Hablamos Espanol • Available 24/7
• (858) 524-6140

(858) 524-6140
Contact

E-Bike Injuries in California Are Rising Rapidly: What Families Need to Know

Posted on: July 27th, 2026 by Pajman Jassim

California e-bike accident lawyerA Trust California E-Bike Accident Lawyer Shares What Families Need to Know

Electric bicycles have transformed the way Californians commute, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors. Throughout San Diego, it’s common to see e-bikes along Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Coronado, La Jolla, and neighborhood streets filled with young riders heading to school, sports practices, or the beach.  Learn more about e-bike accidents from a trusted California e-bike accident lawyer.

By Pajman Jassim | San Diego’s Trusted E-bike Accident Lawyer

A new University of California San Diego study has revealed a troubling trend: e-bike injuries are increasing at an alarming rate across California, with children 14 years old and younger making up a significant percentage of those seriously injured. Researchers also found that riders on e-bikes are more likely to suffer moderate-to-severe injuries than those riding traditional bicycles.

For parents, cyclists, and motorists alike, these findings serve as an important reminder that e-bikes are not simply bicycles with motors—they are faster, heavier, and capable of causing devastating injuries when crashes occur.

At Jassim Law, we represent victims injured in bicycle, e-bike, pedestrian, and motor vehicle accidents throughout San Diego County. If you or your child has been injured because of another person’s negligence, our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

UC San Diego Study Highlights an Alarming Trend

The recently published statewide study analyzed California injury data from 2018 through 2024 and found an exponential increase in reported e-bike injuries.

Among the study’s most concerning findings:

  • Reported e-bike injuries increased from only 2 cases in 2018 to more than 1,500 injuries in 2024.
  • Children 14 years old and younger represented a disproportionately large number of injured riders.
  • E-bike riders experienced significantly more moderate and severe injuries than traditional bicyclists.
  • Researchers warned that growing popularity, higher speeds, and inexperienced riders are contributing to the rise in serious crashes.

The rapid growth of e-bike ownership has far outpaced public education regarding safe riding practices.

Why Are E-Bike Accidents More Serious?

Although they resemble traditional bicycles, e-bikes present unique dangers.

Many models can travel between 20 and 28 miles per hour, making crashes substantially more violent than conventional bicycle accidents.

Several factors contribute to more severe injuries:

  • Increased speed
  • Heavier bicycle weight
  • Longer stopping distances
  • Greater momentum during impact
  • Inexperienced riders
  • Lack of protective equipment
  • Motorists misjudging an e-bike’s speed

Even a relatively low-speed collision can result in life-changing injuries.

Children Face the Greatest Risk

One of the study’s most concerning conclusions is the number of children involved in serious crashes.

Many young riders:

  • Have limited experience riding near vehicle traffic
  • Underestimate stopping distances
  • Fail to recognize traffic hazards
  • Ride with friends and become distracted
  • Travel at speeds beyond their skill level

Medical professionals have increasingly warned that e-bikes should not be treated like toys. Emergency departments across the country are seeing rising numbers of fractures, concussions, facial trauma, and spinal injuries involving children and teenagers riding e-bikes.

Common Causes of E-Bike Accidents

At Jassim Law, we’ve seen many of the same negligence factors appear repeatedly in bicycle injury cases.

Common causes include:

Distracted Drivers

Drivers looking at phones frequently fail to notice cyclists entering intersections or bike lanes.

Failure to Yield

Many crashes occur when drivers turn left in front of an oncoming cyclist or pull out from side streets.

Dooring Accidents

A parked driver opens a vehicle door directly into an approaching cyclist.

Unsafe Lane Changes

Motorists sometimes merge into bicycle lanes without checking blind spots.

Speeding

Higher vehicle speeds dramatically increase injury severity.

Poor Road Conditions

Potholes, uneven pavement, construction debris, and damaged bike lanes can all contribute to crashes.

Inexperienced Riders

Many younger riders overestimate their ability to safely operate higher-speed e-bikes.

Common E-Bike Injuries

Because e-bikes travel faster than traditional bicycles, injuries tend to be more severe.

Victims frequently suffer:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Concussions
  • Skull fractures
  • Facial fractures
  • Broken wrists
  • Broken arms
  • Collarbone fractures
  • Pelvic injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Internal bleeding
  • Road rash
  • Permanent scarring
  • Dental injuries
  • Fatal injuries

Many of these injuries require surgery, extensive rehabilitation, and months away from work or school.

