The E-Bike Injury Surge: Why Accidents Are Up and How To Fight Back

“It feels like every trauma is related to an e-bike. Either a kid is riding an e-bike and crashes, or they’re riding an e-bike and they get hit by a car.” That’s what pediatric emergency room doctor, Dr. Meghan Martin (Dr.Beachgem10), says in a video published on her social media channels in July 2025. In the video, Dr. Martin speaks directly to the camera with equal parts frustration and concern, urging viewers (particularly parents) to recognize the risks associated with e-bike use. She shares the types of accidents she sees in the ER, from kids with broken arms and legs to those with life-changing head injuries. At multiple points, she buries her face in her hands, seemingly at a loss to describe the onslaught of e-bike and e-scooter injury cases she’s seeing: “I wish I could put my brain on a projector and just project it and let you watch.”

Over the past decade, e-bikes have gone from a curiosity to a craze. And it’s not surprising why. They let you breeze up hills, zip through commutes, and leave a smaller footprint on the earth and your wallet. But while e-bike use is booming, injuries are at an all-time high. Distracted drivers don’t always notice them, inexperienced riders can lose control, and even a pothole can spell disaster.

If you or a loved one was injured while riding an e-bike, you might be asking: Do I have a legal claim? Keep reading to find out.

What Qualifies as an E-Bike?

The e-bike: not quite a motorcycle, not quite your grandma’s cruiser. But just because it has a battery doesn’t mean it’s an electric bike. In Texas, the law is clear: to count as an e-bike, your ride must meet three criteria:

• Fully operable pedals. If it can’t pedal, it’s not an e-bike.
• Motor power no greater than 750 watts. Anything more is a motor vehicle in the eyes of the law.
• Motor-assisted speed capped at 28 mph. You can pedal faster under your own power, but the motor cuts off at 28 mph.

Texas law treats e-bikes like regular bicycles. That means e-bike riders, like cyclists, must follow all the same traffic laws that apply to bicycles.

E-bikes also come in three classes:

1. Class 1: Pedal-assist only, up to 20 mph.
2. Class 2: Pedal- or throttle-assist, up to 20 mph.
3. Class 3: Pedal-assist only, up to 28 mph.

In Texas, there’s no age limit for Class 1 or 2, but you must be at least 15 years old to ride a Class 3 solo. And in Houston, keep in mind that helmets are mandatory for anyone under 18.

E-Bike Accident and Injury Causes: Understanding Who’s at Fault

E-bikes may be fast and fun, but they’re also landing more and more riders in the ER—and my office. According to a 2025 study on e-bike accidents, about 11% of patients with e-bike injuries required hospitalization. So what’s behind all these crashes? And just as important: who’s at fault?

First, let’s talk causes. E-bike accidents often boil down to four main culprits:

1. Distracted drivers: Motorists may not see you if they’re texting, fiddling with the radio, or just not looking out for smaller vehicles. E-bikes are still a new sight to many drivers, and unfortunately, you’re the one they overlook. In downtown Houston, riders of bicycles and e-bikes must use the roadway, as they’re banned from sidewalks. While this protects pedestrians, it also puts riders on the road where drivers may not see them.
2. Inexperienced riders: E-bikes pack more power than your average bike, and some folks bite off more speed than they can chew. Sharp turns, steep hills, and busy streets can be tricky if you’re not ready for them.
3. Poor road conditions: Potholes, debris, and badly maintained bike lanes are a recipe for e-bike accidents and injuries. Cities and property owners are responsible for keeping roads in a reasonably safe condition. When they don’t, people get hurt.
4. Defective bikes or parts: Sometimes the problem isn’t the rider or the road, but the bike itself. Faulty brakes, batteries that overheat, or motors that fail at the worst moment can point to a manufacturer’s negligence.

So who’s on the hook? It depends. Drivers, cities, manufacturers, or even a combination, can all share blame. That’s why it’s so important to work with a lawyer who can untangle the facts, figure out who dropped the ball, and hold the responsible parties accountable.

If you’ve been injured on an e-bike, we can help you find out who’s really at fault and make sure they answer for it.

What Damages Can I Recover?

After an e-bike crash, get medical attention right away, document everything with photos, and don’t admit fault (even casually). Let the professionals figure out who’s responsible while you focus on healing.

Once the dust settles, you might be wondering: what exactly can you claim?

After an e-bike accident, your claim can cover more than just your hospital bill. You can seek compensation for all your medical expenses, from emergency care to follow-up visits, physical therapy, and even future treatments. If your injuries keep you from working or force you into a lower-paying job, you can also claim lost wages and reduced earning potential. After all, your career shouldn’t hit the brakes just because of someone else’s mistake!

But it’s not just about dollars and cents. Texas law also recognizes the toll an accident takes on your quality of life. That means you can recover for the emotional stress you’ve experienced and the loss of enjoyment of the things you love.

The truth is, most people underestimate the full value of their claim. Insurance companies are counting on that. Attorney Ryan Nguyen’s job is to make sure you don’t settle for less than you deserve and to handle the negotiating so you can focus on healing. Let him help you understand the real worth of your case and make sure the people responsible are held accountable.

Don’t Let an E-Bike Injury Knock You Off Course

ER physician, Dr. Meghan Martin, has seen more e-bike injuries than she’d like. In a warning to riders and parents, she says, “The number of electric bike and scooter accidents has increased dramatically in the last few years. Some of the injuries are minor: broken bones and bruises, but we’ve seen some really significant injuries as well. Please take appropriate precautions: closed-toed shoes and helmets at minimum.”

She’s right: E-bike accidents are no joke. From busted bones to life-changing head injuries, these crashes can leave you reeling. And as with car accidents, it’s not always your fault. Between distracted drivers, bad roads, and even defective bikes, responsibility doesn’t just rest on your shoulders. Unfortunately, insurance companies love to downplay your injuries and shortchange your claim. That’s why you need us fighting for your interests.

If you or your child has sustained an e-bike injury, don’t try to wing it on your own. Contact Attorney Ryan Nguyen, “The Falcon,” for a free and confidential case review. He’ll help you figure out who’s really at fault, fight for every dollar you deserve, and make sure you can focus on what matters most: healing and getting your life back on track.