The Hidden Dangers of E-Bikes In California

Dangers Unique to E-Bikes in California

An electric bike, or e-bike, has an electric motor and runs on rechargeable batteries instead of being propelled solely by the pedaling of its rider as with a traditional bicycle.

The placement and power of the motor varies by e-bike, and batteries generally requiring recharging after between 20 and 100 miles. E-bikes come in different versions based how they are operated; some must be pedaled while pedaling is optional for others. 

1.  Too Quiet

E-bikes are also eerily silent. Unlike a regular bike where the motion of a rider’s feet creates sound, e-bikes do not create the expected noise one would expect to perceive when passing a bicyclist. Hearing is an important sense when it comes to road safety. An e-bike’s silence can be deadly.

2. Too Much Throttle

Too much throttle application or starting from a high electric gear from a dead stop is among the biggest causes of minor accidents related to e-bikes. As such accidents often occur at a very low speed, they do not usually cause any serious damage.

3. Battery Catching Fire

There have been numerous reports of lithium fires on electric bike rides, and also while the bike is charging. The majority of modern e-bike batteries are well designed and safe to use. The battery technology is progressing further and upcoming designs will be less heavy, more performant and less and less dangerous. Nearly 80% of these fires could be avoided with due care and precautions.

4. Forgetting You Are on a Motor Vehicle

For some reason, the silence and bicycle-like appearance of electric bikes can entice people to do silly things that defy common sense. Electric bikes may feel like a regular bicycle, but the dangers are real. Always remember that you are on a motor vehicle and resist the temptation to pass other cyclists at higher speeds. Do not weave in and out of traffic. And remember to use your hand signals.

5. Not Obeying Traffic Signals

This danger is akin to the one above. Believe it or not, most accidents with e-bikes are not because of any inherent fault in the design or idea of the e-bike but how the riders treat their vehicles. For starters, appreciate the fact that an electric bicycle is basically an in-between product of a regular bicycle and a regular motorbike.

Many bicyclists do not respect stop signs or stop lights. Because they are on a bicycle they are not risking infractions on their driving records, and the tickets for breaking a law such as running a red light are a minor ticket much like jaywalking. When on an electric bike you are going at much higher speed than on a bicycle so the consequences are much more severe.

Driving of e-bikes in most jurisdictions is not yet as regulated as driving motorbikes. However, it is worth noting that the speed and functions of an e-bike are in many respects similar to a low-performing motorcycle. An e-bike becomes dangerous when its rider forgets this fact.

6. Bearings Locking Up

This is a potential problem specific to powerful mid drives. If any of the freewheel bearing lock up it can cause the pedals to go at full speed with the pedals knocking the riders shins and possibly causing a crash.

7. Stuck Throttle

E-bike throttles can get stuck in the wide open position unexpectedly. On a high power electric bike this is another one of those nightmare scenarios that can cause a serious accident. For this reason you should consider some kind of emergency cut off and/or have high quality hydraulic disc brakes that are able to stop the rear wheel even at full throttle.

8. Age Related Risks

It has been found that e-bikes may present a higher risk to elderly people than they present to other age groups. Various research studies have concluded that the risk possessed by e-bikes are pretty much similar to risks possessed by regular bikes for age groups 11-60.

So, e-bikes may not be treated as dangerous to ride as compared to bicycles or even motorbikes. However, it is also true that the risk tends to rise and may become double in certain cases for people aged 60 and above.

This can be explained in terms of elderly people having, on average, higher body weight, weaker reflexes, not as strong health, and less understanding of how modern e-bike work in various situations during a ride.

Additional Risks and Safety Concerns

1. Speed and Acceleration Risks

E-bikes can go up to 20–28 mph without much effort. Quick acceleration makes it harder for riders to control the bike, especially in crowded areas.

California data: According to a review of the state’s crash database (SWITRS), injury collisions involving e-bikes increased from 184 in 2018 to 3,429 in 2023 — an 18.6-fold rise. They also accounted for 4.9% of bicycle group crashes in 2023, compared to just 1.5% in 2018.

