close up of someone's feet riding a bike

Apr 24, 2025

What to Do After an E-Bike Accident

E-bikes offer a fun, fast, and eco-friendly way to get around. But when an accident happens, everything can change in an instant.

A 2024 study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that e-bike injuries increased by 293% between 2019 and 2022. This dramatic rise highlights just how important it is to know your rights and protect yourself after a crash involving an e-bike.

If you’ve ever been injured in an e-bike accident, you probably know the wave of emotions that come with it: overwhelmed, in pain, and unsure of what comes next. We understand — and we’ve helped thousands of individuals in your position.

Insurance companies on both sides will move quickly to protect their interests, not yours. Your actions in the moments after an e-bike accident can make all the difference for your health, your recovery, and your legal case. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to take and what to expect after an e-bike accident, so you’re better equipped to protect yourself and your future.

What to Do After an E-Bike Accident

Get to a safe location.
If you can, safely move out of traffic but stay near the crash site. Be careful around damaged batteries, as they can be a fire hazard.

Check yourself for signs of injury.
Take a moment to assess how you’re feeling. If you’re dizzy, in pain, or disoriented, stay where you are and wait for emergency responders. Even minor symptoms can signal something more serious. Never downplay your injuries or potential injuries. If you’re in doubt, err on the side of caution – it is always best to have a trained medical professional assess your potential injuries.

Call 911.
Call the police to report the crash. When the authorities arrive, answer their questions factually and honestly to the best of your knowledge. Filing a report ensures an official record, which can support your legal and insurance claims.

In Nevada, you must file a police report within 10 days if the crash resulted in injury or property damage over $750. In California, you must report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days if someone was injured or killed.

Collect information from all parties.
Get names, phone numbers, insurance information, driver’s licenses, and license plate numbers of everyone involved, including drivers, other cyclists, pedestrians, and any witnesses. If you don’t have anything to write down the information with, take photos of these items or use your phone’s notes app so you don’t have to worry about keeping track of handwritten notes.

Document the scene and keep records safe.
Take photos of your injuries, your e-bike, any vehicles involved, and the surrounding area. Look for traffic signs, road hazards, or surveillance cameras, and take photos. These visuals can help pick up details to help put together exactly what happened.

In situations where a third-party camera may have captured all or part of the incident, contacting a personal injury attorney immediately is even more critical. An attorney can act to preserve the evidence captured on those cameras right away, preventing it from being deleted, taped over, or destroyed and strengthening your case for compensation.

Seek medical attention and follow care instructions.
Even if you feel okay, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries, like head trauma or internal bleeding, aren’t obvious and don’t appear right away. Follow your doctor’s orders, including undergoing any prescribed diagnostic procedures, such as X-rays and MRIs, attending all follow-up medical appointments, and taking adequate rest to ensure complete recovery. It’s also a good idea to maintain a pain journal.

Keep a daily log of your physical and emotional symptoms. Note your pain levels, changes in mobility, or how your injuries are affecting your daily life.

Keep your damaged items and other related items.
Keep your helmet, bike, and any damaged gear. They can serve as important evidence to show what happened and the impact of the crash. After the accident, keep track of lost income and work-related communications that can support your case.

Stay off social media.
Avoid posting about your accident, injuries, or recovery online. Insurance companies and defense attorneys often review social media for anything they can use to challenge your claim. Even if you think it’s harmless, it’s not worth the risk of negatively impacting your case.

Speak with an e-bike injury lawyer.
Get an experienced personal injury lawyer who thoroughly understands e-bike laws in your state. The right lawyer can guide you through the process, help gather evidence, deal with the insurance companies, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been in an e-bike crash, time is critical. Call Sam & Ash now for a free consultation — we’ll help you understand your options before evidence disappears.

Common Causes and Injuries

E-bike usage is on the rise, and so are the accidents that come with it. Understanding what causes crashes and the types of injuries that often follow can help you stay prepared and protect yourself in the event of an accident.

Common Causes of E-Bike Accidents

Many e-bike crashes result from a combination of speed, limited protection, and a lack of awareness from others on the road. Common causes include:

Drivers failing to yield or check for cyclists
Unsafe road conditions, including potholes, debris, and poorly marked bike lanes
Mechanical issues or battery malfunctions, such as sudden power loss or overheating
Distracted or reckless riding, especially at higher speeds
Limited visibility or lack of protective gear

Common Injuries from E-Bike Accidents

Because e-bike riders have limited protective gear, the injuries from a crash can be severe. Some of the most common injuries include:

Concussions and post-concussion syndrome
Traumatic brain injuries
Skull fractures
Dental trauma
Broken bones
Road rash and lacerations
Nerve damage
Spinal cord injuries
Internal bleeding and organ damage
Soft tissue injuries (sprains, strains, contusions)
Paralysis
PTSD and other psychological trauma
Fatalities (in serious cases)
Wearing a helmet and following traffic laws can help reduce your risk of injury, but unfortunately, not all accidents are avoidable.

Mistakes to Avoid After an E-Bike Accident

There are a few common mistakes that we have seen too many people make after an e-bike accident, which can harm their health or legal case. Here are some common mistakes we caution our clients to watch out for:

Waiting too long to see a doctor.
Even if you think you feel okay, some injuries may not show symptoms right away. Delaying medical attention can make your injuries worse and weaken your claim.

Posting photos or updates on social media.
Insurance companies and opposing lawyers may use your posts against you. Avoid sharing details, photos, or updates about your accident or recovery online.

Repairing or discarding damaged gear.
Save everything you can from the scene of the crash — your helmet, bike, and clothing can all serve as important evidence. Don’t fix or throw away anything until you’ve spoken with an attorney.

