The Rise of E-Bike Injuries: A Growing Safety Concern in Illinois

Reviewed By: The Spiros Law Team | Last Reviewed & Updated: September 24, 2026

Electric bikes, commonly known as e-bikes, and electric scooters, or e-scooters, have become increasingly popular modes of transportation and have transformed how many people navigate their cities on a daily basis.

While convenient and eco-friendly, this surge in what is known as “micromobility” has come with a serious downside – a sharp increase in severe and sometimes fatal injuries.

E-bike injuries surged by 293% nationwide between 2019 and 2022, with Illinois hospitals reporting over 34,000 injuries from micromobility devices, including e-bikes, between 2021 and 2023.

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.

E-bikes come with a higher rate of serious and fatal injuries compared to traditional bicycle incidents. Serious injuries often include traumatic brain injury (TBI) and fractures requiring hospitalization and life-threatening treatment.

With the significant increase in E-bike injuries, safety education is becoming a critical priority nationwide and in Illinois.

“Ride Safe, Ride Smart, Ride Ready”: Illinois Pushes for E-Bike Safety Awareness

Without proper infrastructure, regulations, and enforcement, e-bike riders and other road users face significant risks. The Illinois Secretary of State unveiled a “Ride Safe, Ride Smart, Ride Ready” initiative in January 2026 to help curb the dangers posed by the high speeds these bikes can reach and to create clear rules of the road for micromobility devices. And with no current age restrictions on these vehicles, the Secretary of State’s office knew something had to be done.

This plan, in coordination with fellow lawmakers, will aim to:

• Update Illinois’ Vehicle Code to create definitive, statewide rules for high-speed models and clearly define the models in question.
• Consider requirements for age, insurance, and licensing/permits for these devices.
• Create clear rules for where these devices can be legally used, including sidewalks, bike lanes, and city streets.

If you live in Kankakee, Champaign, or Danville and own an electric bike or e-scooter, take a moment to refresh yourself on the rules of the road, so you can keep yourself and others safe when you go for a ride. One small mistake can have a catastrophic impact on your life or someone else’s.

How to Prevent Serious Injury and Protect Yourself

Not all collisions are avoidable, especially those caused by negligent drivers. There are a few key things to remember as you embark on your e-bike or e-scooter to reduce your risk of life-threatening injuries.

• Always Wear a Helmet: A properly fitted helmet can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries.
• Understand Your E-Bike: Know your e-bike’s class (1, 2, or 3), top speed, and any motor assistance features it’s equipped with. It’s important to thoroughly understand your bike’s speed capabilities and braking distance before riding in traffic.
• Stay Visible: Use lights, reflective gear, and bright clothing, especially when riding at night.
• Ride Defensively: Always assume drivers may not see you and stay alert at intersections.
• Avoid Distractions: Do not use cell phones or wear headphones while riding. Stay alert and remain aware of your surroundings.
• Follow Illinois Traffic Laws: E-bike riders are often subject to the same rules as traditional cyclists. Be aware of your city or state regulations for e-bike use, including minimum age requirements.

The Complexity of E-bikes and Bicycle Injury Law

As the popularity of electric bikes continues to surge, so too does the risk of serious injuries. When someone else’s negligence causes those injuries, personal injury law comes into play.

Our team at Spiros Law is seeing the trend – a growing number of cases involving these modern modes of transportation. The complexity of bicycle wreck lawsuits has also increased significantly, largely because e-bikes occupy a legal gray area between traditional bicycles and motor vehicles.

E-bikes are not just bicycles with a motor. As data show, they pose a greater risk of injury. Because e-bikes can reach speeds of 20-28 mph, or even up to 40 mph for some models, they are significantly faster than traditional bicycles. Speed alone increases both crash likelihood and injury severity and has a major impact on injury claims and insurance coverage. These collisions are often high-speed, high-impact incidents that require extensive legal knowledge to evaluate the facts fully.

For injured riders and pedestrians alike, working with an experienced personal injury attorney is critical to navigating how these evolving laws affect their right to compensation.

Have You Been Seriously Hurt in an E-Bike Crash? Contact Spiros Law Today.

E-bikes offer many benefits – environmental sustainability, affordable transportation, and increased mobility for those without cars. With thoughtful regulation, investment in safety, and rider education, we can all curb the serious risks and preventable deaths.

If you’ve been injured in an e-bike or e-scooter crash, our team at Spiros Law is here to support you. Whether it’s handling the insurance company on your behalf, gathering evidence, or fighting for justice and your compensation, our skilled attorneys have extensive legal experience in navigating complex cases to success. Contact us today to get started.

Free Consultation | 100% Confidential | No Obligation to Hire: Contact Us For A Free Case Review

Common Questions

Helmet, Safety Gear, and Fault

Can I still recover compensation if I was not wearing a helmet during an e-bike crash?

