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Advice for Staying Safe on E-Bikes and buying the right E-Bike

Getting out on a bicycle is not only great for your health but also a fantastic way to easily get from A to B. This week is Road Safety Week so we wanted to provide some information to help people with E-bike safety. With the introduction of E-bikes, getting from A to B has become even easier, providing that extra support when you need it. As a leading solicitor dealing with cycling personal injury claims, Nadia Kerr, a Partner at Fletchers Solicitors and part of the Cycle SOS team, aims to answer some common questions around E-bike safety. There are a lot of similarities between pedal bike riding but there are a few things to look forward to.

How Can People Stay Safe on an E-Bike?

Here are a few tips to help you stay safe before riding on an E-bike:

  • Buy Approved: Look for a sign on the bike indicating the manufacturer’s name and power output.
  • Avoid Adaptations: Stick to the original design to ensure safety.
  • Bikeability Training: Consider taking a bikeability training course.
  • Refresh Highway Code Knowledge: Keep up-to-date with the Highway Code guidance on cycling.
  • Maintenance: Regularly maintain your bike.
  • Tyre Pressure: Inflate tyres to the guide pressure, which is usually displayed on the tyre wall. Here’s a guide:
Bike Type PSI Range
Kids’ bike tires

 

 20–40 PSI
Narrow tires / road bikes (most e-bikes fall into this) 80–130 PSI
Medium tires / hybrid bikes

 

 50–70 PSI
Thick tires / Fat tire e-bikes & mountain bikes 30 PSI (off-road)

50 PSI (on-road)

Here are a few tips to help you stay safe whilst riding on an E-bike:

  • Wear a Helmet: Wearing a helmet is the most critical safety measure for any cyclist, reducing the risk of head injuries by 70% and the likelihood of fatal head injuries by 65%. This is especially important for e-bike riders, who can reach higher speeds.
  • Be Visible and Audible: Ensure visibility with front and rear lights and wear brightly colored or reflective clothing. Use a bell or horn to alert others of your presence.
  • Secure Footwear: Wear proper, secure footwear. Not flip-flops or loose shoes and consider clip-in pedals for more control.
  • Caution When Mounting/Dismounting: E-bikes are heavier than regular bikes, making mounting and dismounting potentially hazardous. Be cautious and consider seeking help if necessary.
  • Use Mirrors: Mirrors help you see behind without turning your head, improving safety by keeping you aware of your surroundings.
  • Watch Your Speed and Braking: E-bikes can reach high speeds, so be mindful of your speed and practice braking earlier to account for the bike’s added weight and velocity.

What Are the Main Concerns and Risks of Using E-Bikes?

While E-bikes are generally a safe form of transport, there are a few concerns to be aware of:

  • Battery Charging: Overcharging can cause fires, so use approved batteries and chargers to reduce the risk of this.
  • Running Out of Charge: Lack of charging points can leave riders stranded, highlighting the need for better infrastructure. Plan this before your journey if it is a longer one.
  • Second-Hand Purchases: Be cautious of ‘chipped’ bikes or non-approved batteries in second-hand purchases.
  • Regulations: E-bikes exceeding 25kph (15.5mph), with more than 250 Watts power, or providing motor assistance without pedaling, need to be registered with the DVLA, insured, and require the rider to have a helmet, insurance, and a driving licence as they are legally classed as a moped or motorcycle.

Specific Maintenance Tips for charging E-Bikes

Follow these maintenance tips to ensure safety:

  • Battery Charging: Do not leave your battery charging overnight and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Charging overnight can negatively affect the battery.

Tips for Buying an E-Bike

  • Approved Dealers: Buy from an approved dealer.
  • Fit and Purpose: Ensure the bike fits you and suits your intended use, whether for road or off-road. Consider things like tyre size for example. Off road have chunkier tyres and consider if you need carry space on the bike for luggage.
  • Weight: Check the weight of the bike and ensure it fits within the weight limits of your bike rack if using on a car bike rack.

