Avoid eBike Accidents | MA eBike Accident Lawyers

While electric bicycles are a great way to get around both quickly and affordably, they come with some different accident risks than traditional bikes due to their higher speeds and increased weight. Because of this, it’s important to take some extra precautions to avoid accidents and reduce the chances of severe injury when you ride. Here’s what to know.

Ways to Prevent Accidents on an eBike

Get to Know Your eBike Before Riding

eBikes can accelerate fast and have a different center of gravity, so you shouldn’t ride one in traffic until you’re familiar with how it handles. Practice riding in a parking lot or on a rural road with fewer cars first so you can get a feel for braking, turning, and using the throttle if your bike has one.

Wear the Correct Safety Gear

A helmet and other safety gear can’t stop an accident from happening, but it can significantly reduce your chances of being seriously hurt if you do get into a collision. In fact, the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute estimates that wearing a properly fitting helmet lowers the risk of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) by 51% and the risk of death by 44%.

Increase Your Visibility

It’s often difficult for motor vehicle drivers to see eBike riders, especially as SUVs and trucks increase in size year over year. Not only does Massachusetts law require cyclists to use lights and reflectors at night and around dusk and dawn, but doing so also helps drivers to see you more easily. This is also incredibly important when riding in snowy or foggy conditions.

Another way to increase visibility is to wear a reflective vest or brightly colored shirt. Avoid wearing dark clothing at night.

Follow Traffic Laws and Bike Regulations

eBike riders should understand the traffic laws that apply wherever they ride. In Massachusetts, electric bicycle operators generally have the same rights and responsibilities as those who ride traditional bicycles. That said, eBike riders may not ride on sidewalks or nature trails and may be subject to local regulations depending on where they live.

Ride According to Road Conditions

When riding, pay attention to road conditions, traffic, and the weather. Maintain slower speeds at intersections and high-traffic areas, as well as on wet or icy roads. You should also give yourself extra time and distance to stop when road conditions are poor.

Avoid Distractions

It’s also important to avoid distractions like using your cell phone or listening to music in both ears while you’re on an eBike. You need to be able to hear and see the traffic around you so you can react in time. If you need to check your phone, it’s a good idea to ride to a parking lot and avoid stopping on the shoulder of the road.

What to Do If a Crash Happens

Doing what you can to prevent an eBike accident is key, but not every collision is preventable. Knowing what to do if a crash occurs can help reduce the risk of additional injuries and protect your rights should you need to file a claim.

Move Your Bike to the Side of the Road

If you are physically able and it is safe to do so, move yourself and your eBike out of active traffic to prevent another collision. However, you should not do this if you are hurt or if moving your bike would otherwise put you in danger.

Get Medical Help

Call 911 if you are able for serious injuries. If you don’t feel hurt, you can visit a hospital or urgent care once the police clear the accident scene. This is crucial to make sure you don’t have any internal injuries and to create a medical record that shows you saw a doctor on the day of the crash.

Report the Collision

If you didn’t call 911, you should call the police at the scene to report the accident. Officers will come to interview witnesses, take notes, and document important facts like who was involved and who may have witnessed the incident.

Get Evidence From the Scene

If you are able or can have someone else do this for you, it can be helpful to gather as much evidence from the scene as you can before it’s cleared. This includes taking photos of your eBike, any vehicles that were involved, skid marks or crash debris, and other key components.

You should also make note of nearby homes, businesses, traffic cameras, or vehicles that may have recorded the collision. Video evidence can sometimes be erased or overwritten quickly, so you need to protect this evidence as quickly as you can. Additionally, keep your damaged eBike, the clothing you were wearing, and copies of reports and medical records.

Contact an Experienced Massachusetts eBike Law Firm

When an eBike collision results in serious injury, you and your family need answers. An experienced Massachusetts eBike accident lawyer can help you navigate the aftermath of a crash and get the evidence you need to prove negligence and harm. Contact us at (978) 862-7195 or toll-free at (855) 546-2117 for a free evaluation of your case, and we’ll help you take the next step.