E-bikes are changing how people move around New Hampshire. Riders in Portsmouth, Concord, and across the Seacoast are using them to commute, explore, and stay active without the physical strain of a traditional bicycle. Unfortunately, as more people turn to these fast and powerful bikes, emergency rooms are seeing a surge in injuries related to them. The rise in e-bike crashes has also raised new questions about liability and who pays when things go wrong.
Understanding how and why e-bike incidents happen, and what laws apply when they do, can help riders protect themselves both on the road and in the aftermath of an accident.
Why E-Bike Injuries Are Rising in New Hampshire
The popularity of e-bikes has outpaced the rules and infrastructure meant to support them. Riders are often sharing space with cars, pedestrians, and traditional cyclists on roads that were never designed for such a mix. At higher speeds — up to 28 miles per hour, depending on the class — the risk of severe injury increases dramatically.
Common factors behind the growing number of e-bike crashes include:
- Drivers failing to recognize how quickly e-bikes can approach intersections or merge into traffic.
- Limited visibility on New Hampshire’s narrow or winding rural roads.
- Inexperienced riders underestimating stopping distance or acceleration.
- Mechanical or electrical defects, particularly in braking systems or battery performance.
These trends show that even cautious riders can be placed in danger through no fault of their own.
How Fault and Liability Are Determined After an E-Bike Crash
E-bike crashes differ from traditional bicycle or motor-vehicle collisions because of how the law classifies these vehicles. New Hampshire recognizes three classes of e-bikes, ranging from low-speed pedal assist to throttle-controlled models. Depending on the class, an e-bike might be treated more like a bicycle or, in some situations, more like a motor vehicle.
This distinction matters when determining who is liable for a crash.
Possible responsible parties include:
- Negligent motorists who fail to yield or pass safely.
- E-bike manufacturers or retailers, if a defect causes the rider to lose control.
- Municipalities or maintenance contractors, when unsafe road conditions contribute to the collision.
Each claim depends on the facts, including what happened, who was involved, and how the e-bike is categorized under the law. Gathering the proper evidence quickly can make all the difference in proving fault.
Protecting New Hampshire Riders’ Rights
E-bike crashes can blur the lines of liability, but injured riders still have rights. Whether the cause was a careless driver, a faulty e-bike component, or a poorly maintained roadway, our experienced e-bike accidents attorney in Portsmouth can help identify who is responsible and recover damages for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Contact Elmore Law Office today at (603) 929-1117 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. We proudly represent injury victims across New Hampshire and Massachusetts and are committed to helping riders get the justice they deserve after an e-bike crash.