Santa Monica recently changed the Municipal Code to allow some e-bikes on the beach bike path. Although Class 3 e-bikes are still prohibited, Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed to be ridden on the beach bike path.
Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes can reach a maximum speed of 20 mph. (Class 3 e-bikes can reach a speed of 28 mph.) In the opinion of our Santa Monica personal injury lawyers, allowing e-bikes on the beach bike path is a recipe for disaster. The speed at which the electric bikes can travel makes them a hazard to pedestrians walking on or crossing the bike path.
A pedestrian crossing the bike path may see a bike approaching, but misjudge its speed, not knowing that it’s an e-bike traveling at 20 mph. Children and seniors crossing the bike path are especially vulnerable to being hit by an e-bike rider.
If an e-bike rider hits a pedestrian, very serious injures can result, including broken bones and even death.
What recourse would a pedestrian hit by an e-bike rider have? Little. Though the e-bike rider may be at fault for the collision, the reality is, the injury victim is unlikely to receive compensation for his or her injuries. Unlike cars, e-bikes are not required to have insurance. So unless the e-bike rider happens to have homeowners or renters insurance, or has assets that the victim can go after, the injured pedestrian is likely on their own to cover the medical bills.
If you or a loved one was injured by an e-bike rider, call McGee, Lerer & Associates for a free consultation. Our lawyers specialize in injury accidents. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions and tell you if you have a case – all at no charge.