Legal Position on ‘Twist and Go’ E-Bikes

As was highlighted in a Cycling UK article. The law around E-bikes is complicated. There is some uncertainty in the UK regarding ‘twist and go’ E-bikes, classified under EU law as ‘powered cycles.’ These bikes, which do not require pedaling for the motor to engage, are legal if bought before certain regulations and limited to 250 Watts power. Be cautious when purchasing these bikes, whether new or second-hand and make sure the current law allows you to use them.

Proposed Changes to E-Bike Regulations

There are proposed changes to increase the legal power of E-bikes and to allow ‘twist and go’ EAPCs to have throttle assistance up to 15.5mph without type approval. There is much talk about this consultation and how this will change. The current categories of E-bikes are defined to protect vulnerable road users. The hierarchy of road user was introduced for a reason – to protect the most vulnerable. The faster (and bigger) a bike is able to go the more likely an incident will cause more severe injuries It’s crucial to maintain safety standards to protect all road users.

Legal Implications of E-Bike Accidents

If you are injured on an e-bike and someone else is at fault, consult a cycling claims specialist who will be able to advise the best way forward. They can arrange for bike repairs, medical treatment, and compensation for your injuries and losses. Claims can be brought against other road users, local authorities for road defects, or manufacturers for defective bikes.

Other Legal Considerations if you are at fault

If you cause injuries while using an E-bike, you might face a claim against you. Check with your insurer if you have coverage under your bike-specific or household insurance, usually if you have they will appoint someone to handle a claim on your behalf.

How Can Cycle SOS Help in an E-Bike Accident?

  • Bike Repair or Replacement: Arrange repairs or replacements for your bike as part of a personal injury claim.
  • Early Treatment: Help you recover optimally with early medical treatment and some treatment which may not be available on the NHS.
  • Legal Claims: Deal with the responsible party and claim compensation for injuries and losses.

Key Message Around E-Bike Use

Enjoy the freedom that cycling brings. E-bikes offer a decent range, allowing you to explore at a comfortable pace. If you are not fully confident, consider a cycle training course. Join group rides to follow experienced cyclists and discover great routes. Use your bike for short local journeys instead of your car and enjoy the benefits of cycling. Stay safe and have fun!

Written By:

Chris Stevenson

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Cycle SOS is a trading name of Fletchers Solicitors Limited, registered office St James’ Tower, 7 Charlotte Street, Manchester M1 4DZ, company no 5743784.  Fletchers Solicitors Limited is authorised and regulated by Solicitors Regulation Authority, SRA number 469026.

 
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Personal Injury Solicitor

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Marcus manages a caseload of claims from commencement to conclusion. He qualified as a Solicitor in 2002 and has since gained extensive experience in personal injury law. 

What Marcus enjoys most about his work is the satisfaction that comes from winning claims and ensuring that his clients receive the justice they deserve. He takes great pleasure in advocating for his clients, providing them with the legal support they need to stand up against powerful corporations. His commitment to his clients and his ability to secure positive outcomes have earned him a reputation for excellence in his field.

Marcus Doxey

Personal Injury Solicitor

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Marcus manages a caseload of claims from commencement to conclusion. He qualified as a Solicitor in 2002 and has since gained extensive experience in personal injury law. 

What Marcus enjoys most about his work is the satisfaction that comes from winning claims and ensuring that his clients receive the justice they deserve. He takes great pleasure in advocating for his clients, providing them with the legal support they need to stand up against powerful corporations. His commitment to his clients and his ability to secure positive outcomes have earned him a reputation for excellence in his field.

Kallen Jenkin

Personal injury Solicitor

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Having qualified as a solicitor in January 2024, Kallen brings with him over five years of experience running personal injury and clinical negligence cases. His experience spans EL/PL, road traffic accidents, accidents abroad, professional negligence, cosmetic and dental claims. His work involves both fast track and multi-track claims.

Kallen is also skilled in advocacy, having represented clients in various hearings, including pre-action disclosure applications, interim applications, stage 3 hearings, infant approval hearings, and case management conferences. 