Yes. Illinois law does not generally require adults to wear helmets while riding bicycles or e-bikes. Not wearing a helmet also does not automatically make you responsible for a collision caused by another person.

If a driver failed to yield, violated your right-of-way, opened a vehicle door into your path, or otherwise caused the crash, Spiros Law can investigate the circumstances and address attempts by an insurance company to shift blame to you because you were not wearing a helmet.

What if the driver claims I was speeding or came out of nowhere on my e-bike?

You may still have a claim. Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which can allow an injured person to recover compensation when they are found to be 50% or less responsible for the occurrence.

Spiros Law can investigate the driver’s version of events, review available evidence, and assess how the parties’ actions contributed to the collision. This can include reviewing photographs, video, witness accounts, traffic conditions, and other evidence relevant to fault.

Where You Were Riding

What if I was riding on a sidewalk, crosswalk, or outside a marked bike lane?

Riding outside a marked bike lane does not automatically prevent you from pursuing compensation after an e-bike collision. Illinois law and local ordinances can affect where different types of e-bikes may be operated, and the rules can vary by location.

Spiros Law can review the location of the collision, applicable traffic and local ordinances, and the actions of everyone involved. Even when an insurance company argues that you were riding somewhere you should not have been, our attorneys can examine whether the driver’s conduct contributed to the collision and evaluate your potential claim.

Insurance and Financial Concerns

I do not have e-bike insurance. Who can pay for my injuries?

You may still have options for pursuing compensation. When a motorist causes an e-bike collision, the driver’s automobile liability insurance may provide coverage for an injured rider. Depending on the circumstances, other insurance coverage may also be available, including applicable uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage or certain homeowners or renters policies.

Spiros Law can investigate the available insurance coverage and identify the policies that may apply to your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and other losses.

How much does it cost to consult with Spiros Law after an e-bike collision?

Your initial case review is free and confidential. Spiros Law handles qualifying personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay upfront attorney fees or hourly legal fees.

The firm is paid only if it recovers compensation for you through a settlement or verdict. This allows you to discuss your potential claim with an attorney without taking on an upfront legal bill.

Injuries and Delayed Symptoms

The ER discharged me, but my symptoms are getting worse. Should I still speak with a lawyer?

Yes. Being discharged from an emergency room does not necessarily mean that your injuries are minor. Some symptoms associated with concussions, traumatic brain injuries, fractures, and other injuries may become more noticeable after the initial evaluation.

Spiros Law can review your medical records, treatment history, and the circumstances of the collision to help determine how your injuries may relate to the crash. Speaking with an attorney can also help you understand your legal options before making decisions about an insurance claim or settlement.

Insurance Claims and When to Contact a Lawyer

Should I wait to see what the driver’s insurance company offers before contacting an attorney?

You do not have to wait. An insurance company may contact you soon after an e-bike collision and request information, a recorded statement, or a settlement agreement before the full extent of your injuries is known.

Spiros Law can handle communications with the insurance company, investigate the collision, gather relevant evidence, and evaluate the potential value of your claim. This can help you make informed decisions before providing statements or signing documents that could affect your ability to seek additional compensation.

Sources

Sources

• PubMed / National Library of Medicine: Injuries From Electric Bikes and Scooters: Illinois, U.S., 2021–2023 — Evaluates statewide hospital and ER data on 34,000+ micromobility injuries, showing e-bike riders face significantly higher rates of ICU admission and motor vehicle collision risks compared to traditional cyclists.
• Illinois General Assembly: Senate Bill 3484 (Micromobility Classifications & Regulations) — Outlines statewide classification standards, operating limits, and age/licensing regulations for e-bikes, electric scooters, and high-speed micromobility devices.
• Illinois Secretary of State: “Ride Safe, Ride Smart, Ride Ready” Initiative — Details statewide road-safety priorities, public awareness efforts, and legislative updates addressing high-speed electric devices and city street regulations.
• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): Micromobility Injury Reports — Tracks national trends, emergency room visits, and statistical increases in e-bike and e-scooter injuries from 2019 to 2022.

Learn More

Explore related legal guides and injury claim resources from Spiros Law:

• Illinois Dog Bite & Animal Attack Representation — Learn how our Illinois dog bite attorneys establish owner liability and recover financial compensation for serious puncture wounds, nerve damage, and scarring.
• Illinois Premises Liability Claims — Understand property owner obligations, trespassing statutes, and how property conditions factor into animal injury lawsuits.
• Contact Spiros Law for a Free Consultation — Connect with an experienced injury attorney at our Champaign, Danville, Kankakee, or Mattoon offices to evaluate your case.

Disclaimer: This website is for general information only and does not provide legal advice. Viewing this site or contacting Spiros Law does not create an attorney–client relationship. An attorney–client relationship is formed only by a signed written agreement. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different and depends on its specific facts and law. This site may be considered attorney advertising. Spiros Law practices law in Illinois.