E-Bike and E-Scooter Accident Lawyer in Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Learn your rights and options if you’ve been injured in Palm Beach County

With their ease of access and environmentally friendly appeal, electric bicycles and scooters have gained popularity as a convenient mode of transportation in Florida. However, despite their convenience, e-bikes can also pose significant risks, leading to devastating accidents and injuries.

At The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A. in Palm Beach Gardens, our law firm understands the complexities of e-bike accidents and provides legal guidance and support to those affected. Whether you’re a rider injured in an e-bike accident or a loved one seeking justice, Mr. Shomo and his dedicated legal team are here to help you navigate the legal process and pursue the compensation you deserve.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an e-bike or e-scooter accident, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. Our team can review your case, explain your rights, and discuss your options for seeking compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other related damages.

What are e-bikes and e-scooters?

An electric scooter is a small vehicle with a platform for standing and handlebars for steering, powered by an electric motor. The battery pack in electric scooters stores and provides power to the motor. It’s like a fuel tank in a gas car but holds electrical energy instead.

An electric bike, or e-bike, is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor to assist with propulsion. E-bikes come in three different classes, each with its own characteristics:

Class 1 E-Bikes: These e-bikes have a pedal-assist feature that helps the rider pedal. The assistance stops when the e-bike reaches a speed of 20 mph.
Class 2 E-Bikes: These e-bikes can be operated solely by using the motor. The motor stops when the e-bike reaches a speed of 20 mph.
Class 3 E-Bikes: These e-bikes also have a pedal-assist feature like Class 1, but the assistance stops when the e-bike reaches a higher speed of 28 mph.

Causes of e-bike and e-scooter accidents

Electric bike and scooter accidents can happen for many reasons, often due to the negligence of other drivers. Common causes include:

Failure to yield: Drivers may fail to yield to e-bike and e-scooter riders at intersections, crosswalks, or when merging.
Unsafe passing: Drivers may attempt to pass e-bike and e-scooter riders without providing sufficient clearance or while traveling at excessive speeds, risking side-swipe collisions.
Distracted driving: Drivers distracted by smartphones, GPS devices, or other distractions may fail to notice e-bike and e-scooter riders sharing the road.
Aggressive driving: Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, speeding, or weaving in and out of traffic can endanger e-bike and e-scooter riders.
Ignoring designated lanes: Drivers may shift into bike lanes or shared lanes designated for e-bike and e-scooter use, leading to collisions with riders.
Opening car doors: Drivers or passengers opening car doors without checking for approaching e-bike or e-scooter riders can cause “dooring” accidents.
Impaired driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have impaired judgment and reaction times, posing a significant risk to e-bike and e-scooter riders.
Ignoring traffic signals: Drivers running red lights, stop signs, or failing to signal can cause accidents with e-bike and e-scooter riders who have the right of way.

Common types of electric bike and scooter accidents

Navigating the streets on an electric scooter or bike can be a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around, but it’s not without its risks. Accidents involving electric scooters and bikes are not uncommon.

Collisions with cars: One of the most common causes of accidents is collisions with cars. E-bikes and e-scooters share the road with larger vehicles, and sometimes drivers may not see them or may underestimate their speed.
Mechanical failures: Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, can also lead to accidents, especially at higher speeds.

E-bike and e-scooter injuries

The rising popularity of electric bikes and scooters has led to an increase in accidents and injuries. Due to their open design and lack of protective features, accidents involving e-bikes and e-scooters can result in severe injuries. Common types of injuries associated with these accidents include:

Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries.
Fractures and broken bones.
Soft tissue injuries.
Internal injuries.
Facial injuries and dental trauma.

Electric bike/scooter Florida regulations

Like with other forms of transportation, there are certain rules individuals must abide by. Florida electric bike and scooter laws involve age limitations and regulations of where these bikes and scooters are allowed. Regulations can vary from city to city, but state laws are as follows:

Riders of electric scooters in Florida must be at least 16 years old and are not required to have a driver’s license.
E-bikes can be ridden on Florida roadways by individuals of any age, but riders under 16 must wear helmets.
E-bikes do not need to be registered.
Electric scooter riders have the same rights and responsibilities as bicyclists on Florida roads.
Electric scooters can be used in bike lanes, and only one rider per scooter is permitted.
No insurance is required to ride electric scooters in Florida.
E-bikes have a legal maximum of 750W.
All motorized scooters are limited to a maximum speed of 15 mph and tampering with the speed is illegal.

Get help from an e-bike and e-scooter accident lawyer in Palm Beach County

Getting injured in an accident when on an electric scooter or e-bike can be devastating. You may not even be aware of your legal rights, but you have them, and they deserve to be protected. If you’ve been injured in an e-bike or e-scooter accident in Palm Beach County, an attorney can advocate for your best interests and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

At The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A. in Palm Beach Gardens, we work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for our clients. Schedule a free consultation with an experienced e-bike accident attorney to discuss your case. Contact us today to get the help you need.