Illinois E-Bike Accident Attorneys

Award-Winning Attorneys for People Injured On and By E-Bikes

It’s a sunny Saturday in Naperville. A teenager rides his Class 3 electric bike (“e-bike”) down the public bike path along the River. Coming around a bend, he collides with a jogger. The rider is thrown to the pavement, suffering a broken arm and head injury. The jogger suffers a fractured hip. Emergency responders arrive. Police file a report. And then the questions begin:

Who is legally responsible?
Who pays the medical bills?
Does insurance cover an e-bike accident?

At John J. Malm & Associates, with offices in Naperville and St. Charles and more than 95 years of combined litigation experience, we help answer these questions. We represent victims of e-bike crashes and have secured more than $100 million in verdicts and settlements for injured clients across Illinois.

The Rise of E-Bikes in Illinois

E-bikes, once a novelty, are now everywhere. Teens use them to get to school. Commuters use them to shorten travel times. Recreational riders use them to keep pace on long trails.

But unlike ordinary bicycles, e-bikes can reach speeds of 20 to 28 miles per hour. At those speeds, the risks are closer to those of a motorcycle, yet Illinois law still classifies them as bicycles. The result is confusion, inconsistent local rules, and legal gray areas when accidents occur.

“An e-bike may look like a bicycle, but when you add a motor and speeds approaching 30 miles per hour, the risks are much closer to those of a motorcycle,” explains John J. Malm, Naperville bike accident attorney. “The problem is that Illinois law has not fully caught up to the dangers. Riders and pedestrians are left vulnerable, and when crashes happen, the injuries are often devastating.”

Illinois E-Bike Classifications

Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/1-140.10) divides e-bikes into three categories:

• Class 1: Pedal-assist only, motor stops at 20 mph.
• Class 2: Throttle-assist, can propel without pedaling, motor stops at 20 mph.
• Class 3: Pedal-assist only, but motor assists up to 28 mph. Riders must be at least 16 years old.

These classifications matter because they determine where an e-bike can be operated, who may ride it, and what restrictions apply.

Where Can You Ride an E-Bike in Illinois?

Under Illinois law, e-bikes may generally be ridden anywhere traditional bicycles are permitted, including:

• Streets and highways
• Designated bike lanes
• Bike paths, unless specifically restricted by local ordinance

Local governments may add licensing or registration requirements, but they cannot impose total bans where bicycles are otherwise allowed. This creates a patchwork of rules across Illinois. For example, Hinsdale requires e-bike riders to register and display a tag before using an e-bike within the village.

Common E-Bike Accident Scenarios

We have seen a growing number of accidents involving e-bikes in Illinois, including:

• Collisions with pedestrians on public bike paths
• Crashes with cars at intersections where drivers misjudge e-bike speeds
• Rider loss of control due to roadway defects like potholes or uneven pavement
• Teenagers on Class 3 e-bikes exceeding 25 mph in residential neighborhoods
• Collisions between e-bike riders and traditional cyclists on narrow trails

Because e-bikes combine the speed of a motor vehicle with the access of a bicycle, the injuries are often severe: traumatic brain injuries, fractures, spinal cord injuries, and life-altering trauma.

Who Is Legally Responsible After an E-Bike Accident?

Liability depends on the facts. Possible responsible parties include:

• The e-bike rider: if negligence caused the crash (speeding, reckless riding, ignoring rules).
• A motor vehicle driver: if the crash involved a car that failed to yield or drove carelessly.
• A municipality: if a roadway defect, such as a pothole, caused the crash, provided the rider was authorized to use that road or path.
• A manufacturer: if the e-bike was defective or malfunctioned.

These cases often turn on whether the rider was authorized to use the e-bike where the crash occurred. If not, claims against municipalities for road defects may be barred, and insurance companies may deny coverage.

Insurance and E-Bike Accidents: Who Pays?

Unlike cars, e-bikes are not subject to Illinois’ mandatory auto insurance laws. This leaves riders and victims in a difficult position when accidents occur.

• Homeowners or renters insurance may sometimes cover liability claims involving e-bikes, but many policies exclude motorized vehicles.
• Auto insurance policies typically do not cover e-bikes, unless an uninsured motorist is involved.
• Health insurance may cover medical bills, but victims still face deductibles, co-pays, and uncovered expenses.

How John J. Malm & Associates Can Help After an E-Bike Accident

At John J. Malm & Associates, our top-rated Illinois injury attorneys have the knowledge and litigation experience to handle complex e-bike cases. Our approach includes:

1. Investigating the facts: Was the rider authorized to use the bike where the crash occurred? Was the e-bike compliant with Illinois law?
2. Identifying insurance coverage: From homeowners’ policies to uninsured motorist coverage, we look at every possible source.
3. Building liability cases: Against negligent riders, careless drivers, municipalities, or manufacturers.
4. Maximizing compensation: For medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.

With more than 95 years of combined litigation experience and over $100 million recovered, we know how to fight insurance companies and protect your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions About E-Bike Accidents

Q: Are e-bikes legal in Illinois?
A: Yes. They are classified as bicycles under Illinois law and may be used where bicycles are allowed, subject to certain restrictions.

Q: Do I need a license to ride an e-bike?
A: Only riders of Class 3 e-bikes must have a valid driver’s license and be at least 16 years old.

Q: Can a city ban e-bikes?
A: No. Local governments may regulate them, such as requiring registration, but cannot ban them where bicycles are allowed.

Q: Who pays after an e-bike accident?
A: Coverage depends on the facts. Liability may fall on the rider, a motorist, a municipality, or a manufacturer. Insurance disputes are common.

Q: What if my child was injured on an e-bike?
A: If your child was riding or struck by an e-bike, you may still have claims against negligent parties or insurers. We can help evaluate your case.

Q: What damages can I recover in an e-bike accident claim?
A: You may be able to claim compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, and future care expenses.

Q: Are e-bike accidents treated like car accidents?
A: Not exactly. Auto insurance laws generally do not apply. That makes it critical to work with an attorney who understands these cases.

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

E-bike accidents leave victims with more questions than answers. Who pays? Who is responsible? At John J. Malm & Associates, we know how to cut through the confusion and fight for the justice you deserve. With offices in Naperville and St. Charles, over $100 million recovered, and over 95 years of combined litigation experience, our Illinois e-bike accident attorneys are ready to stand by your side.

Call us today for a free consultation. Experience you can count on. Justice you deserve.