E-bikes, or electric bicycles, typically have a battery-powered motor that can either fully drive the bike or provide pedal assistance. This makes it easier to ride, especially on hills or over long distances. Riders can choose between different levels of assistance or switch to manual pedaling.
E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular in Texas—with e-bike rental companies and retailers popping up in most major cities, including Houston—because the state is known for its expansive landscapes and diverse terrain, from flat plains to hilly regions. E-bikes allow riders to quickly cover long distances and tackle challenging terrain without excessive physical exertion.
In addition, while e-bikes provide motorized assistance, they still require some pedaling. This makes them a great option for people who want to stay active but may need help on tougher rides or longer routes. This appeals to many people, including older adults or those with physical limitations.
But they are not without risks. E-bikes can reach higher speeds than traditional bicycles, which increases the likelihood of severe accidents, especially when sharing the road with larger, faster-moving vehicles.
Additionally, Texas’s extensive road network, which includes urban areas with heavy traffic and rural areas with high-speed limits, further exacerbates the risk. Without dedicated infrastructure like bike lanes, e-bike riders are more vulnerable to collisions with motor vehicles, increasing the potential for severe injuries or fatalities.
Here, we discuss who may be held liable for e-bike accidents, injuries, and fatalities in Texas and how our skilled Harris County personal injury lawyers at the Hollingsworth Law Firm can help.
Who Can Be Held Liable for E-Bike Accidents Caused by Negligence in Texas?
Because e-bike accidents often involve multiple elements, various parties can share responsibility for the actions or inactions that contributed to the accident.
That may include, but is not limited to:
Motor Vehicle Drivers: If a motor vehicle driver is at fault, such as through speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield to an e-bike rider, they may be held liable for the accident. Motorists are expected to share the road safely with cyclists, including e-bike riders.
E-Bike Manufacturers or Retailers: If the accident was caused by a defect in the e-bike, such as faulty brakes, tires, or battery systems, the manufacturer or retailer of the e-bike could be held liable in a product liability lawsuit.
Other Cyclists or Pedestrians: In some cases, another cyclist or pedestrian may act negligently, such as stepping into an e-bike lane without looking, causing an accident. That person could be liable for the injuries and damages in these instances.
Property Owners: If the accident occurred on private property due to hazardous conditions, such as uneven surfaces, obstacles, or poor lighting, the property owner might be liable for not maintaining a safe environment.
Can an E-Bike Rental Company Be Held Liable for Accidents, Injuries & Fatalities in Texas?
E-bike rental companies can potentially be liable for an accident with injuries in Texas, but it depends on the circumstances of the accident.
Some scenarios in which the rental company might be held liable include:
Negligent Maintenance: If the e-bike was not correctly maintained and a mechanical failure, such as faulty brakes or a malfunctioning motor, led to the accident, the rental company could be held liable. The company has a duty to ensure that all bikes are in safe working condition before renting them out.
Failure to Provide Adequate Instructions: If the rental company did not provide adequate instructions or warnings about how to safely operate the e-bike, especially for first-time users or those unfamiliar with e-bikes, and this lack of guidance contributed to the accident, the company could be held liable.
Defective Equipment: If the e-bike was inherently defective when rented out, and that defect contributed to the accident, the rental company might be liable under product liability law. However, liability might also extend to the manufacturer of the e-bike.
Negligence in Screening: If the rental company failed to properly screen renters (e.g., ensuring they are of legal age, capable of operating the e-bike, or aware of local traffic laws), and this negligence contributed to the accident, the company could be held responsible.
Inadequate Safety Gear: If the rental company did not provide necessary safety gear, such as helmets, or failed to ensure that the renter had access to it, and this contributed to the severity of the injuries, the company might face liability.
E-bike rental companies often have liability waivers that customers sign before renting an e-bike. These waivers can limit the company’s liability but are not always enforceable, especially if the company was grossly negligent.
Determining liability in e-bike accidents can be complex and often involves investigating the case’s specific facts. Our Houston personal injury attorneys are experienced in handling e-bike accidents and can help victims navigate the legal process and pursue compensation from the responsible parties.
Our skilled bilingual personal injury lawyers and support staff represent clients throughout Texas on a contingency basis, so you never pay any legal fees unless we win your case.
If you are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve, so are we. Let us take the lead.
Steve Hollingsworth is a skilled trial attorney with over 50 cases tried across Texas. With experience as a felony prosecutor and representing major insurers, he now focuses on helping injured Texans in areas like car, motorcycle, trucking accidents, and premises liability. Steve founded his own firm to provide dedicated, client-focused legal representation.
