Chicago Electric Bicycle Accident Attorney

Electric bicycles or e-bikes are bicycles with electric motors that assist the rider to propel them. Although e-bikes are motorized, they are not designed to reach the same speeds as motorcycles or mopeds.

As e-bikes have gained in popularity, concerns about their safety have also increased with reports of related deaths and injuries. If you have been injured in an e-bike accident caused by another person’s negligence, you have a right to seek compensation for your damages from them. To find out how the law protects you and what you are entitled to after an e-bike accident, you should speak with an experienced Chicago bicycle accident attorney. Smith LaCien LLP can help you understand your rights and navigate the legal process to get financial compensation.

Why Choose A Chicago Electric Bicycle Accident Attorney From Smith LaCien?

• At Smith LaCien LLP, our primary concern is justice for victims of other people’s negligence or misconduct.
• Our Chicago personal injury lawyers have experience with every type of personal injury claim, from car, pedestrian, and bicycle accidents, to aviation injuries and fatalities.
• Our Chicago accident lawyers are not afraid to take on powerful insurance companies, big businesses, government institutions, and other parties that have caused harm due to their negligent actions.
• We have recovered over $2.5 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients and some 100 cases with results of at least $1 million.

If you have lost a family member or a loved one as a result of an e-bike accident, the Chicago wrongful death lawyers at Smith LaCien can help you get the financial compensation you need to put the pieces of your life back together. We offer free, no-obligation consultations and if we take your case you pay no fees unless we win. Call (312) 509-8900 to schedule your free consultation today.

What is Considered An Electric Bicycle In Chicago?

Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/1-140.10) defines a low-speed e-bike as a two or three-wheeled bicycle with:

• fully operable pedals;
• an electric motor of less than 750 watts; and
• maximum speed on a paved level surface of less than 20 miles per hour, when powered solely by its motor while being ridden by an operator who weighs 170 pounds.

The Code defines the different classes of low-speed e-bikes as follows:

• Class 1 – motorized e-bike that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and stops assisting when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.
• Class 2 – motorized e-bike with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, but is not capable of assisting when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.
• Class 3 – motorized e-bike that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and stops assisting when the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 miles per hour.

Restrictions In Chicago on Operating a Low-Speed E-Bike

A low-speed e-bike is not a motor vehicle by definition, however, a person may only operate a low-speed e-bike if they have a valid current Illinois driver’s license, and are at least 16 years old. The law also prohibits e-bike riders from riding at a speed greater than 20 miles per hour on any highway, street, or roadway, and from riding on any sidewalk.

Getting Compensation for Your Chicago E-Bike Accident Injury

If you have been injured in an e-bike accident, you may be entitled to both economic damages for such damages as your past and future medical expenses and lost income, and non-economic damages for damages including your pain and suffering, disability or loss of consortium.  The value of your case will depend on the severity of your injuries and your actual damages. One of the largest risks from e-bike accidents is traumatic brain injuries. Make sure that you receive treatment first, and then contact a Chicago brain injury attorney. Although your lawyer cannot guarantee how much compensation you will recover, at Smith LaCien LLP we strive to recover top-dollar compensation for the accident victims we represent.

Call us today at (312) 509-8900 to schedule your free consultation with one of our Chicago personal injury lawyers or fill out our online contact form.