The Rise of E-Bike Accidents in Illinois

Electric bicycles (e-bikes) have become increasingly popular across Illinois as more riders turn to them for fast, eco-friendly, and affordable transportation. Whether used for commuting, recreation, or food delivery, e-bikes are now a common sight in Chicago, its suburbs, and college towns throughout the state. However, this rise in popularity has been accompanied by a concerning increase in accidents and injuries. Without proper infrastructure, regulations, and enforcement, e-bike riders and others on the road face significant risks.

National Trends in E-Bike Accidents

Nationally, e-bike accidents have been steadily rising alongside e-bike sales. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were approximately 53,200 e-bike-related emergency department (ED) visits between 2017 and 2022, with 24,400 injuries occurring in 2022 alone. Over that five-year period, 104 people died in e-bike crashes—making up nearly 45% of all micromobility-related deaths, which includes electric scooters and hoverboards.

The growing number of e-bike injuries and fatalities nationwide mirrors what is happening locally in Illinois. As more residents adopt e-bikes for everyday travel, Illinois communities are seeing a sharp increase in serious crashes, particularly in urban areas like Chicago and college towns like Urbana-Champaign.

Bicycle Fatalities and Injuries in Illinois

While Illinois does not currently publish a statewide breakdown of e-bike-specific injuries, the rise in overall bicycle crashes provides a useful lens. According to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the state saw 41 bicyclist fatalities in 2023, a sharp increase from just 12 in 2019. This represents more than a 240% increase in fatalities over four years.

Notably, the majority of fatal crashes in Illinois occur during low-light conditions—87% of bicyclist deaths occurred during dawn, dusk, or night—well above the national average of 56%. These conditions are especially dangerous for e-bike riders who may be traveling at speeds between 20–28 mph and are less visible to drivers. Males made up 86% of the fatalities, and the average age of victims was 43 years old.

E-Bike Crash Trends in Chicago

Chicago accounts for a large portion of Illinois bicycle crashes—reportedly more than 70% of the state’s bicycle-related collisions. In 2023 alone, there were 1,440 bicycle crashes reported in Chicago, resulting in 1,270 injuries and 7 fatalities. Many of these crashes occurred on congested city streets and at intersections, where e-bike riders share the road with cars, buses, and trucks.

The summer months—particularly July through September—tend to be the most dangerous for cyclists in Chicago, due to increased ridership and tourism. Dooring accidents, where a parked car’s door opens into the path of a cyclist, continue to be a leading cause of injury. In fact, dooring accounts for nearly 20% of all bike crashes in the city.

Who is Getting Hurt in E-Bike Crashes?

Nationally, e-bike injuries most commonly affect men—76% of e-bike emergency department visits involved male riders. Riders between the ages of 25 and 44 accounted for 34% of all e-bike injuries, while riders aged 45–64 made up another 30%. Alarmingly, less than 45% of injured e-bike riders were wearing helmets at the time of their accidents.

Helmet use is a critical safety factor. Research shows that helmets reduce the risk of serious head injuries by up to 70%, yet usage rates remain low—particularly among young adults. E-bike riders may underestimate their speed or overestimate their control, leading to high-speed collisions or falls with devastating consequences.

When and Where E-Bike Crashes Happen

The majority of e-bike accidents happen during the day, with 40% occurring between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.. However, nighttime and low-light crashes tend to result in more severe injuries. E-bikes are also most commonly involved in crashes at intersections—nearly 55% of accidents occur at or near an intersection. High-traffic city streets with speed limits above 35 mph are particularly dangerous, with 63% of e-bike crashes occurring in these environments.

Pedestrian involvement is another area of concern—22% of e-bike crashes involve a pedestrian, often due to sidewalk riding or improper path sharing. Many of these accidents occur in college towns or near business districts, where sidewalks and multi-use trails are crowded.

E-Bike Laws and Enforcement in Illinois

Illinois classifies e-bikes into three categories:

• Class 1: Pedal-assist only, top speed of 20 mph.
• Class 2: Throttle-assist (no pedaling), top speed of 20 mph.
• Class 3: Pedal-assist with a top speed of 28 mph. Riders must be at least 16 years old.

Under Illinois law, e-bikes are allowed on roadways and most bike lanes, but are prohibited from sidewalks. However, enforcement of these laws varies by municipality. In many areas, including Chicago, local ordinances and signage are inconsistent or absent—leading to confusion among riders and limited enforcement by police.

Campus Safety and E-Bikes

College campuses across Illinois have seen a spike in e-bike and e-scooter usage. At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, campus police report frequent near-misses involving e-bike riders going 15–20 mph in pedestrian areas. However, the university does not track e-bike accidents separately, and most violations are met with warnings rather than citations.

Without clear enforcement and data tracking, university officials face challenges in addressing growing safety concerns. Students may not be aware of sidewalk restrictions or helmet recommendations, and many ride without proper lighting or reflectors at night.

Battery Fires and Other Emerging E-Bike Risks

E-bike batteries, while generally safe, can present fire risks if improperly charged or maintained. Nationally, 13% of e-bike-related accidents involve battery fires or malfunctions, leading to property damage and sometimes injury. As more Illinois residents purchase e-bikes online and assemble them without professional help, battery-related incidents are likely to increase.

Alcohol use is another factor—10% of e-bike crashes involve riders under the influence, increasing the risk of losing control, running red lights, or riding on sidewalks.

What Can Be Done to Improve E-Bike Safety in Illinois?

Improve Infrastructure

To reduce e-bike injuries and fatalities, Illinois must invest in safer infrastructure. This includes expanding protected bike lanes that are physically separated from motor vehicle traffic. Studies show that protected bike lanes can reduce crash risk by 50–60%.

Enforce Existing Laws

Local police and campus authorities must begin enforcing sidewalk bans, helmet laws (where applicable), and e-bike classification rules. Simply issuing warnings does little to change behavior, particularly in dense urban areas and around college campuses.

Educate Riders

Public safety campaigns can promote helmet use, visibility, and safe riding habits. The “Dutch Reach,” a technique that encourages drivers to check for cyclists before opening their door, should be taught widely to reduce dooring crashes.

Track E-Bike Crashes Separately

To craft effective policy, IDOT and local agencies should begin tracking e-bike crashes separately from traditional bicycle accidents. This data will help determine where accidents are occurring and what interventions are working.

Contact the Top-Rated Illinois E-Bike Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

E-bikes offer many benefits—environmental sustainability, low-cost travel, and increased mobility for those who don’t drive. However, without thoughtful regulation and investment in safety, the risks will continue to grow. Illinois is already seeing the consequences of this imbalance: rising injuries, inconsistent laws, and tragic preventable deaths.

At John J. Malm & Associates, our attorneys have represented many victims of bicycle and e-bike crashes throughout Illinois. We understand the unique risks that come with e-bike use and are committed to fighting for those injured due to negligence, unsafe road conditions, or defective equipment.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an e-bike accident, contact our office for a free consultation. Our award-winning Illinois bicycle accident attorneys will review your case, explain your legal options, and help you get the compensation you deserve.