Electric bicycles, commonly referred to as e-bikes, are becoming increasingly popular throughout Vermont, especially in areas like Burlington, Montpelier, and Brattleboro where cycling infrastructure is growing. But with this rise in popularity comes an increase in accidents involving e-bikes, and many of these incidents could be prevented with better awareness and precautions.
Unlike traditional bicycles, e-bikes travel at higher speeds, often sharing roads with much larger vehicles. These factors contribute to unique risks that riders and drivers alike may underestimate. Below, we explore seven of the most common causes of e-bike accidents in Vermont and what victims need to understand when considering legal action.
1. Driver Inattention and Failure to Yield to E-Bikes
One of the leading causes of e-bike accidents in Vermont is simple, but dangerous: driver inattention. Motorists often fail to recognize e-bike riders, particularly when making left turns or pulling out of driveways. Because e-bikes move faster than traditional bicycles, drivers sometimes misjudge their speed, leading to serious collisions.
Failure to yield is especially common at intersections and in roundabouts, where visibility and timing matter. In Vermont, e-bike riders have the same rights to the road as other cyclists, but this doesn’t always translate into respectful or safe behavior from drivers.
2. E-Bike Mechanical Failures and Battery Malfunctions
Unlike traditional bikes, e-bikes rely on electrical systems, motors, and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. These systems can fail—sometimes catastrophically. Brake malfunctions, sudden battery fires, and throttle issues can all lead to sudden loss of control.
Improper maintenance, defective manufacturing, or lack of warning from manufacturers may put riders at risk. In these cases, an experienced accident lawyer can investigate whether a product liability claim is possible. Riders should always ensure their e-bike is routinely serviced and only purchase from reputable, safety-certified brands.
3. Poor Road Conditions on Vermont's Rural and Urban Routes
Vermont’s landscape includes both densely populated towns and rural backroads. Unfortunately, road maintenance varies greatly across these areas. Potholes, loose gravel, uneven pavement, and poorly marked bike lanes contribute to a growing number of e-bike crashes.
Because e-bikes are heavier and faster than standard bicycles, hitting a patch of uneven pavement at high speed can cause a violent fall. In some cases, the city, town, or road authority may be liable for failing to maintain safe conditions. These cases can be complex, and legal deadlines—such as notice requirements for suing a municipality—make it essential to speak with a personal injury lawyer quickly after an incident.
4. Lack of Helmet Use and Inadequate Safety Gear
Vermont does not currently require adult cyclists or e-bike riders to wear helmets, but failing to do so greatly increases the severity of injuries in a crash. The higher speeds of e-bikes—some reaching 28 mph—make head and neck trauma more likely, even in minor accidents.
Although helmet use may not directly prevent an e-bike accident, it significantly reduces the long-term effects of those crashes. Riders should also consider reflective clothing and lights to improve visibility. While lack of gear won’t necessarily prevent someone from filing a claim, it may influence how damages are assessed.
5. Speed Misjudgment and Rider Inexperience With E-Bikes
E-bikes make it easy to travel fast, even for those who aren’t seasoned cyclists. That can be a dangerous combination. Many accidents occur when riders misjudge turns, try to stop too quickly, or lose control on hills or wet pavement. Vermont’s seasonal weather also means that road surfaces can change drastically, especially in spring and fall.
In some accidents, a rider’s lack of experience or failure to follow traffic laws might contribute to the crash. However, if another party—such as a reckless driver—also played a role, an accident lawyer can help apportion fault and seek compensation accordingly. Vermont follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means injured riders can still recover damages if they are less than 51% at fault.
6. E-Bike Collisions With Pedestrians and Other Cyclists
Busy town centers, shared trails, and mixed-use sidewalks are increasingly becoming the setting for e-bike accidents. In Vermont, where outdoor recreation is common, e-bike riders often find themselves sharing space with joggers, walkers, and slower-moving cyclists. Collisions in these settings can cause serious injuries to both the e-bike rider and the pedestrian or cyclist.
These incidents raise complex liability questions. Was the e-bike traveling too fast for the environment? Were other users acting unpredictably? Was the trail properly marked? Answering these questions typically requires investigation—something a personal injury lawyer can assist with after an accident.
7. Dangerous Interactions Between E-Bikes and Larger Vehicles
E-bike riders are particularly vulnerable in Vermont when riding alongside trucks, buses, or SUVs. Larger vehicles have wider blind spots, longer stopping distances, and a greater capacity to cause life-threatening injuries in a crash.
Accidents often occur when drivers of large vehicles pass too closely, open doors without looking, or fail to notice riders at intersections. These incidents can cause e-bike riders to be thrown into traffic or pinned between vehicles. For victims, working with an accident lawyer can help secure financial recovery for medical costs, lost income, and other long-term impacts.
Call Brandon J. Broderick For Legal Help
If you’ve been injured in an e-bike accident in Vermont, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Whether your crash involved a distracted driver, unsafe road conditions, or equipment failure, the team at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law can help you understand your rights and options.
We represent injured cyclists and e-bike riders across Vermont with compassion, experience, and a relentless focus on results. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you move forward.