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E-bike accidents have become a growing concern in recent years, and it is important for e-bike riders to prioritize their own safety and that of others. E-bike regulations continue to be governed by individual ordinances in Florida.

E-bikes have become increasingly popular in recent years. Unfortunately, alongside the increase in e-bike popularity, we have also seen an increase in e-bike accidents. The Florida legislature has now taken action to address this concern, and a bill to establish new safety rules for e-bike riders in the state is awaiting the governor’s signature. Learn more from an experienced Fort Myers accident attorney at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

E-Bike Safety Concerns in South Florida

South Florida, unfortunately, has had a large number of serious e-bike crashes. The debate over e-bike rules and regulations continues as e-bikes become more popular for students and families. Local Southwest Florida police, parents, and local leaders try to balance safety concerns with issues of enforcement and government overreach. 

How Motorists Can Help Keep Roads Safer for E-bikes and Bicyclists

Motorists can also work to help keep the roads safer for electric bike users and bicyclists. Here are some tips for motorists to help avoid e-bike and bicycle accidents in Southwest Florida:

1. Be Mindful of the Speed of E-bikes

 Electric bikes generally travel much faster than traditional bikes.  E-bikes can travel up to 20 – 28 mph. Motorists need to keep this in mind because e-bikes will quickly approach an intersection or crosswalk.

When making a left-hand turn at an intersection, always remember that an approaching e-bike will reach the intersection quickly before turning at the intersection in front of an approaching e-bike.

2.  Maintain a Safe Distance

Motorists are required by law to maintain a minimum of 3 feet of horizontal clearance when passing a bicyclist or e-bike. Motorists need to keep a safe distance when changing lanes and make sure that there is clear space and enough distance to pass and change lanes.

3.  Check Before Turning

Before turning right or turning on red, motorists should check to their right and behind their vehicle for e-bikes and bicyclists. They should yield to anyone in the bike lane, turn behind them, and never cut them off.

4.  Scan for Bikes When Opening Car Doors

Motorists should always check side mirrors and physically look back for approaching cyclists to prevent opening a car door into the street and hitting a bicyclist. E-bike accidents occur when a parked driver or passenger opens a vehicle door into the path of an oncoming rider, causing a severe impact or forced swerve. Because e-bikes travel much faster than standard bicycles, these collisions can result in traumatic brain injuries and other serious injuries.

5.  Stop Completely at Driveways and Parking Lots

Motorists must make a complete stop, look left-right-left, and scan the sidewalks and crosswalks to avoid a crash with an e-bike or a bicyclist. Many serious crashes involving e-bikes and bikes occur when a motorist pulls out of a parking lot.

What to Do if You Get Injured in an E-Bike or Bicycle Accident

For riders who suffer serious injuries in e-bike and bicycle accidents, it is important to seek legal representation promptly. Injured riders will be entitled to financial compensation for their property damage, medical bills, lost earnings, and other financial and non-financial losses in many cases. Hiring a Fort Myers accident attorney with Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. costs nothing out-of-pocket. Our law firm represents you on a contingency fee basis in which you owe us nothing until you win.  You can get started with a free, no-obligation consultation.

FAQs: Florida’s E-Bike Safety Rules and Accident Victims’ Legal Rights

Can e-bike riders file compensation claims after accidents in South Florida?

As a general rule, e-bike riders who have suffered accident-related injuries have the same legal rights as all other accident victims in South Florida. This means that they can file compensation claims in many cases. With that said, filing a successful claim presents several challenges, so it is important to promptly engage an experienced accident attorney with Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

What if an e-bike rider is seriously injured?

When an e-bike rider and cyclist are struck by a moving vehicle, the type of injuries sustained are unfortunately likely to be serious and permanent. Therefore, it’s essential to hire attorneys at Spivey Law Firm who are experienced in litigating bicycle accident cases. At Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., we have decades of experience representing injured cyclists throughout Florida. It is important to speak with an experienced accident attorney at Spivey Law Firm to determine your legal rights and how you can obtain justice following an e-bike or bicycle accident.

Injured in an E-Bike Accident? Talk to an Experienced Fort Myers Accident Attorney for Free

At Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., we help injured e-bike riders and other accident victims seek just compensation for their injury-related losses. If you have questions about your legal rights after a serious accident, we invite you to get in touch. To speak with an experienced Fort Myers accident attorney for a free consultation, call 239-337-7483 or toll-free 888-477-4839, or contact us online at Spiveylaw.com today. It is important to act promptly to obtain a free and confidential consultation so that our attorneys can work to obtain and preserve necessary evidence from an e-bike accident.