E-Bike Accident Claims

1. The Rise of E-Bikes – And the Risks That Come With Them

Electric bikes (e-bikes) have rapidly transformed urban mobility in the UK. Offering speed, convenience, and environmental benefits, they’ve become a popular choice for commuters, delivery riders, and leisure cyclists alike.

E-bikes now account for almost 10% of bicycle sales in the UK, with 180,830 of the things sold by bike shops and online retailers.

However, this surge in popularity brings new challenges. E-bike riders face unique risks:

• Increased Speed and Weight

E-bikes can reach higher speeds and are heavier than traditional bicycles, potentially leading to more severe injuries in accidents.

• Battery Hazards

The lithium-ion batteries powering e-bikes pose fire risks if damaged or improperly charged.

• Regulatory Gaps

Rapid adoption has outpaced the development of comprehensive safety regulations and infrastructure.

The London Fire Brigade has highlighted the dangers associated with e-bike batteries, noting a significant rise in fire incidents. They urge users to follow safety guidelines to mitigate these risks.

This guide aims to navigate you through the complexities of e-bike accidents in the UK, covering:

• Common causes of e-bike accidents
  
  

• Legal responsibilities and potential liabilities
  
  

• Steps to take following an accident
  
  

• How to pursue a compensation claim effectively
  
  

Whether you’re an e-bike rider, a pedestrian, or a motorist, understanding these aspects is crucial in ensuring safety and legal preparedness.

2. Common Causes of Electric Bike Accidents

Electric bikes offer speed and freedom.They also introduce new risks. Many e-bike riders aren’t fully aware of how vulnerable they are, especially when sharing roads with larger vehicles or using modified or faulty equipment.

Here are the most common causes of electric bike accidents we see in UK claims:

1. Collisions with Motor Vehicles

Drivers often fail to see or anticipate the speed of an e-bike. Common collision types include:

• Vehicles turning across your path at junctions

• Overtaking too closely (violating the Highway Code’s 1.5m rule)

• Sudden door openings in bike lanes (also called “dooring”)

2. Battery Fires and Explosions

Lithium-ion batteries can overheat, ignite, or even explode—particularly if:

• The battery is faulty or damaged

• It’s charged with an incompatible charger

• It’s stored or charged in unsafe conditions

“E-bikes are the fastest-growing fire risk in London homes,” said the London Fire Brigade, who responded to 116 e-bike fires in 2023.

3. Poor Road Conditions

Potholes, loose drain covers, and inadequate cycle lane are always a danger. However poor maintenance poses much more serious risks with e-bikes due to the speeds they can reach. 

In some cases, local councils or highway authorities may be legally responsible if they failed to maintain the road properly.

4. Defective or Modified E-Bikes

Some riders purchase kits to illegally increase their e-bike’s speed or power, which can void warranties and create dangerous mechanical faults.

Other accidents involve poor-quality bikes from online sellers with no safety certifications.

5. Collisions with Pedestrians

Due to their speed and silent operation, e-bikes can be harder for pedestrians to notice particularly in shared spaces or crowded areas.

6. Accidents While Working for Delivery Apps

Many riders working for gig economy platforms (like Uber Eats, Deliveroo, Just Eat) are at risk during deliveries. This is because they are often navigating traffic under time pressure and without proper training or insurance.

In these cases, employers or platforms may share legal responsibility depending on the terms of your contract.

3. E-Bike Battery Fires – The Hidden Danger

They power the ride—but lithium-ion batteries also pose a serious and growing risk. As electric bike usage increases, so too does the number of devastating battery-related fires. These incidents can cause burns, smoke inhalation injuries, property damage, and—in the worst cases—fatalities.

A Rising Threat

In 2023, the London Fire Brigade responded to 116 e-bike fires, up from just 35 in 2020. That’s more than a threefold increase in three years.

“E-bikes are now the fastest-growing fire risk in London homes,” said Deputy Commissioner Dom Ellis.
“We’ve seen too many tragic incidents involving people who were simply charging their bike.”
 

These fires often occur:

• During charging (especially overnight)

• When using off-brand or incompatible chargers

• Due to poorly manufactured or damaged batteries
  
  

Can You Claim Compensation for a Battery Fire?

Yes. If you or someone in your household was injured in an e-bike battery fire, you may be able to make a product liability or personal injury claim.

Potentially liable parties include:

• Manufacturers or retailers (if the bike or battery was faulty or improperly sold)

• Landlords or housing associations (if the fire spread due to building safety failures)

• Employers or delivery platforms (if you were using the e-bike for work)

4. Who Could Be Legally Responsible?

Electric bike accidents can involve complex liability. Unlike straightforward road traffic collisions, e-bike claims often include multiple factors: product faults, employer negligence, unsafe infrastructure, or uninsured drivers.

Identifying the right party to hold accountable is key to building a strong claim. Here's who might be legally responsible, depending on the circumstances.

