E-bikes and e-scooters have become a convenient and fun way to travel around New York City. They get commuters to work, help delivery workers earn a living, and offer residents an alternative to driving and public transportation.
But as their popularity has risen, more accidents involving electric scooters and electric bikes have occurred. Here’s what you need to know about your legal rights after a crash and how to recover compensation with the help of an e-bike accident lawyer.
NYC E-Bike and E-Scooter Rules Matter After a Crash
Since October 2025, e-bikes, e-scooters, and pedal-assist bicycles have been subject to a 15 mph citywide speed limit in NYC. The city also prohibits them on sidewalks, and riders must yield to pedestrians and follow applicable traffic laws. E-bikes are grouped into three classes, with certain riders required to wear helmets.
If a rider was speeding, traveling in a prohibited area, disregarding traffic signals, or otherwise violating the law, this could become important evidence in an accident investigation. Since riders aren’t required to have a driver’s license or DMV registration, they often don’t carry insurance.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for an Electric Bike Accident?
Many New Yorkers hire an e-bike accident lawyer to help determine liability and pursue the at-fault party, based on what happened in a collision. For example, if an e-bike or e-scooter struck you as a pedestrian, the rider could be held liable if they were disobeying traffic laws.
If a car hit you while riding an e-bike or e-scooter, the driver could be liable if their negligence caused the crash. If your e-bike or e-scooter malfunctioned, you could have a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor. Meanwhile, delivery workers who use e-bikes and e-scooters and are involved in a crash could take legal action against an employer, a delivery platform, or workers’ compensation.
What About No-Fault Insurance?
New York’s no-fault insurance typically applies only to motor vehicles – not to e-bikes or e-scooters. But if your crash involved a motor vehicle, that driver’s no-fault insurance could become relevant. Anyone involved in an electric bike accident should have their case reviewed by an experienced attorney before assuming whether they have coverage.
What to Do After an E-Bike or E-Scooter Crash
- Call 911 to report the accident
- Get medical attention
- Photograph the scene
- Get contact information from witnesses
- Preserve the e-bike or e-scooter as evidence
- Keep medical records and lost-income documentation
- Don’t give insurers any statement before speaking to an e-bike/e-scooter accident lawyer
How an E-Bike or E-Scooter Accident Lawyer Can Help
An e-bike or e-scooter accident lawyer will examine how the crash occurred, identify potentially responsible parties, gather evidence, and communicate with insurance companies.
The Law Office of Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum represents injured e-bike and e-scooter riders in New York City. We can help you pursue a claim for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Scooter and Electric Bike Accidents
What is the e-bike speed limit in NYC?
The NYC citywide speed limit for e-bikes, e-scooters and pedal-assist bicycles is 15 mph.
Who is liable if an e-bike hits a pedestrian?
The e-bike rider could be liable if their negligence caused the pedestrian’s injuries. However, an e-bike accident lawyer will investigate the claim to determine who is legally responsible.
Does New York no-fault insurance cover e-bikes?
Generally, no, as e-bikes are not considered to be motor vehicles for New York’s no-fault insurance system. However, no-fault insurance could become relevant if a motor vehicle was involved in an e-bike crash.
Can I sue if a delivery e-bike injured me?
Possibly yes. Depending on how the accident happened, the e-bike delivery worker, the delivery company, or another party could be held liable for your injuries.
To discuss your potential case, please call us 24/7 at 718-237-5586 or contact us online. We offer free case reviews and experienced, dedicated representation to help you gain full and fair compensation as quickly as possible.