Professional and Thorough
I used Steve Hollingsworth for a personal injury case following a car accident. He was very easy to work with and managed my expectations regarding costs, time commitment/duration, filing suit etc. Steve kept me informed during the process and always made sure I understand what everything meant. My case took about 18 months to resolve, ending in mediation after filing suit and he pushed hard to make sure my best interest was represented and to ensure that I had the best possible (and fair) outcome. I hope I never have a personal injury claim again but if I do, I would absolutely consult with Steve. He exceeded my expectations and made the process as painless as possible. I would high recommend him.
JessieFormer Client
Awesome Attorney
I was a client of Steve Hollingsworth. I was totally satisfied with his representation of me. He was very helpful in answering all my questions and always kept me updated on the status of my case. I am very happy with the settlement of the case and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for legal advice.
RossanaFormer Client
Houston’s Best Consultation!
Steve was just great! Very easy to work with, communicates really well and most importantly sets realistic expectations. He is very straightforward and promptly responds to all your questions. I would definitely recommend Steve and would not hesitate to hire him in the future.
AnonymousFormer Client
Very Accommodating and Caring
Steve and his assistant Kristina takes care of all my requests right away. Steve personally calls on issues and keeps me updated on the developments of the case. Got me a great settlement! Would highly recommend!
Mila G.Former Client
Rear End Case
Mr. Hollingsworth was an excellent lawyer in my case. He kept me up to date and informed through the whole process. He was always honest and fought hard in my case. He comes highly recommend.
Anonymous Former Client
Awesome!!!!!
I have no complaints; Steve did a very good job on explaining the details on everything that I was going through with my case. Steve got my case settled in no time, I will sure spread the word about Steve he is a very great lawyer.
SaraFormer Client
Review
I liked how Steve explained everything, so I knew what I was getting in to. Steve got me what I deserved in no time. I would recommend him to anyone.
AndrewFormer Client
Steven and I attended law school together and I have known him since 2000. He was stellar in representing a close friend with a personal injury matter. I have been very impressed with his communication, dedication and thoroughness in representation.
Pamela V.Attorney from Cypress, TX
Steve is the real deal! He is an extremely invaluable resource on all things Litigation for me as a younger attorney. He is not only great a securing the bigger verdicts, but actually cares about the clients and still sticks by his tried and true method of meeting, in person, with his clients to go over facts . overall, a solid attorney, with a wealth of knowledge!
Crystal H.Attorney from Houston, TX
I cannot recommend Steve highly enough. As an attorney, you do not often find yourself in the position of being a client. But because of someone’s negligence, my husband and I found ourselves in need of a personal injury attorney after my husband suffered catastrophic injuries. We were immediately referred to Steve, and we were so lucky we were. Steve is compassionate but also tenacious. We always felt that he had our best interest at heart and was fighting for us. We truly felt that he cared about our case. There was never a time that he was unavailable to talk to us, and always kept us well informed. He has the utmost integrity and also has a vast knowledge of the law. On top of that, his experience is top notch as he has worked on both the defense and plaintiff side. We knew Steve was always tirelessly fighting for us, and a year and a half after my husband was severely injured by a negligent driver, Steve got us a fantastic settlement. I recommend Steve without hesitation.
Madelyn L.Attorney from Houston, TX
Steve and I were colleagues, where we worked on complex personal injury and wrongful death cases. What I observed in the years we worked together is that Steve is not only extremely skillful in his profession, but he is a tireless student of the law, constantly working to perfect the art of practicing law. He genuinely cares about his clients and their cases and it shows. He has excellent work ethic. He is not only a terrific lawyer but also a great person. As a fellow member of the State Bar of Texas, I would recommend Steve to anyone needing a zealous advocate in a personal injury case.
Vivian E.Attorney from San Antonio, TX
After working with Steve for a couple of years, I found Steve to be an outstanding, aggressive and highly skilled lawyer in the courtroom. His confidence and knowledge of the courtroom and what it takes to succeed there, I believe will ensure his long term prosperity.
Robin T.Attorney from College Station, TX
I had the pleasure of working on a trial with Steven last August. His background as an ADA is clearly evident in the courtroom. Steven’s presentation of the evidence throughout trial is that of a seasoned attorney who has spent many hours in front of a jury. His opening/closings were excellent, as well as his strategic litigating throughout the trial. Steven is a consummate professional and a pleasure to work with, and watch in the courtroom.
James H.From Miami, FL
When I met Steve, I was a legal assistant at a Plaintiff’s firm and he was working as an attorney for AIG. We connected there and then. Steve is a likable guy and an outstanding trial lawyer. He is charismatic and jurors like him. He is a Plaintiff’s lawyer now and he has the right skill set to represent injured individuals: he is compassionate, honest, and sincere and will go the extra mile for his clients. I’ve known Steve for almost 8 years now and I’m excited to see his career evolve.
Alice L. Attorney in Houston, TX
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