2. Fire and Battery Hazards

3. Higher Risk for Pedestrians

4. Road Rules and Legal Confusion

5. Helmet and Protective Gear Use

6. Maintenance and Mechanical Issues

Legal Implications of E-Bike Accidents in California

• Who is liable if a rider injures a pedestrian?
• Are e-bike crashes treated like bicycle accidents or motor vehicle accidents?
• Can victims sue for damages like in a car accident?

Why California law matters: With crash severity and frequency on the rise, legal claims involving e-bikes are expected to increase. Victims may pursue claims for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Practical Safety Tips for Riders

• Always wear a helmet and bright clothing.
• Ride predictably—signal turns and obey traffic rules.
• Avoid sidewalks unless explicitly allowed.
• Never modify the motor to exceed legal speed limits.
• Use mirrors, lights, and bells to alert others.

FAQs About California E-Bike Dangers

Are e-bikes more dangerous than regular bicycles?

Yes. California data shows injuries from e-bike crashes are more severe on average than bicycle crashes (facs.org).

Can e-bike batteries catch fire?

Yes, if they are poorly made or charged incorrectly. Fire departments in San Francisco and San Diego report dozens of battery fires every year.

Do e-bike riders need insurance in California?

No. California does not require insurance for Class 1, 2, or 3 e-bikes. However, standard home or auto policies may not cover e-bike accidents, so optional e-bike insurance is recommended for liability and theft protection.

Can pedestrians sue after an e-bike accident in California?

Yes. If a pedestrian is injured by an e-bike rider’s negligence — such as speeding, ignoring traffic laws, or unsafe riding — they can file a personal injury claim in California to recover damages like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Are there age limits for riding e-bikes in California?

Yes. In California, you must be at least 16 years old to ride a Class 3 e-bike (pedal-assist up to 28 mph). There is no minimum age for Class 1 or Class 2 e-bikes, but all riders under 18 must wear a helmet.

Call An E-bike Attorney – CALL DUQUE & PRICE!

Electric bike accidents are often serious in nature. We understand that you are in a difficult time of life if you have been injured in an e-bike accident. We want to help by making this trying time as smooth and easy as possible for you. If you or a loved one sustained a minor or severe injury in an e-bike accident, you may be entitled to compensation. The statute of limitations requires that you file a lawsuit related to an e-bike injury within two years, so you should speak with an accident lawyer as soon as possible to better understand your legal rights and options.

Personal injury cases are difficult and require a skilled attorney. Do not try to take on the insurance company lawyers by yourself.  Time limitations apply to any injury claim you might have, so for purposes of investigating a possible case and possibly preserving evidence, it’s best for you to contact us immediately after an accident.

Since our attorneys see many cyclist accidents throughout the year, we know how to obtain fair compensation for your injuries. Contact our experienced Orange County Personal Injury Attorneys at 1-877-241-9554 to learn more about your legal options. A free consultation is just a phone call away. You can even use our online contact form, and we will reply to you quickly.

Key Takeaways

• California crash data shows e-bike accidents are rising nearly 19x since 2018.
• Battery fires are a growing public safety concern in major California cities.
• Most severe crashes involve unsafe speed or lack of protective gear.
• Riders must follow state laws, wear helmets, and maintain their e-bikes.
• Victims of e-bike accidents in California can seek legal compensation.

About The Author

Brent A. Duque

From humble beginnings and son of hard-working immigrant parents, Brent Duque was raised in La Puente, California. After graduating from West Covina High School and Mt. San Antonio College, Mr. Duque went on to graduate from Cal State University Fullerton with a Bachelors degree in Political Science. After obtaining his undergraduate degree, Mr. Duque did his graduate studies in Education and Public Administration at California Polytechnic University Pomona. After working for other firms, Mr. Duque knew that if he opened his own firm, he could provide more aggressive representation, better communication with clients, and secure larger settlements and verdicts for his clients. In 2006, he started his firm and has had a remarkable and successful career that he attributes to his firm’s aggressive and relentless pursuit of justice for his clients. As owner and managing attorney of the firm, Mr. Duque has fought for and secured millions of dollars for his clients.

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