Chicago E-bike Accident Lawyers
Our attorneys fight to help you recover financial compensation
E-bikes are becoming popular and are frequently seen on the streets of Chicago and throughout Illinois. They are vulnerable on the road, and a crash can leave riders seriously injured. The experienced bicycle accident attorneys at Keating Law Offices, P.C. fight for the rights of the injured.
On e-bikes, a bicyclist sits on a seat, just as they would on a pedal-operated bicycle, but e-bikes are equipped with electric motors that help move them along. Under Illinois law, an e-bike needs to be treated as a vehicle on the road by other motorists. The State of Illinois defines e-bikes as follows:
(625 ILCS 5/1-140.10)
Low-speed electric bicycle. A bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that meets the requirements of one of the following classes:
- (a) "Class 1 low-speed electric bicycle" means a low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.
- (b) "Class 2 low-speed electric bicycle" means a low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.
- (c) "Class 3 low-speed electric bicycle" means a low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 miles per hour.
A "low-speed electric bicycle" is not a moped or a motor driven cycle.
The City of Chicago adds a weight restriction to the state’s requirements. Chicago allows e-bikes under these guidelines:
"Low-speed electric bicycle" means a bicycle, except equipped with an electric motor of less than 750 watts that meets the requirements of one of the following classes:
"Class 1 low-speed electric bicycle" means a low-speed electric bicycle that weighs less than 125 pounds and is equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.
"Class 2 low-speed electric bicycle" means a low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that can be used as the sole means to propel the bicycle and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.
"Class 3 low-speed electric bicycle" means a low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 miles per hour, or is a Class 1 low-speed electric bicycle that weighs 125 pounds or more.
A "low speed electric bicycle" is not a moped or a motor-driven cycle."
When a motorist is negligent, it can result in a crash that leaves people hurt. Helmets help somewhat, but the operators of e-bikes generally have very little protection out on the road. In a crash, they can suffer broken bones, head and neck injuries, and even catastrophic spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries.
Fighting for the best outcome in your accident case
A crash can change your life in an instant. You may need surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, and medication. Recovery may take months or even years. Some crash victims are left with a permanent disability. Medical expenses can become overwhelming quickly. If you are unable to work, there is less income coming in.
Too often, motorists treat e-bikes and e-scooters as little more than an annoyance. They have a responsibility to follow the rules of the road, nevertheless. When the negligence of a motorist causes a crash with e-bike or e-scooter, victims deserve financial compensation. We fight to hold negligent motorists accountable.
Recovering financial compensation can be complicated. Motorists typically deny any responsibility and insist they did nothing wrong. Insurance companies aren’t much help. Their main interest is in paying you as little as possible to help keep profits high. They have lawyers looking out for their best interests.
That is why you need an experienced bicycle accident attorney fighting for you. Our firm is known for helping injured bicyclists. We’re proud to have helped hundreds of clients recover the financial compensation they deserve. Our law firm is committed to helping you get the best possible outcome in your case.
Lawyers with the experience that gets results
Our legal team investigates your e-bike crash to get the facts. We gather evidence, such as traffic camera video footage, accident reports, and medical records. We identify and interview witnesses. If needed, we consult accident reconstruction experts and other specialists.
We build strong cases that the insurance company can’t ignore. When they see that we are ready to fight for you in court if necessary, they often agree to start talking about a settlement. We’re not interested in making a quick deal that helps them save money. We are only interested in a resolution of your case that meets your needs.
Our lawyers determine the total amount of damages you have suffered in your e-bike crash. This includes current and future medical expenses for treating your injuries. It includes lost wages if your injuries left you unable to work. There may be other damages, such as disability, pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Learn more about how we can help you. Talk to one of our bicycle accident attorneys during a free consultation. We’ll review the details of your crash and go over your legal options. Contact us today.