A. Negligent Drivers

Motorists are often at fault in collisions with e-bike riders. Common examples include:

• Failing to give way at junctions

• Turning across the path of a cyclist

• Overtaking too closely or aggressively

In these cases, the claim is typically made against the driver’s insurance policy.

B. Local Authorities

If your accident was caused by road defects such as potholes, uneven tarmac, or poorly designed cycle lanes, the council or local highway authority could be liable.

However, strict time limits apply, often requiring you to notify the authority within six months of the incident.

C. Manufacturers and Retailers

If a defect in the bike itself caused the accident such as brake failure, electrical faults, or battery explosions—you may be able to bring a product liability claim against:

• The e-bike manufacturer

• The battery supplier

• The retailer who sold you the bike

This is especially relevant for bikes bought online or from third-party sellers without proper safety checks.

D. Delivery Platforms or Employers

If you were riding as part of your job (e.g. Deliveroo, Just Eat, Uber Eats), your employer or platform may have obligations to:

• Provide safe equipment

• Offer training or safety briefings

• Ensure proper insurance coverage

Many gig economy platforms operate in grey areas of employment law. If you're unsure about your status, speak to us. You may have more rights than you realise.

E. Multiple Parties (Shared Fault)

In some cases, responsibility may be split. For example, a faulty brake might have worsened a crash caused by a reckless driver.

We specialise in identifying where fault lies and pursuing the full range of liable parties to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

5. What Can You Claim For After an E-Bike Accident?

If you’ve been injured while riding an electric bike, you may be entitled to more than you realise. A properly handled electric bike accident claim doesn’t just cover medical bills—it can provide compensation for every part of your life that’s been affected.

Here’s what you may be able to claim:

Medical Expenses

From A&E visits to long-term rehabilitation, all medical costs linked to the accident may be covered. This includes:

• Private treatment or consultations

• Specialist physiotherapy or osteopathy

• Prescriptions, scans, or surgical interventions

Rehabilitation and Recovery Costs

We often work to arrange early rehabilitation as part of your claim—especially in cases involving:

• Head injuries

• Nerve or spinal damage

• Psychological trauma

These costs can be recovered as part of your settlement.

Loss of Earnings

If you’ve had to take time off work—or are unable to return to your previous role—you can claim for:

• Wages lost during recovery

• Missed bonuses or freelance contracts

• Reduced future earning potential (if your injury is long-term)

Damaged Bike and Equipment

E-bikes are expensive—and many riders use additional gear like lights, GPS units, panniers or delivery bags. We’ll include the full cost of:

• Bike repair or replacement

• Safety gear and accessories

• Damaged clothing or electronics
  
  

Pain, Suffering, and Loss of Amenity

Known in legal terms as general damages, this part of the claim accounts for:

• Physical pain and discomfort

• Impact on hobbies, exercise, or social life

• Sleep issues or lifestyle disruption
  
  

Psychological Impact

Many riders suffer anxiety, flashbacks, or loss of confidence after an accident. These can be medically recognised and included in your claim—especially if you’re diagnosed with trauma or depression linked to the incident.

At Cycle Legal, we take the time to understand the real impact the accident has had on your life.  Nothing is overlooked when building your case.

6. The Claims Process – Step by Step

Not sure where to start? Here’s how a typical electric bike accident claim works with us:

Step 1: Get in Touch

Call or email us. We’ll listen to what happened and tell you if you have a case—free of charge.

Step 2: We Gather Evidence

We collect medical records, witness statements, CCTV, bike photos—whatever we need to prove your claim.

Step 3: Expert Medical Assessment

You’ll be seen by a trusted medical expert to assess your injuries and recovery needs.

Step 4: We Build and Value Your Claim

We calculate everything you’re owed—medical costs, lost income, pain, future needs.

Step 5: Negotiation and Interim Payments

We fight for the best outcome. If you need support now, we’ll request early payments while the case is ongoing.

Step 6: Settle or Go to Court

Most claims settle out of court. If not, we’ll represent you every step of the way.

All on a no win, no fee basis—so there’s no risk.

8. Why Choose a Specialist Cycling Solicitor?

Not all solicitors understand what it’s like to be hit while riding a bike. We do. Cycle Legal is built for cyclists, by cyclists. 

Here’s why that matters:

We Know the Law

We’ve handled hundreds of cycling-specific claims. We know the legal loopholes, how insurers operate, and what evidence really matters.

We Know the Injuries

Cyclists often suffer head injuries, broken bones, nerve damage, and trauma. We know what to look for—and who to send you to.

We Know the Roads

From pothole claims to dangerous junctions and poorly designed bike lanes—we’ve taken on councils, drivers, and big-name delivery platforms.

You’ll Work Directly with Kevin

No call centres. No junior case handlers. Just real advice from the UK’s most experienced cycling solicitor.

We Get Results

Fair settlements. Strong support. Expert help when you need it most.

You’re not just another injury claim. You’re a cyclist who deserves to be heard—and we’re here to help.