E-Bike Accidents

Electric bicycles, or e-bikes, have become increasingly popular in Nashville, Davidson County, Brentwood, Murfreesboro, and throughout Middle Tennessee. Riders use them for commuting, recreation, and eco-conscious travel. As their popularity rises, so too does the number of serious accidents involving these devices. Unlike traditional bicycles, e-bikes can reach speeds up to 28 miles per hour, depending on their class and design. This speed, combined with their quiet operation and relatively low visibility to motorists, significantly increases the risk of collisions, falls, and catastrophic injury. At The Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we represent e-bike riders and others who have been injured in accidents involving electric bicycles. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries while riding an e-bike, or due to the negligence of an e-bike rider, we can help you understand your rights and pursue fair compensation. Our office can be reached at (615) 742-4880 for a free consultation.

Understanding the Differences Between e-Bikes and Traditional Bicycles

Electric bicycles are often mistaken for traditional bikes, but they function differently and are regulated differently under Tennessee law. E-bikes come in three classes. Class 1 e-bikes provide pedal-assist only and do not exceed 20 miles per hour. Class 2 e-bikes offer throttle-based propulsion and also max out at 20 miles per hour. Class 3 e-bikes provide pedal-assist up to 28 miles per hour and are often restricted from sidewalks and greenways. These distinctions matter because they affect where e-bikes can be legally operated and how liability may be assigned in an accident.

Tennessee law categorizes e-bikes separately from motor vehicles but imposes specific safety requirements on their use. For example, Class 3 e-bike riders, regardless of age, must wear a helmet. E-bike operators must follow traffic laws applicable to bicycles and must not ride on sidewalks where prohibited. While e-bikes offer speed and efficiency, they also introduce new dangers, particularly when sharing roads with cars, trucks, pedestrians, and traditional cyclists.

Common Causes of e-Bike Accidents

E-bike accidents can result from a variety of circumstances. One common cause involves collisions with motor vehicles. Drivers may fail to notice an e-bike in their blind spot, misjudge the bike’s speed, or neglect to yield the right of way. These accidents often occur at intersections, during lane changes, or when vehicles exit driveways or parking lots.

Unsafe road conditions are another frequent cause. E-bike riders are vulnerable to potholes, loose gravel, uneven pavement, and poorly marked construction zones. Because e-bikes travel at higher speeds than traditional bikes, these hazards can be more difficult to navigate safely. When a government agency fails to maintain safe public roads or fails to provide adequate warning of a hazard, that agency may be held liable for resulting injuries.

E-bike malfunctions also contribute to accidents. Defective brakes, faulty batteries, or electrical system failures may cause a rider to lose control or become suddenly incapacitated. In such cases, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer may be held accountable under Tennessee product liability law.

Pedestrians and cyclists are also at risk from negligent e-bike riders. Due to their speed and weight, e-bikes can cause serious injury to those on foot or using traditional bicycles, especially when operated on shared trails or in violation of traffic rules. When an e-bike rider acts carelessly, such as by riding on a crowded sidewalk or weaving through traffic, they may be liable for injuries they cause to others.

Common Injuries in e-Bike Accidents

E-bike crashes often result in serious and sometimes life-altering injuries. Riders are exposed to the same vulnerabilities as traditional cyclists but with a greater risk of high-impact collisions due to increased speed. Head injuries are among the most common and most serious outcomes. Even when a helmet is worn, riders may suffer concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can have lasting cognitive and physical effects.

Broken bones are also common. The force of being thrown from an e-bike may lead to fractures in the arms, legs, hips, ribs, or collarbone. Many riders instinctively extend their arms to break a fall, resulting in wrist or elbow injuries. Road rash and soft tissue injuries are common as well, often requiring painful wound care and posing a risk of infection.

Spinal cord injuries and internal trauma may occur in high-speed crashes, particularly when a rider is struck by a motor vehicle. These types of injuries often require surgery, hospitalization, and long-term physical therapy. Emotional trauma, such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress, can persist long after the physical injuries have healed.

Our firm works with medical experts and life care planners to fully evaluate the scope of our clients’ injuries. We ensure that our clients’ long-term needs—including rehabilitation, assistive devices, therapy, and diminished earning capacity—are included in the damages we pursue.

