E-Bike Accident Attorneys in St. George

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At Swenson & Shelley, our St. George personal injury lawyers know that Utah’s diverse landscape, which includes mountains, valleys, and urban areas, makes e-bikes an attractive transportation option.

An e-bike, short for electric bike, is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor that assists with pedaling. This motor is powered by a rechargeable battery in various places on the bike, such as the down tube or rear rack. E-bikes come in different styles and can be used for multiple purposes, from commuting and recreational riding to mountain biking. Depending on the type of e-bike, they can reach speeds up to 30 mph.

E-Bike Accident

E-bikes help riders tackle hilly terrains and longer distances more efficiently than traditional bikes. Utah also offers many beautiful cycling routes, including scenic byways, national parks, and trails. E-bikes allow more people to enjoy these routes, regardless of their fitness level.

Conversely, e-bikes offer a convenient solution to avoid urban traffic congestion and parking issues. They can be faster and more efficient for short to medium commutes. The trouble is the more e-bikes on our roadways and trails, the more accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

One hundred four people died in e-bike-related accidents over five years in Utah, which was 45% of all micro-mobility device deaths. According to a recent Consumer Product Safety Commission report, injuries associated with e-bikes increased by 21% in just two years.

If you or someone you love has been injured or tragically lost their life to negligence while riding an electric bicycle, contact our skilled Washington County e-bike accident attorneys today to discuss your claim during a free consultation.

What are the Most Common Causes of E-Bike Accidents in St. George, Utah?

E-bikes offer remarkable versatility, catering to various needs and preferences. Whether used for daily commutes in urban environments, leisurely rides through scenic landscapes, challenging mountain trails, or running errands, e-bikes provide an adaptable mode of transportation for St. George residents and visitors.

Many e-bikes have been recalled due to injury hazards, including:

Outside of manufacturing defects that have led to countless injuries and fatalities in Utah and across the nation, there are other crash factors. Mechanical failures, such as malfunctioning brakes, the sudden loss of power or control, and tire blowouts at high speeds, also create problems. In areas with heavy pedestrian traffic, e-bike riders and pedestrians can collide without notice.

However, like most bicycle accidents, injuries, and fatalities, the cause of these crashes is the negligence of other motorists, including:

  • Failure to Yield: Motorists may fail to yield the right-of-way at intersections, leading to collisions with e-bike riders with the right-of-way.
  • Failure to Observe Traffic Laws: Motorists who disregard traffic signals, signs, and right-of-way rules can create hazardous situations for e-bike riders.
  • Driver Inattention and Distraction: Motorists distracted by mobile devices, passengers, or other in-car activities may not notice e-bike riders.
  • Impaired Driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have impaired judgment and reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents.
  • Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to unexpected situations, making it harder to avoid collisions with e-bike riders.
  • Right Hook Accidents: These occur when a motorist turns right at an intersection or driveway and cuts off an e-bike rider traveling straight in the bike lane or on the right side of the road.
  • Left Turn Accidents: Motorists turning left at intersections may not see oncoming e-bike riders, resulting in collisions.
  • Dooring: A parked car door is opened into the path of an oncoming e-bike rider, causing the rider to crash into the door or swerve into traffic.
  • Rear-End Collisions: Motorists may fail to notice an e-bike rider ahead and collide with them from behind, especially if the rider travels slower than motor traffic.
  • Side-Swipe Accidents: Drivers passing e-bike riders too closely can sideswipe them, causing loss of control and crashes.
  • Overtaking and Passing: Motorists may misjudge the speed and space required to overtake and pass e-bike riders, leading to collisions safely.
  • Lane Merging and Changing: Motorists merging or changing lanes without checking for e-bike riders can result in collisions.
  • Visibility Issues: Low visibility conditions, such as poor lighting, bad weather, or blind spots, can prevent motorists from seeing e-bike riders.
  • Aggressive Driving: Tailgating, rapid lane changes, and other aggressive motorist behaviors can endanger e-bike riders.

Whether you are a Utah resident or visiting from another state, our dedicated e-bike accident attorneys in St. George can help you hold the liable party accountable for your crash, injuries, or the loss of your loved one, starting with a free consultation.

Who Can Be Held Liable for E-Bike Accidents in St. George, Utah?

Depending on the circumstances of the incident, several parties can potentially be held liable for e-bike accidents in St. George, Utah.

An e-bike rental company can be liable for a crash under several circumstances, including:

  • Maintenance and Repairs: If the e-bike provided to the customer had mechanical issues, such as brake failure, steering problems, or battery malfunctions, and the rental company failed to maintain or repair the bike properly, the company could be held liable.
  • Pre-Rental Inspections: Liability may also arise if the rental company did not conduct adequate inspections before renting out the e-bike to ensure it was in safe working condition.
  • Manufacturing Defects: If an e-bike’s manufacturing defect caused the crash, the rental company and the manufacturer might be liable under product liability laws.
  • Design Defects: If the e-bike’s design flaw contributed to the accident, the rental company, if they were aware of the defect, could be held liable.
  • Safety Instructions: If the rental company failed to provide adequate safety instructions or training on operating the e-bike safely, they could be liable if the lack of guidance contributed to the crash.
  • Usage Guidelines: Companies must inform renters about any restrictions or guidelines, such as where the e-bike can be ridden or maximum speed limits.
  • Known Issues: If the rental company was aware of potential hazards or known issues with the e-bike model and did not warn the customer, they could be liable for failing to provide necessary warnings.
  • Staff Training: If the rental company’s staff were inadequately trained and provided incorrect or insufficient information to the renters, the company could be liable for resulting accidents.
  • Background Checks: Liability might also arise if the company fails to conduct appropriate background checks or training for the employees responsible for maintaining the e-bikes.
  • Legal Requirements: Rental companies must comply with local laws and regulations regarding e-bike rentals. They could be held liable if they fail to adhere to these requirements, such as providing helmets if mandated.
  • Inadequate Helmets: If the rental company did not provide or ensure the use of helmets, and a rider suffered head injuries in a crash, the company could be liable if helmet use was required by law or company policy.
  • Incorrect Bike Type: If the company rents out an e-bike inappropriate for the rider’s skill level or intended use—for example, renting a high-powered e-bike to a novice rider without proper instruction—it could be liable for resulting accidents.

While many rental companies require customers to sign waivers or liability releases, these documents do not always absolve the company from liability, especially in negligence or failure to maintain safety standards.

In addition to the e-bike rental company, other motorists, including other e-bike riders, can be held liable for crashes caused by their negligence. If you have been hurt or tragically lost a loved one in an e-bike accident in St. George, contact our skilled personal injury lawyers today for help.

At Swenson & Shelley, our St. George e-bike accident attorneys are knowledgeable, compassionate, and adept at helping accident victims throughout Utah. Every accident is unique and requires customized legal solutions to pursue actual results. No matter how it occurred, you do not have to fight your e-bike accident battle alone. We can help.

Our St. George Personal Injury Attorneys Also Represent The Following Practice Area:

When the Worst Has Happened, We Fight for What’s Best for You.

Call our dedicated e-bike accident attorneys in Washington County today at (435)-228-7647 or online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. During this consultation, you can learn immediately whether your claim is eligible for legal action.

We do not charge any fees upfront for our services. Instead, you pay us only if we secure payment for you. That makes getting legal help accessible and allows you to focus on your recovery. Contact us now to learn more.