The popularity of e-bikes has exploded over the past few years. Look around almost any neighborhood, and you will see people of all ages using them as a mode of transportation. Most electric bike systems have different modes, allowing the rider to find the amount of power and speed they choose. But electric bike riders are increasingly involved in car accidents, with many resulting in serious injuries and even death.

The Michigan E-Bike accident lawyers at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm have represented individuals who were injured while riding an e-bike or hurt due to the negligence of an electric bike operator. We are well-versed in the laws surrounding electronic bikes and have successfully helped clients obtain first-party no-fault benefits, as well as compensation for pain and suffering.

What is the Definition of an Electric Bike or Ebike in Michigan?

An E-bike, or electronic bicycle, is a bicycle with an electronic motor that assists the rider while pedaling. The motor is battery-operated and mounted directly on the bike. Although the rider can operate an E-bike like a standard bicycle, the motor provides power to maintain speed even when not pedaling.

The Michigan Motor Vehicle Code was amended in 2018 to provide rules and regulations for electric bicycles (e-bikes). MCL 257.662a. This included a specific definition for “electric bicycles.” To be an ebike, a device upon which an individual may ride must satisfy all of the following

A seat or saddle for use by a rider
Fully operable pedals for human propulsion
An electric motor that is not greater than 750 watts (or 1 horsepower)

If a person tampers with the Ebike and increases the wattage to greater than 750, it is no longer considered an electric bike. This can have repercussions in many ways.

What are the Different Classes of Ebikes?

There are three (3) different classes of electric bicycles.

Class 1 electric bicycle. The motor assists only when the rider is pedaling, but stops assisting at 20 mph.

Class 2 electric bicycle. The motor can propel the electric bicycle to 20 mph without pedaling, but not beyond that.

Class 3 electric bicycle. The motor assists only when the rider is pedaling and stops assisting at 28 mph. Riders must be at least 14 years old, but passengers under 14 are allowed if the bicycle is designed to accommodate them. All individuals under 18 years old must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet.

Where Can You Ride Ebikes in Michigan?

In Michigan, whether you can ride an Ebike largely depends on its classification and local regulations. All three classes of Ebikes are allowed on streets, roads, and designated bike lanes where traditional bicycles are permitted.

However, when it comes to trails, the rules are more specific:

Class 1 Ebikes: Permitted on trails with asphalt, crushed limestone, or a similar surface. However, a local authority can make further restrictions.
Class 2 and Class 3 Ebikes: permitted on trails that have asphalt, crushed limestone, or similar surfaces, or a non-motorized trail if authorized by a local authority.

All three classes are prohibited on non-motorized, natural surface trails designed primarily for hiking or mountain biking, unless otherwise authorized.

Is an Ebike Allowed on a Highway?

Yes, but with significant restrictions. Under Michigan law, an individual may operate an electric bicycle only on a part of a highway that is open to a regular bicycle. This includes a lane designated for the exclusive use of bicycles and the shoulder of the road.

What’s the Difference Between an E-bike and a Motorcycle?

Ebikes differ significantly from motorcycles in terms of speed, power, legal requirements, cost, and usage. E-bikes are pedal-assisted bicycles with small electric motors. At the same time, motorcycles are high-powered motor vehicles designed for speed and long-distance travel.

In Michigan, motorcycles are defined as “every motor vehicle having a saddle or seat for the use of a rider and designed to travel on not more than 3 wheels in contact with the ground but excluding a tractor.” MCL 257.31.

In general, this means motorcycles can be operated on highways and roadways, just like a car or truck. In addition, they travel faster than 28 mph and use gas or electric engines that far surpass 750 watts.

In addition, no driver’s license is required for an Ebike, while a license is required to operate a motorcycle.

Does an Ebike Require Insurance?

No. An Ebike does not require auto insurance because it is not a motor vehicle or a motorcycle. However, given the risks involved in driving an Ebike, it is advisable to include an electronic bicycle on a homeowner’s insurance policy or to obtain a separate rider to protect your children, family, and loved ones.

Can I Get Michigan No-Fault Benefits If I’m Injured While on an Ebike?

Yes, but only if a motor vehicle is involved in causing the injuries. A motor vehicle has a specific definition under the Michigan No-Fault Law, but in general a motor vehicle is a car or truck (not a motorcycle). If a motor vehicle was a cause of the injuries, then the driver or passenger on an Ebike may make a claim for first-party benefits. This is true even if the driver doesn’t own a car and doesn’t have auto insurance.

What About Compensation for Pain and Suffering?

Provided the driver or other motorist is at least 50% at-fault for the incident, a person can claim compensation for pain and suffering resulting from their injuries. The amount of compensation will depend on the severity of the injuries, medical expenses, whether the injury is permanent, and other factors.

Contact our Michigan personal injury lawyers to find out how much your Ebike accident injury case is worth and what your rights are.

What Should I Do If I am Injured While Riding an Ebike?

Getting into an accident while on an Ebike is just as scary as a normal car accident. If possible, you should do the following steps:

Call the police and stay until a police report is made.
Exchange information with the other driver and get their auto insurance information.
Take pictures of the vehicle damage and the license plate of the cars involved in the accident. Take a video on your cell phone as well.
Go seek medical treatment immediately. It is important to have a medical evaluation and make sure nothing is seriously wrong. Injuries on Ebikes can be severe and demand quick action.

After the dust settles, it is important to contact an experienced Michigan personal injury lawyer to answer your questions and provide necessary guidance. If you were injured by a driver’s negligence while on an Ebike, you can obtain benefits and compensation.

Top Rated Ebike Accident Injury Lawyers

For over 50 years, the Lee Steinberg Law Firm has helped families throughout Michigan obtain the compensation they need and deserve. We care about our client’s health and well-being. The results of an Ebike crash can be traumatic. Let our team help your family get the bills paid and put the pieces back together.

Please call the Michigan Ebike accident injury lawyers at 1-800-LEE-FREE (1-800-533-3733) or fill out the Free Case Evaluation Form. As always, you pay nothing until we settle your personal injury case.

Michigan E-Bike Accident Lawyers