How Dangerous Are eBikes?

Across the world, e-bikes have become one of the most popular eco-friendly ways to get around. But just how dangerous are ebikes in cities like Chicago? As e-bike usage rises, so does the number of accidents and injuries involving electric bicycles and e-scooters. At Chicago Bike Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped many e-bike riders hurt by reckless drivers, unsafe micromobility devices, or defective batteries.

We stand with e-bike incident victims who suffer injuries and other trauma from crashes. Our goal is to help riders understand the real risks of riding e-bikes, how e-bike safety compares to traditional bicycles, and what legal options are available after a crash.

What Are the Latest E-Scooter and E-Bike Accident Statistics?

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), injuries involving electric bicycles and e-scooters have increased sharply in recent years as micromobility devices become more common in cities across the U.S. 

E-bike accident statistics reveal a concerning trend: between 2017 and 2023, the number of e-bike crashes grew from roughly 3,500 incidents in 2017 to about 34,200 in 2023. During that same period, e-scooter accidents jumped from around 7,700 to 40,400.

Emergency room visits have also surged. Over six years, an estimated 87,400 e-bike riders and 209,600 e-scooter users were treated for serious injuries, many involving head injuries, orthopaedic injuries, and trauma caused by collisions with motor vehicles or falls at high speeds. 

Tragically, the CPSC recorded approximately 193 deaths related to e-bikes and 164 deaths involving e-scooters between 2017 and 2023, an average of more than 27 e-bike fatalities each year.

These statistics illustrate that while riding e-bikes can be eco-friendly and convenient, it also poses a greater risk compared to regular bicycles. The combination of motor assistance, top speed, and dense urban traffic means e-bike users face unique dangers not always present for regular bicycles. As popularity grows, safety concerns are increasing just as quickly.

How Does E-Bike Safety Compare to Bicycle Safety?

When comparing e-bike safety to bicycle safety, recent studies show that riding e-bikes carries distinct risks compared to using traditional bicycles. While both share the same traffic regulations and exposure to motorized vehicles, the added electric motor, increased weight, and ability to reach speeds much higher than regular bikes can make electric bicycles more dangerous in certain situations.

A study published in 2025, based on data from nearly 14,000 micromobility injuries sustained in 2021 and 2022, found that electric bicycle riders were significantly more likely to be involved in a crash with a motor vehicle than those on conventional bicycles: 33% versus 26% respectively. 

The research also noted that the types of injuries sustained by e-bike users often resemble those seen in car accidents, not traditional cycling crashes. From our experience representing accident victims across Chicago, this aligns with what we see every day. 

E-bike riders frequently suffer head and neck injuries, orthopaedic injuries, and trauma linked to higher impact speeds and greater crash forces. The added power and maximum speed of electric bikes, combined with their heavier batteries, increase both the likelihood and severity of injury when an accident occurs.

Still, e-bikes aren’t inherently unsafe. They can be environmentally friendly, efficient, and empowering transportation alternatives to driving, especially in cities like Chicago, where e-bike use is steadily rising. 

The key lies in awareness and responsible operation. E-bike safety depends on following traffic laws, wearing helmets, and understanding that pedal assist and motors change how the bike handles in traffic.

What Are the Most Common Injuries Sustained by E-Bike Riders?

Research shows that electric bicycle riders face a higher risk of serious injuries than those using regular bicycles. A study found that crashes involving e-scooters and e-bikes often lead to more severe trauma and higher hospitalization rates than regular bikes.

Because e-bikes can reach speeds far beyond conventional bicycles, collisions frequently cause head and neck injuries, fractures, and other injuries. The study found that e-bike users were 2.8 times more likely to be hospitalized after a crash. About 17% also suffered internal injuries, including damage to the chest or abdomen, far higher than typical cycling crashes.

What Are Common Causes of Injuries Involving Electric Bikes?

Many e-bike injuries occur because of a combination of design issues, maintenance problems, and unsafe riding conditions. As e-bike usage increases across cities like Chicago, understanding these common causes can help riders stay safer and know when an accident may involve negligence or a defective product.

Lithium-Ion Battery Malfunctions and Fires

One of the most alarming hazards linked to e-bikes involves lithium-ion batteries. When damaged, overcharged, or poorly manufactured, these batteries can overheat and catch fire, sometimes while charging, other times during a ride. 

Defective batteries have caused explosions, burns, and property damage. These failures often trace back to low-quality parts or missing safety standards in imported micromobility devices.

Tire Blowouts and Mechanical Failures

High speeds and heavier weight make tire blowouts more dangerous on e-bikes than on traditional bicycles. Poor tire maintenance, overinflation, or debris in the road can cause a sudden loss of control and severe crash injuries. Other mechanical problems, such as failed brakes, loose bolts, or misaligned wheels, can also cause serious falls, especially when traveling at higher speeds.

Collisions With Motorized Vehicles

Many victims are injured when drivers fail to yield, open car doors into bike lanes, or crowd cyclists off the road. Because e-bikes often move faster than regular bikes, drivers may misjudge their speed or distance, leading to collisions at intersections and in congested traffic. These crashes frequently cause head injuries and internal trauma.

Excessive Speed and Loss of Control

E-bikes can reach high speeds using motor assistance, far faster than most people pedal on regular bicycles. Riders unused to that power may oversteer or lose balance, especially during turns or downhill rides. Uneven pavement, wet roads, and curb edges add further risk. A momentary loss of control can result in severe injuries.