Timothy Shaw

Personal Injury Solicitor

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Tim is a highly experienced Solicitor with 29 years of post-qualification experience, specialising in claims involving accidents at work, slips, trips, falls, and defective product claims. 

Admitted as a solicitor in 1995, Tim has dedicated his career to securing fair outcomes for his clients. He thrives on the unique challenges each case presents and is passionate about achieving justice for those who have suffered injury. His extensive experience also allows him to mentor and support less-experienced colleagues. 

Rachel Cook

Personal Injury Solicitor

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Rachel manages cases efficiently from the outset, striving to secure the best possible outcomes for her clients. With six years of experience in personal injury law, her meticulous approach to her work allows her to make a meaningful difference in her clients’ lives. 

Rachel takes pride in streamlining access to legal aid for the public while forming strong relationships with a diverse array of clients. Her dedication to championing justice and supporting her clients underpins everything she does in her legal career. 

Jayne Orme

Associate & Personal Injury Solicitor

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Jayne is the Associate Solicitor and Team Leader in our Two-wheel team. She has worked in personal injury law for nearly 20 years.

She has successfully represented hundreds of clients during her career and is committed to helping motorcyclists who have been involved in non-fault accidents receive the compensation they deserve.

David Brown

Chartered Legal Executive

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David brings over 15 years of expertise to his role, from handling claims on behalf of employees following accidents at work and acting on behalf of members of the public

David’s enjoyment in his work stems from the involvement in investigations of accidents and the quantifying of claims, highlighting his passion for delivering justice and fair compensation to his clients. Additionally, his experience of working for defendants gives him valuable insight into common defendant legal tactics.  

David’s dedication to his role, combined with his wealth of experience and commitment to continuous improvement, makes him a valuable asset to the team and a trusted advocate for his clients. 

Joe Johnson

Senior Litigation Executive

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Joe has over 10 years’ experience in law, with eight of those being spent working on personal injury claims.

He is motivated by helping people and enjoys that his role enables him to support clients that are most in need of it. As well as this, rehabilitation plays a huge role in a person’s journey from beginning a claim to successfully achieving a settlement. Joe finds great value in providing his clients with vital access to rehabilitation, treatment and financial support following an accident. 

Tasneem Shaffa

Senior Litigation Executive

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Tasneem is a Senior Litigation Executive with over 7 years of experience in personal injury cases. She expertly guides claimants through the litigation process to ensure a successful outcome for their personal injury claims. With experience in both defendant and claimant work, she has a unique perspective that allows her to approach claims from both sides, giving her the insight needed to secure the best possible result for her clients.

Tasneem is passionate about achieving positive outcomes and enjoys building strong relationships with her clients, supporting them throughout their claims process.

Keith Edwards

Two Wheel Team Leader

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With 20 years of experience in litigation, Keith specialises in representing vulnerable road users. As a keen motorcyclist, Keith is often found racing in the Supermoto British Championship and enjoying motorcycle tours all across the world. In addition to this, he also loves mountain biking and regularly enjoys getting involved in this hobby with a local club.  

His passion for motorcycles and cycling has only further driven his focus on litigation, where he thrives in contested cases. Two-wheel claims often require litigation, and Keith enjoys the challenge of helping clients secure favourable settlements. 

Clare Jenkins

Team Leader & Chartered Legal Executive

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With over 30 years of experience in personal injury law, Clare finds great satisfaction in researching and rebutting the arguments put forth by insurers and defendants. As a team leader, she also enjoys working with her team, providing support and mentorship, discussing cases, and exchanging ideas. 

Despite her extensive experience, Clare still relishes the opportunity to learn new things, exploring how new case law or legislation impacts the claims process. She is committed to supporting clients and ensuring their journey through the claims process is as smooth as possible. Clare thrives in a collaborative environment and takes pride in bringing out the best in her teams.  

Linda Medhurst

Team Leader & Chartered Legal Executive

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Linda boasts over 30 years’ experience working in the legal industry with a wealth of expertise in personal injury law.  

