Michigan E-Bike Accident Lawyers The Benefits and Risks of Electronic Bicycles

The increase in popularity of electronic bikes (e-bikes) and electronic scooters over the past few years has been incredible. They became an important mode of transportation for many people, particularly residents of Detroit and other large cities. Even teenagers in suburban neighborhoods all over Michigan use them to get around.

People buy or rent e-bikes to avoid using their cars while commuting, saving money on gas and car insurance. There are many strong reasons in favor of using electric bikes; however, just as with traditional pedal bikes, motorbikes, and mopeds, there are also risks. And these risks include serious personal injuries. Michigan E-Bike Injury Lawyers at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm stand proud in representing e-bike victims and their families.   

E-Bike Statistics and Crashes 

With the large increase in electronic bike sales and use, the number of injuries among riders has also increased dramatically. More than 2.2 million electric bicycles were sold in the United States in 2025, a whopping 29% increase from 2024. Pedal assisted models dominate the market (58%), followed by throttle-assist.

However, hospitals nationwide reported over 20,000 e-bike injuries. Of those, approximately 3,000 individuals required inpatient hospitalization. Head injuries occur more frequently, with only one-third of injured patients reporting they wore a helmet. In Michigan, children 14 and younger accounted for more than one-third of all e-bike injuries.

The rate of electric bicycle injuries for children and adults is increasing every year.

What is Considered an E-bike in Michigan? 

First, it is important to know what exactly an e-bike is.  To be classified as an electric bike in Michigan, the following facts must be true:

• There must be a seat or a saddle
• Pedals must be fully operational (this sets e-bikes apart from mopeds or motorbikes)
• The electric motor must not have more than 1 horsepower (750 watts)

In addition, not all E-bikes are the same. In fact, there are 3 different classifications for electronic bikes, as described here:

• Class 1: The electric motor must only provide assistance when it is being pedaled (and only up to a speed of 20 mph). There is no age limit for riding Class 1 e-bikes.
• Class 2: The electric motor can propel the bike even if the rider isn’t pedaling. However, this only assists up to 20 mph. The motor must disengage when the brakes are applied or the throttle is released. There is no age limit for riding Class 2 e-bikes.
• Class 3: This is like class 1 in that the motor only provides assistance when the bike operator is actually pedaling. Instead of disengaging at 20 mph, it ceases to function when the bike reaches 28 mph. This class of e-bike has a speedometer. You must be at least 14 years old to operate a Class 3 e-bike.

Where is it Legal to Operate an E-Bike? 

A person can operate an e-bike on all roads where regular bicycles are ridden. In addition, a person can operate an e-bike on any part of a highway open to a bicycle, including designated bike lanes. As a result, e-bikes are frequently ridden on busy roads and highways with heavy vehicular traffic.

Bicycles with gasoline engines are deemed motorcycles and are not allowed on the trails or bike lanes.

What are the Benefits of E-Bikes? 

• They save on gas money.
• They prevent carbon emissions, thereby helping the environment.
• They can be convenient.
• They provide a way to keep fit, especially for those who would not necessarily be inclined to commute on regular bikes.
• They can allow those with physical limitations the ability to bike.

What are the Risks of E-Bikes?

There are a number of risks for e-bike and e-scooter drivers. These can all increase the risk of getting into a serious car accident. 

• Physical and health limitations of the rider
• Weather – poor weather such, as rain and wind, can lead to crashes
• Inadequate safety while commuting or running errands
• Using e-bikes and e-scooters after daylight hours or when it’s dark outside
• Difficulty in carrying items while riding, such as a laptop, coffee or water

Are Helmets Required for E-Bikes? 

E-bike riders are not required to wear helmets unless they are 18 or older and riding a Class C e-bike. However, the state of Michigan and the National Institute of Health both recommend wearing a bike helmet at all times when riding an e-bike or pedal bike.

According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, helmets provide a 66 to 88% reduction in the risk of head, brain, and severe brain injury for bicyclists of all ages. In addition, injuries to the upper and mid-facial areas are reduced by 65% when helmets are utilized.