Unsafe Riding Conditions and Infrastructure Gaps

Many riders of e-bikes share roads with cars, pedestrians, and scooters, yet few cities have infrastructure built for micromobility devices. Potholes, narrow bike lanes, and confusing signage force riders to choose between sidewalks or traffic lanes, both dangerous options. Poor lighting and lack of separation from motor vehicles make night riding particularly risky.

Manufacturing Defects and Lack of Consumer Protections

Some e-bike injuries result from design flaws or missing consumer product safety features. Defective wiring, weak frame welds, or untested batteries can create catastrophic failures. Unfortunately, not all imported e-bikes meet U.S. safety standards, leaving consumers vulnerable when products malfunction.

Rider Inexperience and Rule Violations

Finally, many states classify e-bikes differently from motor vehicles, leading to confusion about traffic rules. Inexperienced riders who ignore helmets or overestimate their control at maximum speed face a greater risk of accidents. Learning to ride defensively, maintain proper braking distance, and avoid abrupt lane changes can significantly reduce injuries.

At Chicago Bike Injury Lawyers, we’ve seen e-bike crashes caused by everything from defective parts to reckless drivers. No matter the cause, we help clients investigate what went wrong, hold negligent parties accountable, and recover compensation for medical bills and other losses.

Tips for Safe E-Bike Use and Avoiding Injuries

As the usage of e-bikes continues to rise in Chicago and other cities, staying safe requires awareness, preparation, and good riding habits. These practical tips can help electric bike riders prevent injuries and enjoy their benefits with confidence.

Wear a Helmet Every Ride

Helmets remain the single best way to prevent head injuries. Even though e-bikes feel stable, their higher speeds and heavier frames increase impact risk in a crash.

Inspect Your E-Bike Regularly

Check tires, brakes, lights, and batteries before riding. Proper maintenance helps prevent tire blowouts, brake failure, and battery malfunctions that can cause fires or sudden stops.

Avoid Riding at Maximum Speed in Traffic

Electric bikes can reach speeds up to 28 mph, but faster isn’t always safer. In dense urban traffic or near pedestrians, slower speeds give more reaction time and reduce collision force.

Follow All Traffic Rules

E-bike riders must follow the same traffic rules as motor vehicles, including stop signs, lane use, and right-of-way. Predictable riding helps drivers anticipate your movements and avoid accidents.

Use Lights and Reflective Gear

Install front white lights, rear red lights, and reflectors as required by law. Bright, reflective clothing makes you more visible to cars and pedestrians, especially during evening or early-morning rides.

Ride Defensively

Always assume drivers don’t see you. Keep a safe distance from vehicles, avoid blind spots, and be cautious around intersections or parked cars that could open doors unexpectedly.

Avoid Riding on Sidewalks

Riding on sidewalks can endanger pedestrians and increase your risk of collisions. Use designated bike lanes or stay as far right as safely possible in the traffic lane.

Be Cautious with Lithium-Ion Battery Charging

Only use the charger that came with your e-bike, and never charge overnight or near flammable materials. Faulty or overcharged batteries are a known cause of fires and injuries.

Don’t Ride Distracted or Impaired

Using a phone, wearing headphones, or riding under the influence of alcohol or medication can reduce your reaction time and increase the risk of crashes.

Practice Before Commuting

If you’re new to riding electric bikes, practice in a safe, low-traffic area to get used to the motor assistance, braking distance, and weight distribution. Confidence and familiarity reduce mistakes that cause accidents.

What Legal Options Do E-Bike Accident Victims Have in Illinois?

After an accident, injured riders often face steep medical bills, time away from work, and long recovery periods. In Illinois, victims have the right to pursue compensation through civil claims when another party’s negligence or a defective product caused their injuries. At Chicago Bike Injury Lawyers, we stand with those hurt while riding e-bikes and help them navigate the legal process with care and compassion.

Pursuing Compensation Through Civil Claims

Under Illinois law, electric bike riders may be eligible to recover compensation from negligent drivers, property owners, or manufacturers. Common types of claims include:

• Negligence claims against motor vehicle drivers who caused the crash through speeding, distraction, or failure to yield.
• Product liability claims against e-bike or battery manufacturers for defects leading to fires, tire blowouts, or other failures.
• Premises liability claims for unsafe road conditions or poorly maintained bike lanes that contribute to accidents.

Recoverable damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and long-term rehabilitation costs. In catastrophic cases, riders may also pursue compensation for permanent disabilities or emotional trauma following severe injuries.

How Our Firm Helps Victims of E-Bike Accidents

We understand that every accident is unique. Our Chicago e-bike accident attorneys conduct a detailed investigation to determine the cause of the crash, gather witness statements, preserve video footage, and work with accident reconstruction experts. We also collaborate with trauma surgeons and medical professionals to document the full extent of your e-bike injuries, ensuring your claim reflects the true impact of your losses.

Our goal is to secure fair compensation and give our clients peace of mind during a difficult time. We believe that no one should have to face insurance companies or large corporations alone.

We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we win compensation for you. Every case begins with a free consultation, where we review your situation and explain your legal options.

If you were injured while riding an e-bike in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois, contact Chicago Bike Injury Lawyers for a free, confidential consultation. We’re here to help you take the next steps toward recovery.