E-bike Fatalities

Electric bicycles (e-bikes) have become increasingly popular in recent years. E-bikes are convenient, eco-friendly, and a cost-effective alternative to traditional commuting methods. As the popularity of e-bikes has surged, so has the number of fatalities. In this analysis, we look at trends and demographics associated with e-bike fatalities in the United States from 2018 to 2022 through data provided by NEISS, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

What is an E-bike?

An e-bike is a pedal-powered bike equipped with an electric motor that provides extra power. It typically operates in pedal-assist mode, where the motor engages when you pedal, making it easier to maintain speed. With a battery powering the motor and a controller managing its output, e-bikes reduce the physical strain of cycling and can hit speeds up to 28 mph.

How Many E-bike Deaths Have Occurred?

Between 2018 and 2022, there were a total of 104 fatalities. There was a 200% increase in fatalities in 2020 compared to previous years. This increase in fatalities has continued as a trend, with a 77% increase from 2020 to 2021 and a 31% increase from 2021 to 2022.

Year Number of Fatalities 
2018 6
2019 6
2020

18

2021 32
2022 42

E-bike fatalities by year

Common Causes of E-bike Deaths

The leading cause of death associated with e-bikes is motor vehicle accidents, which accounted for about 55% of deaths. 15% of fatalities were due to control issues, such as crashing into fixed objects and hitting road curbs. 7% of fatalities were due to pedestrian accidents. Of these, two fatalities involved e-bike riders who suffered blunt impact when they crashed into pedestrians, while six pedestrians died after being struck by e-bikes. 16% of deaths were due to unknown falls, but there is not sufficient information to determine what caused these falls.

Cause Number of Fatalities
Motor Vehicle Accident 58
Control Issues 16
Fire Hazards 2
Pedestrian Accident 8
Pavement 1
Unspecified Falls 17
Other 2

Common causes of e-bike deaths

E-bike Deaths by Age

From 2018 to 2022, those aged 25-44 suffered the most fatalities, with 260% more deaths in this age group compared to those under the age of 24.

Age Number of Fatalities
5-14 3
15-24 7
25-44 36
45-64 28
65 and older 23
Unknown 7

e-bike deaths by age

E-bike Deaths by Gender

From 2018 to 2022 males accounted for 80% of fatalities. 

Gender Number of Fatalities
Male 84
Female 19
Unknown 1

E-bike deaths by gender

Recent Notable E-bike Fatalities in San Diego County

Date: July 23, 2021

Location: Clairemont

Cause of E-bike Death: Motor vehicle accident

At the intersection of Genessee Avenue and Chickasaw Court, an e-bike rider was struck by a driver after making a sudden move into a traffic lane, violating the drivers right-of-way. The rider later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

Date: February 26, 2022

Location: Solana Beach

Cause of E-bike Death: Motor vehicle accident

A 65-year-old man was traveling in the bicycle lane on northbound Highway 101 from Lomas Santa Fe. He attempted to pass a slower bicyclist when the man’s e-bike began to wobble and he fell into the nearest lane of traffic, colliding with a Dodge truck. The man was taken to Scripps Hospital in La Jolla, where he later died.

Date: August 7, 2022

Location: Carlsbad

Cause of E-bike Death: Motor vehicle accident

Christine Hawk Embree, 35, was riding on her e-bike with her 16-month-old daughter when she collided with a Toyota 4-Runner. Embree’s daughter was thrown from the e-bike, but survived without injury. This happened at approximately 5:45 p.m. at the intersection of Basswood Avenue and Valley Street in Carlsbad. 

Date: June 22, 2023

Location: Encinitas 

Cause of E-bike Death: Motor vehicle accident

15-year-old Brodee Braxton Champlain-Kingman was struck by a van while riding an e-bike on El Camino Real. Champlain-Kingman was traveling north on the road when he changed lanes and was hit by a cargo van.

Date: October 3, 2023

Location: Leucadia

Cause of E-bike Death: Control issues

69-year-old Bradley Mootz was 2 blocks from his home when he hit a curb and went over the handlebars of his e-bike. Mootz was not wearing a helmet and broke his skull from the impact. Mootz was in a coma for weeks, but eventually succumbed to his injuries on October 26, 2023.

Date: March 7, 2024

Location: Vista

Cause of E-bike Death: Motor vehicle accident

An e-bicyclist was struck by two vehicles on South Melrose Drive at the intersection with Buena Vista Drive. The first car bumped into the bicyclist, and the motorist remained at the scene. The second car struck the bicyclist and fled the scene. The bicyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.

Date: April 9, 2024

Location: Oceanside

Cause of E-bike Death: Motor vehicle accident

56-year-old Kevin Cerv collided with a car shortly before 4 a.m. at Corporate Centre Drive and Ocean Ranch Boulevard. Cerv sustained severe head trauma and a spinal fracture. Cerv was admitted to Palomar Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries one month later.

Final Thoughts

As e-bikes become increasingly popular, it’s crucial to recognize the risks involved and take appropriate precautions to prevent accidents. If you or a loved one has been involved in an e-bike accident, you may want to consult with an attorney experienced in personal injury and wrongful death laws. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal complexities, ensuring that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve. 

Sources: 

https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/Micromobility-Products-Related-Deaths-Injuries-and-Hazard-Patterns-2017-2022.pdf 

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