California Law Protects Injured Cyclists

California law gives bicyclists many of the same rights as motorists.

Drivers have a legal duty to:

  • Share the roadway safely
  • Yield when required
  • Exercise reasonable care
  • Avoid distracted driving
  • Maintain safe passing distances
  • Watch for cyclists before opening vehicle doors

When drivers violate these duties and cause injuries, they may be held financially responsible for the damages they cause.

Even if an injured cyclist is partially responsible for the accident, California’s comparative negligence laws may still allow them to recover compensation.

What Compensation May Be Available?

Depending upon the circumstances, injured victims may recover compensation for:

  • Emergency medical care
  • Hospital bills
  • Surgery
  • Physical therapy
  • Future medical treatment
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Permanent disability
  • Property damage to the bicycle or e-bike

In tragic fatal accidents, surviving family members may also pursue wrongful death claims.

What Should You Do After an E-Bike Accident?

The actions taken immediately following a crash can significantly affect both your health and your legal claim.

We recommend:

  1. Call 911 immediately.
  2. Obtain medical treatment—even if injuries seem minor.
  3. Report the collision to police.
  4. Photograph the accident scene.
  5. Preserve the damaged bicycle.
  6. Collect witness information.
  7. Avoid discussing fault.
  8. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney before speaking with insurance companies.

How Jassim Law Can Help

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize bicycle accident claims by arguing the cyclist was riding too fast, wasn’t paying attention, or failed to follow traffic laws.

At Jassim Law, we know these tactics.

Our legal team thoroughly investigates every case by:

  • Reviewing police reports
  • Collecting surveillance footage
  • Interviewing witnesses
  • Obtaining medical records
  • Working with accident reconstruction experts
  • Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies
  • Preparing every case as though it may proceed to trial

We understand the devastating financial and emotional impact a serious bicycle injury can have on families, particularly when children are involved.

Our mission is to help injured clients recover the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.

The Future of E-Bike Safety

E-bikes are here to stay.

They provide affordable transportation, reduce traffic congestion, and encourage outdoor activity.

However, as the UC San Diego researchers noted, public education, safer infrastructure, responsible riding, helmet use, and increased awareness among motorists will all be necessary to reduce the growing number of serious injuries.

Parents should educate young riders about traffic laws, ensure helmets are worn every ride, and carefully evaluate whether their child has the maturity and experience necessary to safely operate an e-bike.

Motorists must also remember that cyclists have legal rights on California roadways.

Act Now!  Contact Jassim Law a California E-bike Accident Lawyer

A serious e-bike accident can leave victims facing overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and months of recovery. You should not have to shoulder those burdens if another person’s negligence caused the crash.

At Jassim Law, we proudly represent injured cyclists and families throughout San Diego County. Whether your accident involved a distracted driver, unsafe roadway conditions, a defective e-bike, or another negligent party, our experienced personal injury attorneys are prepared to fight for the full compensation you deserve.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an e-bike accident, contact Jassim Law today for a free consultation. We are committed to protecting your rights so you can focus on healing.  Serving San Diego and Southern California.

Frequently Asked Questions About California E-Bike Accidents

Liability depends on how the accident occurred. If a negligent driver caused the crash by speeding, failing to yield, driving distracted, or violating traffic laws, the driver and their insurance company may be responsible for your child’s injuries. In some cases, liability may also extend to a government agency for dangerous road conditions, a manufacturer for a defective e-bike, or another cyclist or pedestrian whose negligence contributed to the accident. An experienced personal injury attorney can investigate the facts and determine who may be legally respon

Yes. California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means an injured person may still recover compensation even if they were partially responsible for the accident. However, the amount of compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault. Insurance companies often try to place blame on young riders, which is why having an experienced attorney protect your family’s rights is important.

Depending on the circumstances, victims may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Emergency medical treatment
  • Hospital and surgical expenses
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Future medical care
  • Lost wages or loss of future earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement
  • Damage to the e-bike and other personal property

If the accident tragically results in a fatality, surviving family members may also have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim.

At Jassim Law, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that follow a serious e-bike accident. Our experienced San Diego personal injury attorneys conduct a thorough investigation by gathering evidence, reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, consulting accident reconstruction experts when necessary, and negotiating aggressively with insurance companies. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Our goal is to allow you and your family to focus on recovery while we handle the legal process.

 

 

 

Attorneys

JASSIM LAW