By James Miller, Esq.
My previous articles “E-Bikes Are Vehicles, Not Toys – The Law is at Odds with Reality Part I: A Trial Lawyer’s Perspective” and “E-Bikes Are Vehicles, Not Toys – The Law is at Odds with Reality Part II: The Insurance Coverage Catastrophe” discussed how vehicles sold as e-bikes do not always comply with the definition of an e-bike under PA Law and how that can create an insurance coverage nightmare should an accident occur.
Before purchasing an e-bike, a parent should ask:
“If my child seriously injures someone or is seriously injured, what insurance actually applies?”
Then call your insurance agent and ask specific questions:
- Does my homeowners policy provide liability coverage?
- Are there exclusions for electric bicycles?
- Does my umbrella policy apply?
- How does my policy define a motor vehicle?
- What happens if the e-bike exceeds Pennsylvania’s statutory definition?
- What coverage exists if my child is struck by an uninsured driver?
Get the answers in writing if possible.
Practical Safety Recommendations for E-Bikes
As both an attorney and a parent advocate for community safety, I recommend:
- Do not purchase an e-bike for children who lack experience riding in traffic.
- Require helmets regardless of age.
- Prohibit headphone use while riding.
- Restrict nighttime riding.
- Teach defensive driving principles.
- Inspect the actual specifications of the e-bike before purchase.
- Review your insurance coverage before your child ever takes the first ride.
- Treat the e-bike with the same seriousness you would a motor vehicle.
Final Thoughts on E-Bikes
E-bikes can be useful transportation tools and a source of recreation. However, they are not toys.
Injuries involving e-bikes are often severe because riders occupy a dangerous middle ground: they travel at speeds approaching those of motorized vehicles while enjoying little of the protection those vehicles provide.
The legal and insurance consequences can be devastating. A single accident can result in catastrophic injuries, substantial medical bills, liability exposure, and years of insurance litigation.
Before handing your child the keys to an e-bike, make sure you understand not only how fast it can go, but also what happens when something goes wrong. Because after an accident, the most expensive part of the e-bike is often not the bike itself. It’s the insurance problem nobody knew existed.
