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The popularity of e-bikes has increased significantly over the last few years, and this increase in use has resulted in an increase in injuries to e-bike users. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that the number of e-bike-related crashes has been increasing dramatically since 2017, and hospitalizations have been increasing even faster. While many e-bike-related injuries involve head trauma, e-bikes are more likely to result in severe head injuries compared to traditional bicycle accidents.
A study conducted by researchers analyzed the severity of injuries resulting from e-bike and traditional bicycle accidents and determined that e-bike riders were more likely to experience severe head injuries as well as other internal injuries. Additionally, the study indicated that e-bike riders were more likely to collide with pedestrians than traditional bicycle riders.
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What makes e-bike injuries so much worse?
While the exact cause of e-bike injuries cannot be pinpointed, several factors contribute to the severity of injuries. E-bikes can travel at speeds ranging from 20 to 28 miles per hour (mph), while traditional bicycles are limited to approximately 10 mph. This increased speed results in a more severe impact upon collision. Additionally, e-bikes are heavier due to the motor and battery, causing a greater force of impact when involved in a collision.
Another major contributor to the severity of e-bike injuries is the design of e-bikes. E-bikes contain complex electronic systems that can malfunction and result in accidents. Examples of malfunctions include faulty throttles, rapid acceleration, and spontaneous battery fires. Unlike traditional bicycles, which have fewer moving parts and no electronic components, there is a greater potential for malfunctions with e-bikes. Rider behavior is another contributing factor to the severity of e-bike injuries. Due to the ease of accelerating with minimal pedaling required, e-bike riders can reach high speeds before realizing it. Distracted riding, lack of experience, and improper use of the throttle in congested areas are just a few examples of the behaviors that can result in a collision. When these collisions occur at high speeds without proper protective gear, such as a helmet, the resulting injuries tend to be severe.
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Helmet Use and Safety Considerations
Wearing a helmet is one of the most effective methods of preventing head injuries when involved in a bicycle accident. However, a majority of e-bike users injured in accidents were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. Standard bicycle helmets are typically designed to protect against impacts at speeds of 20 mph or less. Therefore, it is recommended that riders on high-speed e-bikes wear helmets specifically designed for motorcycle use, which provide protection for impacts at higher speeds. Wearing gloves, reflective clothing, and knee or elbow pads will also help reduce the severity of injuries sustained during a collision. Proper maintenance of an e-bike will also decrease the likelihood of a mechanical failure resulting in an accident. Riders should also refrain from making modifications to their e-bikes to exceed the speed limiters or increase the motor output, as both actions increase the likelihood of an accident occurring and could potentially violate the laws regarding e-bike operation in the rider’s home state.
E-Bike Speed Limits and Regulations in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
South Carolina treats electric-assist bicycles differently from mopeds and motorcycles. According to South Carolina Code 56-5-3000, an electric assist bicycle is defined as a bicycle with working pedals and a motor producing no more than 750 watts of power, which has a top motor-assisted speed of 20 miles per hour (mph) on level ground. The motor must also shut off when the rider ceases pedaling or uses the brakes. Since electric-assist bicycles are considered bicycles rather than mopeds or motorcycles, riders do not require a license, registration, or insurance to operate one.
Currently, South Carolina does not differentiate between pedal-assist bicycles, throttle-equipped bicycles, and high-speed bicycles with its three-tiered classification system used in other states. Any bicycle with a motor producing no more than 750 watts and a top motor-assisted speed of 20 mph is treated as a bicycle. If an owner modifies his/her e-bike to exceed the previously stated limitations, it could be reclassified as a moped or motorcycle and require a license, registration, and insurance.
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Beach Rules for Electric Bikes
Myrtle Beach has enacted ordinances restricting the hours during which bicycles and e-bikes can be ridden on the boardwalk and beach. Cyclists and e-bike riders are permitted to ride on the boardwalk between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. during the summer season (May 1-Labor Day). Between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., cyclists and e-bike riders are prohibited from riding on the boardwalk due to the high volume of pedestrian traffic. During non-summer seasons, the boardwalk is available for cycling at all hours.
Beach access is regulated similarly. From May 1-Labor Day, e-bikes and bicycles are permitted to be ridden on the beach only between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. and again after 5:00 p.m. After Labor Day, the restrictions are lifted, and riders are permitted to use the beach at any time; however, the softness of the sand and tidal cycles must be taken into consideration. North Myrtle Beach prohibits bicycles and e-bikes on the beach between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. from May 15 to Labor Day. As regulations vary among coastal cities, riders should check local regulations prior to riding.
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(843) 361-7549Can You Sue After an Electric Bicycle Accident in South Carolina?
Accidents involving e-bikes can result in serious injuries and real financial loss. It is essential to understand your legal rights if you are injured while operating an e-bike or are injured by someone operating an e-bike.
Understanding Liability in Electric Bike Accidents
In general, liability for an e-bike accident is based on a theory of negligence. A cyclist may be negligent for excessive speed, failing to obey traffic control devices, or riding in an area designated as restricted for e-bikes. A driver may be negligent for failing to yield to a cyclist, misjudging the speed of an e-bike, or being distracted while operating a vehicle. Property owners or municipalities may also share liability if the roadways are poorly maintained or if inadequate signs are present, leading to the accident.
Additionally, product liability provides another area of possible recovery. Defective designs or manufacturing defects within an e-bike can result in product liability claims against the manufacturer or seller of the e-bike. Riders who modify their bikes to exceed regulatory guidelines or remove safety features may diminish their own potential claims and/or assume additional liability. In some jurisdictions, courts view accidents involving modified or improperly operated e-bikes as more akin to motor vehicle accidents, thus impacting liability and insurance coverage.
Comparative Negligence and Shared Fault
South Carolina employs a modified comparative negligence doctrine. An injured person may recover damages regardless of whether they bear partial fault for the incident, provided their portion of fault is less than fifty-one percent (51%). The amount awarded will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the injured party. For example, a cyclist who is slightly out of the lane when struck by a distracted driver may be found to bear some degree of fault and receive a reduced award.
Potential Damages and Compensation
If the negligence of another party resulted in your e-bike accident, you may be entitled to recover for past medical bills and rehabilitation costs, lost wages, diminished future earnings, and reduced quality of life. Product liability cases may also provide for replacement costs of defective components in addition to the harm incurred by the defective component.
Steps to Follow Following an Electric Bike Accident
Following an accident, obtain medical treatment immediately. Even minor symptoms may indicate more serious injuries such as concussions or internal damage. Contact law enforcement to report the accident and request a police report. Photographs of the accident location, road conditions, and damaged property may aid investigators. Collect contact information from witnesses and retain your e-bike and damaged parts to inspect later. Refrain from communicating with insurance representatives or sharing details about the accident on social media until you consult with an attorney.
Maguire Law Firm has experience handling bicycle and e-bike accident cases and can help you identify who is liable, manage communication with insurance companies, and file a lawsuit if the situation calls for it. Acting quickly protects your rights and gives you the best chance at a favorable outcome.
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* Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. “Free* consultation” or “Free* Case Evaluation” refers only to the initial evaluation of your case and does not imply that legal representation is free*. Clients may be responsible for costs in addition to the attorney’s fees. Percentage fees are calculated before deducting costs from the gross recovery. No comparison is intended or implied between Maguire Law Firm’s services and those of other lawyers. Testimonials and endorsements do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your case. Attorney Ian Maguire, Office: 1601 North Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.
Last updated Wednesday, March 11th, 2026
