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 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 |
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 |
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 Gender
From 2018 to 2022 males accounted for 80% of fatalities.
| Gender | Number of Fatalities |
| Male | 84 |
| Female | 19 |
| Unknown | 1 |
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.
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