Chicago Electric Accident Lawyer

E-bikes, also known as electric bicycles, are an increasingly popular way of getting around. It’s much easier to bike for long distances when you can count on the electric motor to help, especially when you need to go up a steep or hilly street.

However, e-bikes do have a dangerous side. Despite limits on their speeds, they often go much faster than standard bicycles. When an e-bike user is not careful about pedestrians or other people on the road, they can cause severe injuries in a crash. They are also at risk of injuries from careless drivers.

If you’ve been injured in an e-bike crash, you may be able to collect compensation with a personal injury claim. An electrical bicycle accident attorney can help you recover funds for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., we have a history of obtaining large jury verdicts and settlements in bicycle accident cases like yours. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your e-bike accident case.

How an Experienced Chicago E-Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. has recovered over $2.5 billion for our clients to date, including the highest compensatory verdict awarded to an individual in the history of Illinois. We have won over 350 verdicts and settlements of $1 million or more, including a bicycle accident case in which we obtained a $10.5 million jury verdict for our client.

Our diverse team of over 20 top litigators and more than 35 supporting staff gives us a strong combination of resources and skills to aggressively fight for the rights of our clients, including bicycle accident victims. In the words of one client, “Their dedication and guidance were invaluable, and I truly appreciate everything they did to help me win my case and realize a just settlement.”

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How an Experienced Chicago E-Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. has recovered over $2.5 billion for our clients to date, including the highest compensatory verdict awarded to an individual in the history of Illinois. We have won over 350 verdicts and settlements of $1 million or more, including a bicycle accident case in which we obtained a $10.5 million jury verdict for our client.  

Our diverse team of over 20 top litigators and more than 35 supporting staff gives us a strong combination of resources and skills to aggressively fight for the rights of our clients, including bicycle accident victims. In the words of one client, “Their dedication and guidance were invaluable, and I truly appreciate everything they did to help me win my case and realize a just settlement.”

How Are E-Bikes Treated Under Illinois Law?

The following are three classes of e-bikes in Illinois:

  • Class 1 e-bikes have an electric motor that assists the bicyclist while pedaling and shuts off when the bike reaches 20mph.
  • Class 2 e-bikes have motors that work even when the bicyclist is not pedaling, but they do not exceed 20mph.
  • Class 3 e-bikes have a faster top speed, but the motor will not operate at over 28mph.

Under Illinois law, e-bikes must be manufactured according to the standards set by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. Every Class 3 e-bike must have a speedometer. Each e-bike must have a label stating the bike’s class, top speed, and wattage. Class 1 and Class 3 e-bikes must have a motor that stops when the cyclist stops pedaling. Class 2 e-bikes must have a motor that stops when the cyclist uses the brakes.

How an Experienced Chicago E-Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. has recovered over $2.5 billion for our clients to date, including the highest compensatory verdict awarded to an individual in the history of Illinois. We have won over 350 verdicts and settlements of $1 million or more, including a bicycle accident case in which we obtained a $10.5 million jury verdict for our client.  

Our diverse team of over 20 top litigators and more than 35 supporting staff gives us a strong combination of resources and skills to aggressively fight for the rights of our clients, including bicycle accident victims. In the words of one client, “Their dedication and guidance were invaluable, and I truly appreciate everything they did to help me win my case and realize a just settlement.”

How Are E-Bikes Treated Under Illinois Law?

The following are three classes of e-bikes in Illinois:

  • Class 1 e-bikes have an electric motor that assists the bicyclist while pedaling and shuts off when the bike reaches 20mph.
  • Class 2 e-bikes have motors that work even when the bicyclist is not pedaling, but they do not exceed 20mph.
  • Class 3 e-bikes have a faster top speed, but the motor will not operate at over 28mph.

Under Illinois law, e-bikes must be manufactured according to the standards set by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. Every Class 3 e-bike must have a speedometer. Each e-bike must have a label stating the bike’s class, top speed, and wattage. Class 1 and Class 3 e-bikes must have a motor that stops when the cyclist stops pedaling. Class 2 e-bikes must have a motor that stops when the cyclist uses the brakes.

Dangers of Electric Bikes

E-bikes do have some dangers that traditional bicycles do not, including the following:

  • Higher speeds result in more severe injuries in the event of a crash.
  • The ability to bike on steep hills and other difficult terrain can increase the risk of injury.
  • The danger of distracted riding is much greater due to the increased speed.
  • Some e-bike users may not be familiar with the way e-bikes handle.
  • Many e-bike users do not wear enough protective gear for such a fast bike.

What Special Rules Apply to Electric Bikes?

For the most part, Illinois law treats e-bikes as bicycles. Like regular bicycles, e-bikes are allowed on highways, streets, roadways, and bike paths. You are not required to wear a helmet when using an e-bike or a regular bicycle. However, there are a few differences, including the following:

  • Unlike regular bicycles, e-bikes are not permitted on the sidewalk.
  • To use a Class 3 e-bike, you must be at least 16 years old. 
  • If you are under 16, you can only ride a Class 3 e-bike as a passenger.
responsible for ebike accident

Who Is Responsible for E-Bike Accidents?

When an e-bike crash occurs, the liable party depends on the circumstances, such as in the following instances:

  • If the e-bike user disregarded traffic laws or rode on the sidewalk, they may be liable.
  • If the e-bike user is hit by a driver who did not yield the right of way when they should have, who was speeding, or who was driving while distracted, the driver may be liable.
  • If a defective e-bike caused the crash, then the manufacturer may be liable.
  • If you rented the e-bike and the bike crash was due to negligent maintenance, the e-bike vendor may be liable.
  • If the crash was caused by poor road conditions or inadequate bike lane maintenance, the municipality may be liable.

When you meet with a Chicago e-bike accident lawyer from Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., we can assess who could be liable for your injuries.

electric bike accident attorney

Financial Compensation You Can Recover After an Electric Bike Accident

After an e-bike crash, you can recover financial compensation for the following:

    • Your medical bills, rehabilitation and physical therapy costs, nursing care, and other medical expenses
    • Lost income, including the wages you lost by missing work, and any decrease in your future earning capacity due to your injuries
    • Pain and suffering caused by your injuries
    • Emotional distress you experience due to the crash
    • Loss of enjoyment of life

The compensation injured bicyclists can recover depends on their losses, which differ from one case to another. Your personal injury lawyer can calculate the potential value of your claim after thoroughly investigating your case.

Contact Our Chicago Bicycle Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation Today

If you’ve been injured in an e-bike crash and you have a bicycle accident claim you’d like to pursue, contact the experienced Chicago bike accident attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. 

A lawyer with e-bike crash experience can investigate your case, interview any witnesses, review your medical records, and determine the value of your claim. Then, our Chicago bicycle accident attorneys can negotiate with the insurance company to pursue maximum compensation for your injuries. If the insurance company doesn’t make a reasonable settlement offer, we are not afraid to take the case to court and fight for your rights at trial. 

Contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. for your free, no-obligation consultation today.

Portrait of Patrick A. Salvi II, a smiling and approachable attorney in a suit and tie. His warm expression conveys trust and empathy. As a skilled Chicago Birth Injury Attorney, Patrick A. Salvi II offers compassionate and knowledgeable legal guidance to families navigating the complexities of birth injury cases.