Electric bicycles and electric scooters are everywhere in New York City. They move delivery workers through gridlocked streets, give commuters a faster option than the subway, and put millions of riders on NY roads that were not designed with them in mind. As their numbers have grown, so have the accidents.
A recent study from NYU Langone Health analyzed nearly a thousand patients treated for micromobility vehicle injuries at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, a Level 1 trauma center, over five years. One-third suffered traumatic brain injuries, more than two-thirds required hospital admission, and roughly 30 percent needed intensive care. The share of trauma cases involving micromobility devices climbed from under 10 percent in 2018 to more than 50 percent by 2023.
These are not minor injuries. They are severe, life-altering events that often require neurosurgical care and long-term rehabilitation. Understanding the risks, and what the law requires of every rider, is the first step toward staying safe on New York City streets.
E-Bike And E-Scooter Classification And Helmet Laws
The New York City Department of Transportation treats each micromobility vehicle differently, and every rider should know which rules apply to them.
- Class 1 electric bicycles are pedal-assist only.
- Class 2 electric bicycles use a throttle with pedals.
- Class 3 electric bicycles offer the highest assisted speeds and are subject to stricter helmet requirements.
All three classes are prohibited from exceeding 15 mph on any New York City street. Electric scooters are permitted in bike lanes and on streets with speed limits no greater than 30 mph but are not allowed on sidewalks.
Helmet laws in New York vary by vehicle type. Class 3 bicycle riders are required by law to wear a helmet. Helmet use is required for all riders employed in a delivery capacity, regardless of class. Helmet requirements also apply to e-scooter riders aged 16 and 17.
The NYU Langone study found that fewer than one-third of injured riders were wearing helmets, and that figure correlates directly with higher rates of severe injuries. Wearing a helmet is the single most protective step a rider can take.
Lithium-Ion Battery Safety
Lithium-ion battery fires are a documented and growing risk in New York City. According to the New York City Fire Department, 277 fires were caused by lithium-ion batteries in 2024 alone, and structural battery fires increased 53 percent in early 2025 compared to the same period the year before. To reduce the risk, only use devices certified by an accredited testing laboratory, use the charger made specifically for your device, keep batteries away from heat sources, and never charge devices overnight or leave them unattended while charging.
When a battery overheats, ignites, or explodes due to a manufacturing defect or failure to meet safety standards, the device manufacturer, the battery manufacturer, or the distributor may face a product liability claim.
What To Do After An E-Bike Or E-Scooter Crash
If you are injured in an e-bike or e-scooter accident, what you do immediately after the collision can directly affect your ability to recover compensation. If you are able, take the following steps:
- Seek medical attention the same day, even if you believe the injury is minor. Not all severe injuries have immediate symptoms.
- Call 911 and make sure a police report is filed.
- Photograph the scene before anything is moved: the device, any company markings, the point of impact, and your visible injuries.
- Collect the driver’s or rider’s name, contact information, employer’s name, and any insurance information.
- Gather names and contact information from any witnesses who saw the crash.
- Speak with an attorney before providing any recorded statement to an insurance company.
Determining Liability In An E-Bike Or E-Scooter Crash
E-bike and e-scooter crashes can involve multiple liable parties. Identifying every responsible party is critical to pursuing full compensation.
Responsible parties may include:
- The rider or driver, for negligent operation or violation of traffic laws.
- The rider’s employer or delivery platform, if the rider was making a commercial delivery at the time of the crash.
- The manufacturer or distributor of the device, if a defective component contributed to the collision.
- A government entity if a dangerous road condition, poorly maintained bike lane, or absence of protected bike lanes contributed to the accident, though strict notice deadlines apply.
What Compensation May Be Available
An electric bicycle or electric scooter injury claim seeks compensation for the full scope of harm caused.
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Future care costs for permanent conditions
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life and normal daily function
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Wrongful Death Damages
When a crash results in the loss of a loved one, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim. In New York, these claims must be filed within two years from the date of death. Recoverable damages may include funeral and burial expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.
Do Not Wait To Act
In New York State, you generally have three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. If a government entity bears any responsibility for your injuries, a Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days of the accident. Missing that deadline can bar the claim entirely. An attorney can act immediately to preserve evidence and protect every avenue of recovery.
Morelli Law Firm Represents Victims Of E-Bike And E-Scooter Accidents Throughout New York
E-bike and e-scooter injury cases involve questions about vehicle classification, helmet laws, employer liability, insurance coverage, and municipal responsibility. An experienced New York e-bike and e-scooter attorney can answer all of them.
If you were injured as a rider or as a pedestrian struck by a micromobility vehicle, put your case in the right hands. Morelli Law Firm has recovered billions for our clients, and we are ready to work just as hard for you.
Contact Morelli Law Firm today for a free and confidential case evaluation.
