Given convenience, economy and the price of gasoline, e-bikes are becoming more and more popular in Chicago. Like anything else on the road with two wheels though, e-bike riders are vulnerable and exposed to serious injuries in the event of an accident. Don’t confuse e-bikes with e-scooters though. On an e-scooter, the rider is standing. On an e-bike, the rider is sitting on a seat, much like on a conventional bicycle. Like conventional bicycles they’re Illinois law also treats e-bikes as vehicles. E-bikes have small electric motors though.
The Three Types of E- Bikes
The Illinois e-bike law specifically excludes mopeds and motor driven cycles. It states as follows: “Low speed electric bicycle. A bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that meets the requirements of one of the following classes;
- (a) “Class 1 low-speed electric bicycle” means a low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicyclist reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.
- (b) “Class 2 low-speed electric bicycle” means a low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.
- (c) “Class 3 low-speed bicycle” means a low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 miles per hour.”
Take note that the City of Chicago has placed a 125-pound weight limit on Class 1 low-speed electric bicycles.
Some Common Causes of E-Bike Accidents
There are a number of common causes of e-bike accidents involving the drivers of motor vehicles. Those follow:
- Drivers turning left in intersections in front of an oncoming bicyclist who is traveling straight ahead.
- Drivers turning right when an e-bike rider is on his or her right side.
- Drivers exiting private drives or alleys and not seeing an e-bike rider.
- Drivers or occupants of stopped or parked vehicles who suddenly open doors directly in front of an oncoming e-bicycle rider.
- Drivers who are intoxicated or who have ingested drugs or both who fail to stop when required or otherwise yield the right-of-way.
- Accidents with pedestrians.
Common E-Bike Accident injuries
An e-bike can travel nearly twice the average speeds as a conventional bike with little physical effort by the rider.. That capability translates into a greater likelihood of severe injuries in the event of an accident. Some common injuries associated with e-bike accidents follow:
- Skull fractures and traumatic brain injuries.
- Neck fractures with spinal cord involvement.
- Facial and dental fractures.
- Other fractures and joint damage.
- Damage to internal organs.
- Deep lacerations, road rash and infections.
Damages in Chicago E-Bike Crashes
After being seriously injured in an e-bike crash that was caused by the carelessness and negligence of somebody else, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries and damages. Here are some of the damages that Illinois law allows you to seek:
- Past and future medical bills.
- Lost earnings or diminished earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering.
- Any permanent disfigurement.
- Any permanent disability.
- Other significant damages in the event of a wrongful death.