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Electric bikes: Just how safe are they, really?

On Behalf of | Feb 18, 2022 | E-Bikes and E-Scooters |

Electric bikes have been increasing in popularity. They are easy to ride, don’t require a license and often have powerful motors that allow people to go further without as much effort.

There are some potentially dangerous aspects of these vehicles, though. For one thing, they travel quickly. That means that a cyclist could end up falling off at a higher speed than they would normally or be involved in a more serious collision with other vehicles. Many of these electric bikes reach speeds of up to 30 mph. When moving more quickly, e-bikers are more likely to be a hazard to pedestrians and other, slower cyclists.

Lithium-ion batteries create a hazard for cyclists

E-bikes aren’t just dangerous because of their potential for high speeds. Another issue is the lithium-ion battery that each bike has to have to run effectively. Lithium-ion batteries need to be treated with caution, because there is a risk that they could rupture or explode.

Lithium-ion batteries need to be in above-freezing temperatures when charging, and they should not be exposed to rain while charging, either.

On top of the risk of damaging the battery in the elements, it is possible for lithium-ion batteries to catch on fire or explode. This is the most likely when they overheat, so it’s a good idea to avoid overcharging these batteries or storing them in extremely hot or cold places.

All of these problems could lead to serious collisions or injuries to a rider, which is why it’s important to understand the hazards on your e-bike and what you can do to mitigate them.

What should you do if you’re hurt while using an e-bike?

If you are injured when using an e-bike, then you should consider seeking compensation from the manufacturer or others who may be responsible for issues like overheating, defective batteries or other problems with the bike. If you’re hurt by another driver, then you still have a right to pursue compensation from them and to make a personal injury claim like you would if you were a pedestrian, traditional cyclist or other person using the road appropriately.

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