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.
