Depending upon where you live, e-bikes and e-scooters are now a common sight in most towns and cities. As a result of this, accidents are on the rise and likely to continue doing so as their popularity grows.
With this in mind, do you know your rights as a pedestrian or road user? What would happen if you were struck by an e-vehicle and you were injured as a result, and would it be possible to make a claim for your injuries? Our Road Traffic Accident team provides answers to some commonly-asked questions on this subject.
Are e-bikes and e-scooters even legal in public places?
Compliant e-bikes (more information about compliance below) are classed as regular bicycles and are treated as such in public spaces. Non compliant bikes are legally regarded as motor vehicles and treated as such.
Compliant e-scooters exist in areas participating in e-scooter schemes, such as Lime or Neuron. Any privately owned e-scooter is illegal to operate anywhere in public, and though they are perfectly legal to sell, they are only legal for use on private land with permission of the landowner.
What is a compliant e-vehicle?
- The motor must not exceed 250 watts of power
- The motor must cut out at 15.5mph (25km/h)
- In the case of e-bikes, the rider must be pedalling for the motor to assist
- Compliant e-scooters must be part of an approved scheme, legally operating in the area.
I was injured by an e-bike or e-scooter. Might I be able to make a claim for compensation?
Claims of this type can be complex, as it depends on whether or not the bike or scooter is a compliant e-vehicle.
Where a compliant e-vehicle was involved, a claim may be made against the insurance provided by a scheme, private bicycle insurance, or the actual rider in a Civil case.
Where an unregulated or uncompliant e-vehicle was involved, it may also be possible to claim against the actual rider. In some cases it may be possible to claim against an uninsured rider via the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB), depending upon the ability to identify the rider and the classification of the unregulated vehicle.
This may sound very confusing, but any potential legal avenues would be full explored and explained with the help of a Solicitor specialising in Road Traffic Accidents. if it is unlikely or very unlikely that your claim will succeed, you would also be informed from the very beginning.
What if the rider was uninsured?
In the event that the rider was uninsured, it may be possible to pursue your claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) or via Civil action.
What evidence might help my case?
- Seek Medical Attention: Some injuries, particularly internal ones, don’t show symptoms immediately.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the vehicle, the road conditions (like potholes), and any visible injuries.
- Insurance and personal details of the rider (where applicable and obtainable).
- Gather Witnesses: Independent accounts are often the “make or break” factor in a claim.
- Secure CCTV: Footage is often deleted quickly; contact local businesses or councils immediately to preserve it.
- Report to Police: An official report provides a neutral record of the event.
How long do I have to make a claim?
Claims for accidents involving vehicles are subject to strict time limits. An eligible compensation claim can be made within three years of the incident.
What does the process involve?
- Obtaining evidence – Gathering as much information from you as possible regarding the incident, as well as contacting witnesses if applicable. Once this is done, it is a matter of building a strong case.
- Taking action – Insurers will be contacted, medical records will be obtained where necessary, and all legal avenues are explored.
- Negotiating a successful outcome – As settlement will be reached and counter-offers will be made if we believe you are entitled to a bigger award.
Can I make a claim for injuries from other types road traffic accidents (RTAs)?
Yes you can. As well as being a motorist, you can also claim as a passenger, pedestrian or cyclist, provided that the accident was not your fault and occurred within the last three years.
Contact a member of our expert RTA team here at Oakwood Solicitors, and we will gladly discuss your circumstances and advise whether or not you have a valid claim. There is no obligation to proceed upon getting in touch.
Why should I choose Oakwood Solicitors Ltd to make my claim?
Since 2001, Oakwood Solicitors has been a dedicated advocate for victims of road traffic accidents. We understand that an e-bike or e-scooter injury isn’t just a legal case – it’s a disruption to your life, your finances, and your wellbeing.
When you instruct us, you can expect a friendly, down-to-earth approach, together with an extensive knowledge of the field, which will be used to fight tenaciously with the insurers to achieve the maximum level of compensation possible for you.
Our experienced team fights tenaciously to secure the maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation.
Further reading
e-bike and e-scooter injury claims – Oakwood Solicitors
WHAT TO DO NEXT
Contact our team at Oakwood Solicitors Ltd and provide us with some basic information about the accident, your injuries, and details of your financial losses. We will then be able to tell you if you have a viable claim.
Get in touch today – choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page or call us on 0113 200 9720 to find out how we can help you.
Rob Crompton joined Oakwood Solicitors in July 2007 as a Road Traffic Accident Paralegal Fee Earner. Rob has progressed through the organisation and holds the current position of Head of Personal Inj…
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