In an E-Bike Accident in NYC? Trust an Injury Lawyer With Your Case

The current craze among cyclists in New York City (NYC) seems to be the electric bicycle, or e-bike. These motor-assisted two-wheelers represent an innovation in micromobility transportation that is convenient, affordable, and relatively eco-friendly! However, concerns have been raised by both NYC’s government officials and the citizens of New York about the safety of e-bikes. With a seemingly dramatic rise in e-bike-related incidents in the past few years, people are more worried than ever about the safety of riders, pedestrians, and other cyclists. If you’re in an e-bike accident, whether it’s partially your fault or not, you may be entitled to compensation. Trust an e-bike accident lawyer in NYC like those at Shaevitz & Shaevitz to handle your case!

What Is an E-Bike?

An e-bike is an electric bicycle that is assisted by a motor.

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) defines an e-bike as a bicycle that is no more than 36 inches wide with an electric motor of less than 750 watts. However, to be an e-bike, the vehicle must have operable pedals.

E-bikes fall into 3 main classifications:

• Class 1: This e-bicycle has an electric motor that assists only when pedaling. It has a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour (mph).
• Class 2: This e-bike features an electric motor that assists via a pedal or throttle used to exclusively propel the bicycle. It has a maximum speed of 20mph.
• Class 3: This electronic bicycle has a motor that propels the bike via pedal or throttle, with a maximum speed of 25 mph. However, it is only permitted within a city with a population of 1 million or more.

These classes help distinguish e-bikes from other two-wheeled vehicles, like motorcycles or regular bicycles. Additionally, e-bikes have their own set of rules to follow, depending on which municipality you’re in. This is why it’s so important to understand your local e-bike regulations.

In New York City, e-bike regulations are a contentious issue. Many people are concerned about the safety of e-bikes on city streets. However, as of August 1st, 2025, the mayor of NYC (Eric Adams) implemented a speed regulation on e-bikes, limiting them to 15 mph. No matter what class your e-bike is, you can no longer exceed 15 mph in all five boroughs. Any cyclists caught breaking the rule will face a minimum fine of $100.

While this regulation aims to prevent e-bike accidents, it’s too early to know its true effects on the streets of New York.

Typical E-Bike Accidents

In the past few years, the use of e-bikes has been on the rise. Subsequently, e-bike accidents have risen as well. Common accidents e-bike riders experience may result from:

• Distracted drivers: Texting, fiddling with the radio, and even eating while driving all take your eyes away from the road. Even one look away can end in disaster, especially for pedestrians and cyclists. However, it’s important to note that E-bike riders may be at a heightened risk, as these bikes are still a new sight to some drivers.
• Amateur riders: E-bikes are powerful, and inexperienced riders may find them more difficult to control than an actual bike. Speeding, sharp turns, steep hills, and busy streets can all impact your ability to navigate the busy streets of New York safely.
• Inadequate road conditions: In NYC, clients like you must ride their e-bikes in bike lanes or roadways, obeying traffic laws. However, these roads need to be in good condition, as potholes, debris, and blocked bike lanes can all lead to serious injuries. It’s the responsibility of the city and property owners to maintain their roads. Failure to do so can result in devastating e-bike accidents.
• Defective parts: E-bike accidents aren’t always the fault of the rider, or even the other people on the road! In some cases, faulty brakes, overheating batteries, and other defective bike parts can lead to an accident. These issues fall on the manufacturer themself, not necessarily on the e-bike rider.

After an e-bike accident, it’s important to hire a lawyer familiar with New York City laws. With over 65 years of experience, Shaevitz & Shaevitz is well-equipped to handle your e-bike accident case, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.

How an Injury Lawyer Helps After an E-Bike Accident

Once you’re safe and sound, it’s time to contact an e-bike accident lawyer.

At Shaevitz & Shaevitz, we’ll help you understand what your injuries are worth. Then, when pursuing legal action against another party, we help you build a case that represents your best interests.

If you are in an e-bike accident involving a motor vehicle, you may be eligible for no-fault benefits for up to $50,000 in medical bills! However, any accidents not involving motor vehicles aren’t eligible for these benefits. Instead, you’ll have to pursue a personal injury case for compensation.

Fortunately, Shaevitz & Shaevitz will collect evidence, negotiate with insurance agents, and even go to court on your behalf!

Even for riders who are partially at fault, NYS has a comparative negligence rule that allows you to collect what your damages are worth (at a reduced amount). Simply schedule a free consultation to discover what your injuries are worth, and trust Shaevitz & Shaevitz to handle the rest.

Trust Shaevitz & Shaevitz as Your E-Bike Accident Lawyer

E-bikes are the up-and-coming form of transportation that many New Yorkers prefer. However, they’re not without their dangers. If you’re in an e-bike accident in NYC, book a free consultation with us to learn what your case may be worth!

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