Britain’s e-bike boom: What you need to know if you’re involved in an accident
E-bikes have become a common sight on UK roads and cycle lanes. They are fast, convenient and increasingly used by delivery riders. For many, they provide affordable transport and an alternative to cars or public transport. But with their growing popularity comes a rise in accidents, fires and legal grey areas that can leave people unsure of their rights.
We specialise in representing people who have been injured in road traffic accidents, including those involving e-bikes. Here, we explain the benefits of e-bikes, the risks they pose, and, most importantly, what you should do if you are ever involved in an accident with one.
The benefits of e-bikes
E-bikes offer plenty of positives. They are environmentally friendly, as they reduce emissions compared to cars and vans. They provide a cost-effective mode of transport, particularly for delivery drivers working long hours in cities. They are also accessible to a broader range of people, including those who might struggle with traditional cycling due to distance, fitness or physical limitations.
As part of a wider move towards sustainable transport, e-bikes have the potential to ease congestion and improve air quality in towns and cities. For commuters and businesses alike, they can be an excellent alternative to cars for shorter journeys.
The formal term for e-bikes is Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPCs). For an e-bike to qualify:
· The motor must be no more than 250 watts.
· The power assistance must cut off when the bike reaches 15.5 mph (approx 25 km/h).
· It must have pedals that can be used (i.e. you must be able to pedal it like a regular bike).
If the bike meets those rules, it’s treated just like a regular bicycle in many legal respects. You don’t need a licence, you don’t need to register it like a vehicle, and you don’t need insurance, though having insurance is wise.
The risks and challenges
Despite the positives, the rapid growth of e-bikes has created serious safety concerns. Many riders are turning to cheap or modified bikes purchased through online marketplaces, which may not meet UK safety standards. Poorly made lithium-ion batteries are a particular risk. According to the London Fire Brigade, fires caused by e-
bikes and e-scooters are one of the fastest-growing risks in the capital, with batteries sometimes igniting explosively while charging indoors.
Hospitals are seeing more injuries related to e-bike crashes. For example, the Royal London Hospital recently reported around 150 e-bike-related injury cases in six months, some involving children.
The roads themselves also present challenges. UK infrastructure was not designed to cope with large numbers of e-bikes. Cycle lanes are inconsistent, and many e-bike riders, particularly those working for delivery platforms, are under pressure to make fast drop-offs. This can result in dangerous shortcuts, riding on pavements or running red lights, creating risks not only for riders themselves but also for pedestrians and other road users.
Delivery riders are often paid per drop, which means they may feel they have little choice but to prioritise speed over safety. As a result, riders and the public are left vulnerable.
What happens if you’re involved in an accident with an e-bike?
If you are injured in an accident involving an e-bike, the first step is to ensure you receive medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to have them assessed. After that, gather as much information as possible. If the rider was working for a delivery company, note the company name, details of the rider and any witness statements. Take photographs of the scene if you can.
Step 1: Establish what kind of e-bike was involved
· Was it a fully legal EAPC (within 250W, cut-off at 15.5 mph)?
· Was it privately owned or rented/hired?
· Was it modified? Was there a conversion kit?
· Was it being used for work (delivery etc)?
This matters a lot, because the legal duties, obligations, and types of insurance or liability differ.
Step 2: Who might be at fault / who might be liable
Some or all of these parties could be responsible:
· Another road user (car driver, van, cyclist) who acted negligently.
· The owner or rider of the e-bike, if they were negligent (e.g. if they neglected maintenance, used illegally modified equipment).
· Manufacturer or retailer, especially if a defect (faulty brakes, poor construction, battery issues) contributed.
· Local authorities, if poor road conditions like potholes, unsafe road design, or cycle lanes contributed.
· Rental or bike-hire companies, where they have duties to ensure their fleet is safe and maintained.
Step 3: What kind of compensation you might get
You could be entitled to compensation for:
· Pain and suffering, loss of amenity (how the injury has affected your life)
· Medical treatment (hospital, GP, rehabilitation, therapy)
· Loss of earnings (if you can’t work, or had to reduce hours)
· Damage to property (bike, clothes, etc.)
· Long-term care or future losses
Step 4: Time limits and evidence
· You will need to act fairly quickly. There are statutory time limits for personal injury claims (generally three years from the date of injury, though there are exceptions).
· Evidence will be crucial: photographs of the scene, damage, your injuries; witness statements; medical records; any CCTV; report the accident to the police if another vehicle involved; if a rental, report to the company.
Step 5: Insurance & legal costs
· Even though regulated e-bikes aren’t required by law to have insurance, it’s common and wise to have it. It may make a big difference in how claims proceed.
· If the responsible party has insurance (road user, employer, rental company etc), and liability is established, compensation will be awarded from the policy.
· If you use a solicitor (like NV Legal), many offer “no win, no fee” or other funding arrangements, especially in personal injury cases.
E-bike accidents can be complex from a legal perspective. Unlike cars, e-bikes do not need compulsory insurance or registration if they meet the government’s definition of an electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC). However, if the bike has been modified or does not meet these requirements, it may legally be classed as a motor vehicle, meaning the rider could be breaking the law by riding without insurance or a licence.
This creates complications when it comes to making a compensation claim. In some cases, a claim can be made through the rider’s personal insurance. If the rider was uninsured or untraceable, you may still be able to claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), which exists to compensate people injured by uninsured or hit-and-run drivers.
How NV Legal can help
We understand how stressful it can be to recover from an accident while also trying to navigate the legal process. Our team of specialist solicitors has experience handling claims involving e-bikes, whether you were a pedestrian, cyclist, driver or passenger affected. We can advise on whether a claim should be brought against the rider directly or the delivery company.
Our aim is always to secure the compensation you need to cover medical costs, lost earnings and the impact on your daily life. We pride ourselves on offering a friendly, empathetic and professional service, working closely with our clients every step of the way.
· We have specialist knowledge of bicycle and e-bike law, including the finer points around compliance, product defects, and employer liability.
· We know how to work with insurers, rental companies, manufacturers; we know when to proceed, when to settle.
· We treat clients with empathy. We know injuries can affect your physical health, mental well-being, finances, and daily life.
· We offer clear, honest advice from the start: what your case is worth, what you can expect, and how much time it may take.
If you’ve been injured in an accident involving an e-bike, you don’t have to go through it alone. We are here to help: we take the complexity of the law off your shoulders and help you focus on recovery. We’ll fight for the compensation you deserve so that you can move forward.
About NV Legal
We pride ourselves on our personal, hands-on approach. When you work with us, you won’t be passed between departments or left chasing updates. You’ll deal directly with one of our experienced solicitors, who will manage your claim and recovery pathway from start to finish.
If you need support, get in touch for a free, no-obligation chat. It’s not just about the claim; it’s about helping you recover. We operate on a no-win, no-fee basis; you will not be charged if your claim is unsuccessful, and your case will only be handled by a qualified solicitor from day one.
Call – 03330 112 732
Email – info@nvlegal.co.uk
Website – nvlegal.co.uk
