Posted on Saturday, July 12th, 2025 at 7:30 am
Electric bikes—or e-bikes—have rapidly become a common sight on Chicago streets. Riders appreciate their speed, flexibility, and affordability, and the city has seen a sharp increase in both personal and rental e-bike use through programs like Divvy. However, this growth has also presented new legal and safety challenges, particularly as crashes involving e-bikes become increasingly frequent.
At Wallace Miller, we represent individuals in Chicago who have been seriously injured in collisions involving e-bikes—whether they were riding the e-bike or were struck by one. These cases often raise difficult questions about fault, insurance, and liability. As the law catches up with the evolving use of e-bikes, understanding your rights becomes even more important. If you’ve been injured in an e-bike crash, knowing who may be responsible is the first step in protecting your ability to recover.
Why e-bike crashes are becoming more common in Chicago
Chicago’s roadways weren’t built with e-bikes in mind. The city has expanded its bike lane network, but connectivity gaps, inconsistent signage, and car-dominated infrastructure still make bicycle travel risky. E-bikes, which can travel up to 28 mph depending on the class, move faster than traditional bicycles and often share limited space with pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles alike.
Add to that an increase in delivery services using e-bikes, riders with little formal training, and inconsistent enforcement of traffic rules, and you have a recipe for more frequent and more severe collisions.
Common types of e-bike crashes in Chicago include:
- A rider being struck by a car while in a bike lane.
- A pedestrian hit by an e-bike on a sidewalk or crosswalk.
- An e-bike colliding with another cyclist due to excessive speed.
- A dooring incident when a car occupant opens a door into an e-bike’s path.
- A malfunction or brake failure on a rented or purchased e-bike.
These incidents can result in serious injuries, especially when high speed or a lack of protective gear is involved. E-bike crashes can lead to broken bones, head trauma, spinal injuries, and more.
Understanding liability in e-bike collisions
Liability in an e-bike crash depends on the circumstances of the collision and whether one of the parties acted negligently. In Chicago, liability is based on the concept of negligence, meaning a person or entity may be held legally responsible if they fail to take reasonable care and cause someone else’s injuries.
Depending on the situation, liability may rest with:
- A motor vehicle driver who failed to yield, made an unsafe turn, or violated a traffic law.
- An e-bike rider who was speeding, riding recklessly, or misusing sidewalks.
- A rental company that provided defective equipment or failed to maintain the e-bike.
- A manufacturer of the e-bike or its components if a product defect caused the crash.
- A city agency or property owner, if poor infrastructure or unsafe conditions contributed to the crash.
In some cases, multiple parties may share fault. At Wallace Miller, we conduct a thorough investigation to identify every potential source of liability, preserving evidence and working with experts when needed to reconstruct the event.
What damages can you recover after a Chicago e-bike collision?
E-bike crashes often result in serious injuries that disrupt your ability to work, care for your family, and live independently. When someone else is responsible for your harm, you may be entitled to compensation to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
A personal injury claim may include the costs of:
- Emergency medical expenses and follow-up care.
- Lost wages and future lost earnings.
- Pain and suffering.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement.
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs.
- Emotional distress and loss of quality of life.
Every case is different. At Wallace Miller, we work closely with clients to understand the full impact of their injuries and fight for the maximum compensation possible.
Speak with a Chicago injury attorney who understands e-bike law
As e-bikes continue to grow in popularity, the laws surrounding them are still evolving, and many insurance companies are slow to adapt. If you’ve been injured in a crash involving an electric bike, it’s essential to work with an attorney who understands how to navigate this unique area of personal injury law.
At Wallace Miller, we stay ahead of the curve on emerging injury trends across Chicago and Our team has the experience, resources, and determination to build a strong case on your behalf—and we’ll handle everything from investigating the crash to negotiating with insurers and going to trial if needed. Call 331-425-8022 or start your free case evaluation online now.