Linda’s extensive experience has made her a tenacious and passionate advocate for her clients, known for her efficiency and friendly service, coupled with a professional and firm approach. Her commitment to her clients is unwavering and she prides herself on the fact that many of her clients return and recommend her to their families and friends.

As a team leader, Linda is passionate about empowering here team to grow and further develop their skillsets. She is a natural problem solver and thrives in an environment where her team is feeling fulfilled, and their career needs nurtured.

Nicola Kenyon

Personal Injury Solicitor & Team Leader

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Nicola is an experienced Solicitor and Team Leader in our Personal Injury team. She has a vast wealth of knowledge and experience and is dedicated to advocating for her clients and achieving the best possible outcomes for their cases.

Nicola finds great satisfaction in helping her clients navigate their legal challenges and securing favourable results on their behalf. Beyond her casework, as a team leader, Nicola is deeply committed to supporting and mentoring her colleagues, empowering them to reach their full potential and achieve their professional goals. Her dedication to team leadership reflects her belief in fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. 

Sadie Wilkinson

Team Leader

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Sadie is a dedicated Team Leader, managing a team of solicitors, fee earners, and paralegals while also handling a complex caseload of 70 employer’s liability and public liability (ELPL) claims. 

She fosters a positive and supportive working environment for her team, closely monitoring key performance indicators and provides guidance and support to ensure the team meets its objectives. In addition to leadership responsibilities, she manages a demanding caseload of ELPL fast-track claims, consistently working to tight deadlines and adapting to the unexpected challenges that arise in litigation. 

Stephen Hussey

Head of Personal Injury

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Stephen is the Head of Personal Injury in our Southport & Liverpool offices and manages a number of teams. With over 20 years of legal experience, he thrives on working with likeminded lawyers who are committed to doing their utmost to provide the best possible service for our clients.   

Stephen has years of experience working on a wide range of claims, including accidents and injuries that were sustained on the highway, the workplace, or a public place. This could be a road traffic accident, a job gone wrong on a building site or a fall in a supermarket. 

Jenny Stevenson

Associate & Head of Personal Injury

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Jenny runs her own case load of injury claims and manages a team of over ten other legal professionals. She has been a fully qualified solicitor for over 23 years, over 19 years of which she has spent working on personal injury claims.

She is passionate about her work and enjoys learning about various medical matters and industries. She is driven by to the desire to make a difference to peoples’ lives, helping them gain access to treatment and knowing that their settlement will help them in the future.

Victoria Martin

Associate Solicitor

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Victoria is an Associate Solicitor in our serious injury team, with over 26 years of experience. She represents cycling clients who have suffered catastrophic, life-changing injuries in a two-wheel collision. Victoria is passionate about the recovery and wellbeing of her clients, and offers support not only through the lifetime of the case, but throughout the rehabilitation process too.

Emily Pheysey

Litigation Executive

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Emily has over 7 years of experience in the legal sector, handling road traffic accident claims to recover compensation and support her clients. Her focus is to ensure all clients feel comfortable and at ease with the claims process so that they can focus on their recovery.

Emily considers rapport to be an essential part of the role and strives to always provide excellent client care.

Away from work, Emily enjoys spending time with her family and friends and travelling as much possible.

Diane Holderness

Litigation Executive

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Diane is a Ministry of Justice (TOJ) Team Leader within our Cycle Department. She has 11 years’ experience managing road traffic accident claims, and 6 years’ experience managing MOJ claims.

Diane enjoys a challenge and always strives for the very best results for her customers; something that is clear in the way her team continually adapts its strategies in order to secure the most desired outcome. Diane has worked her way through the legal ranks here, and is proud to now have a strong, specialist team that is committed to customer satisfaction.

Diane believes that happy clients make a happy working environment, and it is this that ensures a productive and efficient workforce.

Nina Haddock

Chartered Legal Executive

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Nina has over 30 years’ experience in the legal sector. She specialises in recovering compensation for injury claimants as a result of road traffic accidents. Her focus for each and every claim is to help her clients secure the funding that they need to pay for ongoing treatment and support.

