vehicle driver while riding your e-bike, take the following steps to protect your health and legal rights:

1. Prioritize Your Health: Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you don’t feel seriously injured. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a thorough medical evaluation can help identify and document any harm you’ve suffered. Keep all medical bills and medical records.
2. Document the Accident: If you can, take photos of the accident scene, injuries sustained, and damage to your e-bike. Collect contact information from the driver and any witnesses to the accident.
3. File a Police Report: Contact the police to file an official report of the accident. It can serve as evidence in any future legal action and help establish the facts of the case.
4. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: Reach out to a bicycle accident lawyer who has represented accident victims in these types of personal injury cases. An attorney can help you understand the legal process, protect your rights, gather evidence to support your claim, and fight for adequate compensation for your injuries, current medical bills and future medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Contact the Personal Injury Lawyers at Cohen & Cohen Law for a Free Case Evaluation

Have you or a loved one been injured in an e-bike accident? Don’t wait to seek legal counsel.  At Cohen & Cohen Law, we offer a free consultation to discuss the unique details of your case and develop a strategy for pursuing a fair settlement. For more than 50 years, our law firm has guided injured cyclists in and around Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood through the legal requirements of a Florida personal injury case. Our client-centered approach allows you to focus on your recovery while we handle settlement negotiations with the insurance company and seek the maximum compensation allowable by law.

Your online search for a bicycle accident attorney or a Hollywood personal injury attorney ends here. Contact us at 800-33COHEN800-33COHEN or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation.

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The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

Cohen and Cohen Law
4000 Hollywood Blvd penthouse 705s
Hollywood, FL 33021
800-33COHEN800-33COHEN
https://www.cohenandcohenlaw.com