Talking to the at-fault party’s insurance without representation.
Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but their job is to minimize payouts. Don’t provide recorded statements or accept a settlement before consulting a legal professional.

Avoiding these mistakes can help protect your health, your rights, and your ability to recover the compensation you deserve.

Recovering Compensation

If another person, driver, business, or even a product manufacturer caused or contributed to your crash, you may be able to recover compensation for:

âÂÂ Medical expenses

âÂÂ Lost income

âÂÂ Reduced future earning potential

âÂÂ Pain and suffering

âÂÂ Property damage

âÂÂ Long-term or permanent disability

Both Nevada and California follow comparative negligence laws, but the standards are slightly different. In Nevada, you can only recover compensation if you were less than 51% at fault for the accident. In California, you can still receive compensation even if you were mostly at fault, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

E-Bike Laws in Nevada and California

E-bike regulations in Nevada and California are evolving rapidly — and for good reason. With e-bike use surging across the West, lawmakers and local officials are moving quickly to address safety concerns, clarify riders’ rights, and keep pace with the new technology. At Sam & Ash Injury Law, we stay ahead of every legal change, so you don’t have to. Here are a few basics to note in Nevada and California.

Nevada: New Laws, Local Ordinances, and a Changing Landscape

Nevada has overhauled its e-bike laws in recent years, adopting a three-class system that mirrors national trends. As of 2025, e-bikes are classified as Class 1 (pedal-assist, up to 20 mph), Class 2 (throttle, up to 20 mph), and Class 3 (pedal-assist, up to 28 mph), with a strict 750-watt motor limit.

This means if your e-bike exceeds these limits — even momentarily — it’s no longer a legal e-bike, and it would trigger the licensing, registration, and insurance requirements of a moped or motorcycle.

All e-bike classes can typically use public streets, highways, bike lanes, and shared-use paths, unless specifically restricted by local rules. However, local governments are stepping up enforcement and adding more rules. In Las Vegas, for example, sidewalk riding is prohibited in high-traffic tourist areas, such as Fremont Street and the Strip. New Clark County ordinances are poised to set 15 mph speed limits for e-bikes on certain trails and promenades, with fines of up to $600 for repeat offenses.

And while wearing a helmet on a bike of any kind should go without saying, helmets are required for minors in Nevada and strongly recommended for riders of all ages.

California: New Laws, Local Ordinances, and a Changing Landscape

California’s e-bike laws are among the strictest and most detailed in the nation. As of January 2025, a new senate bill tightened definitions and raised safety standards, requiring all e-bikes to have functional pedals, motors capped at 750 watts, and comply with the three-class system (similar to Nevada, with some nuance):

Class 1: Pedal-assist only, up to 20 mph.
Class 2: Throttle allowed, up to 20 mph.
Class 3: Pedal-assist only, up to 28 mph, helmet required, and minimum rider age of 16

Like Nevada, any e-bike in California that’s been modified to exceed speed or power limits, or that lacks pedals, is now considered a moped or motorcycle — subject to those vehicles’ processes of registration, licensing, and insurance.

Local California ordinances have added more layers. Newport Beach, for example, has an 8-mph speed limit on the boardwalk and designated “walk zones” for e-bikes near the pier. Sidewalk riding is generally prohibited, and Class 3 bikes are restricted from most multi-use trails unless local rules say otherwise.

While knowing what’s happening in your state is helpful, you shouldn’t have to become an expert in e-bike law to protect yourself after an accident. That’s our job. At Sam & Ash, we stay up-to-date on new regulations so that you can focus on your recovery.

Contact the Personal Injury Lawyers at Sam & Ash Injury Law

An e-bike accident can leave you with more than just physical injuries; it can disrupt your life, finances, and peace of mind. At Sam & Ash Injury Law, we understand how overwhelming that can feel, and we’re here to take the pressure off. From dealing with insurance companies to building a case that reflects the full extent of your injuries, we fight to get you the compensation you deserve. When you’re hurt, you need more than just legal help. You need a team that listens, acts, and puts your well-being first. Contact us anytime for a free consultation.

FAQs

What if the accident was caused by a defective e-bike?

If your crash was caused by a malfunctioning motor, battery issue, brake failure, or any other defect, you could have a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer. At Sam & Ash Injury Law, we thoroughly investigate to uncover what went wrong and determine who is responsible. You deserve answers, and we work to ensure you receive the full compensation you’re owed. We’ve handled complex product cases like this before and will fight to hold the right people accountable.

Can I file a claim even if the other party left the scene?

Yes. Hit-and-run e-bike accidents happen often, and you still have options even if the other party disappears. Start by filing a police report as soon as possible. This creates an official record that can support your claim. If you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, it may help cover your medical costs and other damages. At Sam & Ash Injury Law, we know how to uncover the evidence needed to fight for the compensation you deserve.

How does insurance coverage for e-bikes differ from traditional bicycles and motor vehicles in Nevada and California?

In both Nevada and California, e-bikes aren’t classified as motor vehicles, so insurance isn’t legally required. Traditional bikes may be covered under homeowners’ or renters’ insurance, but many policies exclude motorized vehicles, which can leave e-bikes unprotected. Due to their speed and value, more riders are opting for specialized e-bike insurance that covers theft, damage, and liability, filling the gaps that standard coverage often misses.

Can I still recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet at the time of the accident?

Not wearing a helmet may reduce your compensation if it contributed to your injuries, especially in Class 3 e-bike accidents in California, where helmets are required. However, you may still be eligible for a partial recovery under comparative negligence rules. If you are unsure of your percentage at fault, it’s best to contact an e-bike accident attorney.