Tennessee Law and Legal Liability in e-Bike Crashes

Tennessee’s approach to e-bike accidents relies primarily on general principles of negligence and comparative fault. If a motor vehicle driver violates a traffic law and causes a crash with an e-bike ride, the driver may be found negligent. This can include failure to yield, distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence. If the e-bike rider is partially at fault—for example, by running a stop sign or riding on a prohibited sidewalk—Tennessee’s modified comparative fault system applies. Under Tennessee law, an injured party may recover compensation as long as they were less than 50 percent at fault, though their recovery will be reduced in proportion to their share of responsibility.

When a crash occurs due to a road hazard or public infrastructure defect, a government entity may be liable under the Tennessee Governmental Tort Liability Act. However, these cases must be brought within shorter time frames and may require prior notice before filing suit. Our attorneys are familiar with these requirements and know how to preserve your claim against public entities.

In cases involving defective e-bikes, riders may have a claim under Tennessee’s product liability statutes. Manufacturers have a legal obligation to design and produce reasonably safe products. When a defect in design, manufacturing, or warnings leads to injury, the victim may be entitled to compensation from the manufacturer or retailer.

Insurance Considerations in e-Bike Cases

Insurance coverage in e-bike accidents can be complicated. In some cases, the at-fault driver’s auto insurance may cover injuries to an e-bike rider. If the driver was uninsured or underinsured, the rider’s own auto insurance policy may provide coverage under an uninsured motorist or medical payments provision. Not all policies cover incidents involving e-bikes, so a careful review is necessary.

If the accident occurred on private property, premises liability coverage may apply. For instance, if an e-bike rider is injured by a hazard on a commercial property or apartment complex, the property owner’s liability insurance may be responsible. In cases of product defects, the manufacturer’s or distributor’s liability insurance is typically implicated.

Victims without insurance may rely on health insurance to cover immediate medical costs, but any settlement or verdict will likely require repayment of health insurer liens. Our firm works closely with insurance providers and lien holders to ensure that clients maximize their recovery and are not overwhelmed by unexpected repayment demands.

Damages Available in e-Bike Injury Cases

If you have been injured in an e-bike accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation under Tennessee law. Recoverable damages include medical expenses, both current and future. These may involve ambulance transport, hospitalization, surgery, medications, therapy, and follow-up care. If your injury has affected your ability to work, you may also recover lost wages and future earning capacity.

Pain and suffering is also recognized as a compensable loss. This includes physical discomfort, emotional distress, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving permanent injury or disability, additional compensation may be awarded to address long-term care needs and lifestyle adjustments. In cases of wrongful death, surviving family members may recover for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional toll of losing a loved one.

Our attorneys collaborate with economic and medical experts to prepare a detailed evaluation of your losses. We do not rely on guesswork or formulas—we build each case around your specific injuries and the impact on your life.

Steps to Take After an e-Bike Accident

If you are involved in an e-bike accident, your health and safety should be your first priority. Seek immediate medical care, even if you do not believe you are seriously injured. Injuries such as internal bleeding, brain trauma, or ligament tears may not be apparent at the scene.

Document the incident as thoroughly as possible. Take photographs of your injuries, the damaged e-bike, the accident scene, and any vehicles or hazards involved. Obtain contact information for any witnesses. If law enforcement responds, request a copy of the accident report or the report number. If you rented the e-bike, report the incident to the provider through the app or their customer service hotline and keep a record of that communication.

Do not speak to insurance companies or provide recorded statements without first consulting a lawyer. Insurance adjusters may attempt to settle quickly or minimize your injuries. An attorney can guide you through the process and protect your rights at every stage.

Why Choose The Law Offices of John Day, P.C.

At The Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we have over 80 years of combined experience representing injury victims across Tennessee. With offices in Brentwood, Nashville, and Murfreesboro, we are proud to serve clients throughout Davidson County and Middle Tennessee. Our firm is known for detailed investigation, strategic negotiation, and a commitment to courtroom excellence when needed.

We take all e-bike accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We also advance all case expenses so that you are never forced to choose between financial stability and legal representation. Our team includes attorneys, paralegals, a full-time nurse, and access to respected expert witnesses across fields including accident reconstruction, vocational rehabilitation, and economics.

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an e-bike accident, you do not have to face the legal system alone. Call The Law Offices of John Day, P.C. at (615) 742-4880 to schedule your free consultation. We will take the time to listen to your story, explain your options, and develop a plan to seek full compensation for your losses. From our offices in Brentwood, Nashville, and Murfreesboro, we are ready to help you take the first step toward justice and recovery.