In February of 2025, Uber and Avride introduced delivery robots to the streets of New Jersey. About one year later, a cyclist is suing these companies for causing his injuries. According to the plaintiff, his bicycle accident in New Jersey would not have occurred if the robots had not been patrolling sidewalks and creating needless hazards for local residents. This case is one of the first of its kind, and it highlights the dangers that self-driving vehicles may pose. Past lawsuits involving self-driving technology have mostly focused on passenger vehicles, but autonomous delivery robots may also endanger cyclists and pedestrians in subtle ways.
Cyclist Accuses Big Tech Companies of Turning Sidewalks Into Dangerous Testing Grounds
On May 11, 2026, News12 New Jersey reported that a cyclist in Jersey City was suing Uber and Avride for causing his bicycle accident. According to the plaintiff, one of their food delivery robots cut him off while he was cycling home from work in October of 2025. The cyclist then struck the robot in a bike lane before being ejected onto the roadway.
The plaintiff says that he went completely over his handlebars before suffering head and shoulder injuries when hitting the asphalt. A witness says that she saw the accident occurring while pulling into a parking spot, noting that the victim flew into the air after impacting the robot.
To make matters even more concerning, the robot attempted to leave the scene. Laser-focused on completing its delivery while completely oblivious to the injury it had just caused, the robot only stopped after being physically restrained by the witness, who had by this point exited her vehicle. She then photographed the device before it could leave.
Meanwhile, the cyclist had lost consciousness and lay on the ground while first responders rushed to the scene. Although he eventually regained consciousness, it was clear that he had suffered some kind of head injury. In addition, doctors later diagnosed him with a broken shoulder. The lawsuit claims that he is receiving ongoing medical treatment for the accident, including chiropractic care. He then received first aid before being loaded onto an ambulance and transported to the nearest hospital by paramedics.
Reports indicate that this is the first known injury caused by a delivery robot in the State of New Jersey. However, it is easy to see how incidents like these can occur, especially as robot delivery vehicles become more common nationwide. Back in February of 2025, Uber caused quite a stir when it announced that Jersey City residents would have the option of “delivery by robot.” Jersey City became the first city on the East Coast to offer this type of service, and the move appeared to be lauded by the mayor at the time.
Humans are “Unwitting Crash Test Dummies” for Robots
Although the option to have your meal delivered by a robot might seem exciting, many people do not realize that when they welcome these untested vehicles onto their streets and sidewalks, they essentially become test subjects for the service’s unproven safety record.
It is easy to see how a robot might strike a cyclist in a bike lane, and it is somewhat surprising that this man seems to be the only one to have experienced this type of accident. The outcome of this lawsuit could set the stage for similar cases in the future. Alternatively, the case might cause Jersey City to reverse course on its welcoming stance toward robots.
In theory, it should be relatively easy to sue Uber and Avride for the accident. After all, the companies are responsible for programming, building, and maintaining the fleet of robots. Similar cases against passenger vehicle companies have demonstrated that companies are liable for the conduct of autonomous vehicles that navigate using self-driving software.
Contact Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C., to Learn More About Bicycle Accident Lawsuits
Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C., may be able to help injured cyclists with complex lawsuits, including those involving subtle hazards like self-driving robots, poorly maintained roads, and defective e-bikes. If someone else was to blame for your accident, you have the right to assess your legal options alongside a bicycle accident lawyer in New Jersey. This is true even if the at-fault party doesn’t seem like a “person,” but rather a piece of technology or a company. Learn more about your options by contacting Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C., at (609) 240-0040 today.
The firm’s principals, Gabriel R. Lependorf and David E. Silverstein, have each been representing injured victims in the State of New Jersey for over thirty years.
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