E-Bikes, E-Scooters & NYC’s 2025 Safety Crackdown: What Crash Victims Need to Know
Micromobility options like e-bikes and e-scooters have become a common sight on New York City streets. They’re affordable, fast, and convenient—but with this rise in biking and scootering is an increase in accidents and serious injuries. In response, New York City has stepped up enforcement efforts, including extending its school-zone speed camera program through 2030 and introducing new safety initiatives aimed at curbing crashes.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an e-bike or e-scooter accident, here’s what you need to know about liability, insurance, and how to protect your rights.
Common E-Bike & E-Scooter Accident Scenarios
While these devices are marketed as safe and eco-friendly, many crashes happen under familiar circumstances:
Collisions with motor vehicles (including “dooring” when a driver opens a car door into a rider’s path)
Loss of control due to potholes, uneven pavement, or construction debris
Battery-related incidents like fires or sudden mechanical failures
Pedestrian accidents, especially in crowded crosswalks or sidewalks
These crashes can lead to serious injuries, including fractures, head trauma, and long-term medical complications.
Who May Be Liable?
Determining liability in e-bike and e-scooter accidents can be complex. Depending on the circumstances, responsibility may fall on:
The rider, if operating recklessly or on restricted pathways.
A motorist, if negligence like speeding or failing to yield caused the crash.
The city or contractors, if unsafe road conditions contributed to the accident.
Manufacturers, in cases involving defective scooters, batteries, or other components.
Insurance & Injury Claims in NYC
Unlike cars, e-bikes and e-scooters don’t fall neatly under New York’s no-fault insurance laws. If you’re injured:
You may be able to file under the driver’s auto insurance policy if a vehicle was involved.
If a defect caused the accident, a product liability claim may apply.
In other cases, victims may face challenges recovering compensation without legal guidance.
These nuances are why it’s essential to understand your options and work with an attorney experienced in handling micromobility accident claims.
What to Do After an Accident
If you’ve been involved in an e-bike or e-scooter crash, here are the key steps to take:
Seek immediate medical care – Even minor injuries can worsen without treatment.
Call 911 and file a report – Documentation helps establish facts later.
Take photos and videos – Capture the scene, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
Preserve ride data – Save trip receipts, app logs, and any device records.
Speak to a lawyer before insurance companies – Protect your claim from being undervalued.
Why Legal Help Matters
E-bike and e-scooter accidents often involve multiple parties, overlapping insurance policies, and new laws that are still evolving. At the Law Offices of Albert Zafonte Jr., we guide injury victims through this complex process and fight to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.
Injured in an E-Bike or E-Scooter Accident? We Can Help.
If you or someone you love was hurt in an e-bike or e-scooter crash, don’t face the aftermath alone. Call us today at (516) 505-7001 or schedule your free consultation online. We’ll help you understand your options, protect your rights, and work toward the justice you deserve.
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