New Jersey Lawmakers Call for Tougher Regulations After Fatal E-Bike Crashes

E-bikes and e-scooters are becoming increasingly popular in New Jersey. These vehicles often zoom down our streets at frightening speeds – operated by teens with no license or registration. Accidents are virtually inevitable, and one has to wonder whether e-scooters are truly the right choice for teens who do not even understand the rules of the road. Of course, teens are not the only ones who face risks from e-bikes and e-scooters. People of all ages are losing their lives or suffering serious injuries due to e-bike crashes in New Jersey. With so many fatalities and severe injuries, some New Jersey lawmakers are arguing for tougher e-bike regulations in the Garden State.

Teen E-Scooter Death Sparks Calls for Action

A recent e-scooter death in Paterson has local lawmakers calling for tougher regulations. In October of 2024, two teens were riding an electric scooter near Madison Avenue when a Jeep pulled out of a parking lot. The driver claims that he scanned for traffic before pulling out, but he could not avoid a collision with the approaching e-scooter. As a result of the impact, one of the teens died. The other teen was transported to a nearby hospital, but first responders say that he should eventually recover.

A Councilman in Paterson took this opportunity to point out concerning e-scooter safety issues. This particular e-scooter was not registered, and the Councilman says that this has become the norm in New Jersey:

“[…] they’re all over the city doing more damage than good. No helmet, not using the precaution of driving and they’re risking their lives.”

He also stated that police officers in Paterson were legally prohibited from pursuing suspects on e-bikes. It is his point of view that the City should make changes to its existing laws, and he argues that tougher regulations could save lives.

Man Dies in Atlantic City After E-Bike Crash

In October of 2024, a 57-year-old resident of Atlantic City died after his e-bike collided with a car. When officers arrived, they found the e-bike rider suffering from serious injuries. First responders tried to save his life, but his wounds were too severe – and he died soon afterward.

The police did not provide any further information about this crash. They seem to be investigating the circumstances of the accident, although the driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and faced no charges. If nothing else, this incident highlights how dangerous e-bike crashes have become in New Jersey.

Can I Sue for an E-Bike Crash in New Jersey?

You may be able to pursue compensation after your e-bike crash in New Jersey. Depending on the circumstances, you could hold a negligent driver accountable for your crash. If you were struck and injured by a driver who was obviously committing some kind of infraction, a lawsuit may be possible. Examples include intoxication, distraction, speeding, street racing, and so on.

Of course, it is not always easy to prove that a driver caused your e-bike accident. This is why many injured e-bike riders choose to work alongside experienced lawyers when pursuing their claims.

An injury lawyer can help in many ways. First, they can assess your options for compensation during a consultation. Next, they can help you gather the evidence you need to prove negligence. Evidence can come in many forms, including:

• Traffic camera surveillance
• Dashcam footage
• Eyewitness accounts
• Police testimony
• Tire marks
• Medical records
• Income documents

The most important thing after an e-bike or e-scooter accident is to seek treatment as soon as possible. If you fail to seek treatment, you may lose the opportunity to sue. You must use your medical records to prove your injuries are real, and these medical records will not exist if you fail to seek treatment. Once you receive an accurate diagnosis and your condition stabilizes, consider contacting an experienced injury attorney in New Jersey.

Can an Auto Accident Lawyer in New Jersey Help after an E-Bike Accident?

The laws and regulations surrounding e-bikes are either non-existent or incredibly vague. Due to these complexities, it makes sense to contact a personal injury lawyer who actually understands how e-bike accident lawsuits in New Jersey work. You may have various potential sources of compensation after an accident of this nature, and Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. can help you explore them. To learn more about your legal options, why not schedule a consultation today? Contact us now to get started with an action plan.