Shifting Gears: We Need to Talk About E-Bike Accidents

As e-bike crashes increase, it is vital to know who is responsible, what insurance coverage is available, and how to get compensated.

Illinois e-bike riders will need to carry insurance starting in 2027 under a law signed by Gov. JB Pritzker, which requires riders of e-bikes capable of traveling over 28 mph to have a driver’s license, title, registration, and insurance.

In Florida, the proliferation of e-bike accidents is no longer theoretical. E-bike deaths in Palm Beach County set a record in 2025, according to research from the County Commissioner’s office. After another child was injured in an e-scooter crash last month, Coral Springs officials urge families to take precautions as most crashes involve riders between 12 and 17 years old. Throughout Florida, doctors report seeing patients almost daily who suffer from traumatic brain injuries and broken bones due to e-bike accidents.

Florida cities and counties continue to operate under their own e-bike rules after Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a bill earlier this year that would have created a uniform statewide system, capping e-bike speeds at 10 mph within 50 feet of pedestrians and requiring riders on shared paths to yield and signal before passing.

Kobren Law is signing up e-bike cases with regularity, which is why we have created an FAQ section below to help you understand e-bike laws and dangers.

Common E-Bike Accident Questions and Answers

Who is responsible for an e-bike accident?

Liability after an e-bike crash may involve multiple parties, such as riders, drivers, parents, property owners or other parties depending on the facts. Determining who is liable in Florida requires a close look at what each party did or failed to do. Florida uses a negligence standard, which means the injured party must show that another person or entity breached a duty of care and that the breach directly caused the injured party’s damages.

Do you need registration, a title, or insurance to operate an e-bike?

No. Florida does not require riders to register an electric bike, obtain a vehicle title or purchase liability insurance. However, some homeowners or renters insurance policies may provide limited protection against theft or liability. Riders may consider optional bicycle insurance for peace of mind. Some e-bikes have VIN numbers, and while there isn’t an official law on the books, if an e-bike has a VIN, people should check with their auto insurance company about insuring the bicycle.

What insurance is available for e-bikes?

If you are on an e-bike and are in an accident with a negligent motor vehicle driver, their bodily injury coverage would cover damages you incur. For low-powered e-bikes, you will likely be eligible for the $10,000 in medical coverage through your own auto policy or, if you don't own a motor vehicle and don't live with a relative that owns a motor vehicle, through the auto policy of the at-fault driver. As the engine size and/or maximum speed of the e-bike increases, you lose eligibility under the auto policies for medical coverage. However, if you carry stacked UM coverage on your own auto policy, that would also apply should the at-fault driver's bodily injury coverage not be sufficient to fully compensate you for your damages.

What if you’re injured by someone that is riding an e-bike?

Pedestrians are most likely to be injured by an e-bike rider. Some homeowner policies are starting to exclude coverage for e-bikes. Many homeowner policies contain lower bodily injury coverage limits for accidents involving e-bikes than for other types of accidents that are covered under homeowner's coverage. In Florida, there is no clear-cut law as to when an e-bike is too powerful to be considered a bicycle and becomes a motorcycle. Many insurance companies will try to take advantage of this in limiting coverage on claims.

What can parents do to keep their children safe on e-bikes?

E-bikes have become one of the most popular ways for children and teens to get around. Parents should make sure everyone wears a helmet and that their child understands traffic rules and safe speeds. Some e-bikes are really motorcycles that can go as fast as 70mph so parents need to know the capabilities of the e-bike before they buy it for their kids.

Why is consulting a lawyer in an e-bike accident so important?

With no statewide framework, local regulations can vary from one city or county to the next. An e-bike case in Florida may involve several different insurance sources depending on the circumstances. As an e-bike accident law firm based in Delray Beach that serves clients across Florida, Kobren Law helps identify every available policy and maximize the total recovery. If you have a legal question or have suffered an e-bike accident, call or email Kobren Law to ensure the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you. Matthew Kobren will discuss how Florida law applies to your specific situation, which insurance policies may provide coverage, and what the claims process looks like from start to finish. Kobren Law works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if you win.