As e-bikes become increasingly common on our roads and pavements, so too are reports of serious accidents involving cyclists and pedestrians. For many injured people, one of the biggest challenges has not been proving who was at fault, but finding someone who can actually pay the compensation they deserve.
That may now be starting to change.
Forest, one of London’s largest e-bike hire operators, has announced that from September it will provide third-party liability insurance for riders using its bikes. The move follows a number of high-profile incidents in which pedestrians suffered serious injuries but faced difficulties recovering compensation.
One such case involved a woman who sustained multiple fractures, dental injuries and permanent nerve damage after allegedly being struck by a rider using a Forest e-bike. Like many injured pedestrians, she discovered that obtaining compensation was far from straightforward.
Traditionally, if you are injured by a cyclist, your claim is usually brought against the individual rider. Unlike motorists, cyclists are not required to have compulsory insurance. This can create significant problems if the rider cannot be identified or does not have the financial means to pay compensation.
The introduction of third-party insurance by operators such as Forest may improve the position for injured pedestrians. However, there are still potential concerns. Some insurance policies may contain exclusions where a rider has broken the rules, for example by riding on the pavement, ignoring traffic signals or allowing an underage person to use the bike.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Injured in an E-Bike Accident
If you have been injured in a collision involving an e-bike, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible. Evidence such as witness details, CCTV footage, photographs and information about the bike operator can be crucial in establishing liability and identifying any available insurance cover.
At Farleys, we regularly assist people who have suffered serious injuries in road traffic and pedestrian accidents. We can investigate the circumstances of the collision, identify all potential defendants and insurers, and advise whether you may have a claim for compensation.
If you have been injured by an e-bike rider, please contact our specialist personal injury team for a free, no-obligation discussion about your options on 01254 606008, by email, or through our online chat below.
