Electric bicycles, also known as e-bikes, have an electric motor that allows riders to reach speeds of 20 mph or higher. They’re an ideal form of transportation for many, as they’re fast, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
Unfortunately, those who ride e-bikes face the risk of serious injury when sharing the road with vehicles. This risk is even higher when motorists behave negligently by driving distracted or traveling at high rates of speed.
Our team of attorneys at Hinkle Law Offices have advocated for bicyclists for years in Albuquerque. Along with handling standard bike accident cases, we also help clients who’ve been injured riding e-bikes. As these conveyances become more popular, riders will continue to face risks when sharing the road.
Along with motors, e-bikes have special sensors that determine how fast you’re pedaling. These sensors then signal the motor to go faster or slower depending on your pedaling speed. E-bikes can also be pedaled without assistance from the motor.
The electric motor is powered by a battery, which must be charged at certain intervals. Battery lifespans vary from model to model, usually from 20 to 100 miles on a single charge. Some models also offer a supplemental battery.
According to the law, class 1 and 2 e-bikes (which can’t reach speeds in excess of 20 mph) are treated the same as standard bicycles, which distinguishes them from motor vehicles. Accordingly, riders of class 1 and 2 e-bikes must adhere to the same laws as cyclists in New Mexico, including:
These laws are intended to keep cyclists safe and allow them to share the road with vehicles. However, motorists must operate their vehicles responsibly to avoid accidents with both standard bicycles and e-bikes. This entails not driving with distractions, avoiding drunk driving, and obeying the speed limit.
After receiving essential medical treatment and notifying your insurance company, we urge you to contact a law firm that has extensive experience with bicycle accidents to ensure your case receives the attention it deserves. Here at Hinkle Law Offices, we aggressively protect the rights of e-bike riders when injured by negligent motorists.