Accidents and Injuries Involving E-Bikes

A 2025 National Institute of Health study found there were a total of 45,845 E-Bike related injuries in emergency departments from 2013 to 2022. The increase in injuries during this time was significant. Incredibly, 30% of B-bike injuries involved a car or truck. And the number of injuries from crashes seems to grow every year. Injuries from E-Bikes increased by 48.5% annually from 2022 to 2024, with the largest increase from 2023 to 2024 at 57.4%. 

• Hospitalizations were required for almost 11% of patients following E-bike crashes. 
• The most frequent injuries were a bone fracture (51%) and concussion (30%).  
• Although e-bike riders were twice as likely to wear helmets as bike riders, they did suffer from many more moderate traumatic brain injuries.
• They also found that the incidence of pelvic injuries was twice as high as in bike riders, who were more likely to injure their upper extremities.
• The most common injuries for children were injuries to the head. The most common injuries for adults were hand injuries. 
• E-bike users were 3 times more likely than the other riders to involve pedestrians in their accidents.

E-bikes move faster and are heavier than normal pedal bikes. As a result, the greater force makes it harder to control. And the increase in velocity and speed can cause more severe injuries, especially in crowded areas such as roadways, sidewalks, and parking lots.

What are the Most Common Injuries from an E-Bike Crash? 

The most common -bike related injuries are the following:

• Concussions or traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Fractures
• Internal injuries
• Pelvic injuries
• Dislocated shoulders 
• Lacerations and road rash
• Spinal cord injuries 

E-Bike Riders Can Obtain Michigan No-Fault PIP Benefits

If a motor vehicle, such as a car or truck, was involved in the crash that led to injuries while operating an E-Bike, the rider can still obtain no-fault benefits. This is true even if the rider does not own a car or has any automobile insurance. 

What are PIP Benefits in Michigan and What Do They Cover? 

Personal injury protection (PIP) benefits in Michigan are the core no-fault benefits that help you and your family stay afloat after a crash.

In most Michigan auto policies, PIP benefits can include:

• Accident-related medical expenses (subject to your PIP medical limit)
• Wage loss benefits
• Household replacement services
• Attendant care (in-home personal care)
• Survivor’s loss benefits and some funeral expenses if the crash is fatal

Medical Expense Coverage Under Michigan PIP Benefits

If you are hurt in a Michigan car accident, PIP medical coverage pays for all reasonable and necessary medical care related to the crash, up to the PIP medical limit selected on your policy. Covered medical expenses can include:

• Emergency room and hospital stays
• Surgeries and follow-up care
• Doctor visits and specialist care
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
• Prescription medications
• Diagnostic tests (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, etc.)
• In-patient rehabilitation and long-term care
• Durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, braces, etc.)

E-Bike Riders Can Also Obtain Pain and Suffering Compensation

If a car or truck was at least 50% at fault for causing injuries to an E-bike rider, then that person can make a claim for pain and suffering compensation. This is called a negligence case or a third-party claim. They are handled almost identically to normal car accidents

In Michigan, under MCL 500.3135, you may bring a lawsuit for noneconomic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life) against a negligent driver only if your injuries result in (1) death, (2) permanent, serious disfigurement, or (3) serious impairment of body function. 

Almost all E-Bike accidents fall into this last category, serious impairment of body function. To prove this type of threshold injury, the E-Bike rider must show:

• Objectively manifested impairment: The impairment must be observable or perceivable by others—not just the person experiencing it.
• Impairment of an important body function: The affected body function must be one that holds significant value or importance to the injured individual.
• General ability to lead a normal life must be affected: The impairment must influence the victim’s ability to live in their typical manner, even if not completely preventing them from doing so.

It is important to consult with an experienced Michigan E-Bike Accident Lawyer to find out your rights and protect yourself. Our law office has obtained huge verdicts and settlements for clients involved in auto accidents throughout Michigan. 

Michigan E-Bike Accident Injury Lawyers 

If you have been injured in an e-bike accident in Detroit or anywhere else in Michigan, you may be faced with medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering. The last thing you want to do while you recover is to battle with reluctant insurance companies. 

Determining fault or negligence following an e-bike accident is essential, and the electric bike injury attorneys at Lee Steinberg Law Firm can navigate the intricacies of Michigan’s laws while fighting for fair compensation for you.

Please call Lee Free at 1-800-LEE-FREE (1-800-533-3733) or fill out the Free Case Evaluation Form.

And remember, you pay nothing until we settle your case.