Nina became a CILEX Fellow in 2006 and now helps her clients and their families at a time when they have been through a traumatic experience, and everything they hold dear to them appears to be changing.

One case Nina is particularly proud of is supporting a client who had successfully sought asylum in the UK, following a road traffic accident. The claim was successfully pursued through the MIB and the client was left with significant injuries. Her client was able to use the compensation to aid family members with their applications to seek asylum in the UK.

Julian Fox

Cycling Accident Solicitor

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Julian qualified as a Solicitor in 2005 and has worked in all areas of personal injury since 2000. Julian has a well-rounded understanding of personal injury law, having represented both claimants and defendants.

Julian always aims for maximum damages to meet his clients’ needs for injury and rehabilitation expenses, and can often secure interim payments to help meet clients’ financial needs. Julian is highly proactive in ensuring cases are progressed, ensuring a timely conclusion.

When not at the office, Julian is a keen cyclist, both on roads and virtually -he will often do an hour of ‘Zwifting’ in the mornings before starting work.

Richard Atherton

Cycling Accident Solicitor

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Richard has 12 years of legal experience and qualified as a Solicitor in February 2014. He has been a Team Manager with us since 2019. Throughout his career, Richard has specialised in personal injury, handling an array of Road Traffic Accident cases, in addition to employer and public liability.

Richard prides himself on his very strong strategic and planning skills, which come into their own in complex injury cases where more technical arguments are involved. On every case, he is committed to ensuring that his clients receive full compensation for their injuries.

Away from work, Richard enjoys sport; he is a season ticket holder at St Helens Rugby Club and a Liverpool FC fan. Not only a spectator, Richard also likes going to play golf as often as he can.

Dave Gardner

Litigation Executive

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Dave has over 20 years of experience in the legal sector. His specialism is personal injury and he has dealt with hundreds of cycling injury claims during his career. Excellent client care and communication is paramount to Dave. He prides himself on being accessible and available, attending court hearings where damages are in dispute to ensure the best outcome for his clients. One case Dave is particularly proud of is when he supported an elderly client who suffered serious injuries following a road traffic incident. The police had not taken any action against the defendant, so Dave had to be proactive and act within a 24-hour window. The case proceeded and the client was in receipt of £30,000 in damages, which he would not have been entitled to had the client not approached Dave. He is also an avid supporter of Glasgow Rangers and travelled abroad on many occasions to see them play in European competitions.

Lena Farnell

Specialist Cycling Lawyer

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Lena is a specialist cycling lawyer at Cycle SOS. She derives great satisfaction from helping people who have been victims of accidents, recognising the traumatic impact such events can have on their lives. She is particularly proud of the strong relationships she has built with her clients and the results she has obtained on behalf of injured cyclists. 

Julia Eyton

Partner

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Julia brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Cycle SOS team.

Specialising in representing those who have had life changing injuries, Julia handles some of the most serious and complex personal injury cases both within Cycle SOS and nationally.

She often works on high value claims and is skilled in winning complex liability cases.

NADIA KERR

Partner

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Nadia has over 30 years of legal expertise and has represented hundreds of vulnerable road users. With a focus on ensuring timely rehabilitation, speedy repair or replacement of bikes and kit, and securing fair compensation, Nadia is committed to advocating for justice and client rights. Alongside her legal career, Nadia actively participates in national campaigns to benefit vulnerable road users and acts as a Trustee/Director for the national cycling charity, Cycling UK. Nadia was named in Cycling UK’s ‘100 women’ and was a founding member, now running a women’s cycling group, TeamGlow in South Manchester. Among her many achievements, Nadia takes pride in her spot on BBC Breakfast, where she provided expert commentary on long term government funding for pothole repairs.

Caroline Morris

DIRECTOR OF SERIOUS INJURY

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Caroline has specialised in personal injury for over 25 years, recovering more than £56 million in damages during that time, to help clients rebuild their lives after injury.

Caroline is committed to achieving rehabilitation options early, meaning her clients benefits from the best care and treatment at the earliest stage possible.