Electric bikes or e-bikes have quickly gained popularity. Between 2018 and 2022, e-bike sales skyrocketed from 250,000 sales per year to over a million sold per year. There are many benefits to e-bikes: they’re simple to operate, convenient, and help save time. However, the increase in e-bikes sharing the road has sparked many questions and concerns amongst bikers, pedestrians, parents, and more regarding e-bike rules and e-bike accidents. 

As South Carolina personal injury attorneys, we’ve seen the devastating impact of e-bike accidents. This article explains South Carolina e-bike laws and regulations, common causes of e-bike accidents, and more. If you have any questions regarding the content in this article, or if you or a loved one was injured in an e-bike accident, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team today by calling (803) 888-2200 or emailing info@ctlawsc.com. We’re here for you and are ready to help. 

South Carolina E-Bike Laws

Under South Carolina Law (56-1-10) electric-assist bicycles and bicycles with helper motors are defined as, “low-speed electrically assisted bicycles with two or three wheels, each having fully operable pedals and an electric motor of no more than 750 watts, or one horsepower, and a top motor-powered speed of less than twenty miles an hour when operated by a rider weighing one hundred seventy pounds on a paved level surface.” 

Many people have questions regarding which laws are applicable to e-bikes. In South Carolina, e-bike riders must follow all provisions applicable to bicyclists (56-5-3520).

Here are a few general bicyclists laws that e-bike riders must follow:

  • When riding on roadways and bicycle paths, bicyclists should ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable.
  • When operating a bicycle upon a roadway, a bicyclist must exercise due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.
  • Bicyclists riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast (side by side) except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.
  • No bicycle may be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped.
  • Bicyclists should indicate turns using the signals outlined here.

While this list addresses some common FAQs related to e-bike laws, you may choose to read more South Carolina bicycle laws applicable to e-bike riders here. You should also check local town and city regulations as well as follow all signs. For example, in Charleston it is illegal for e-bikes to ride on the sidewalk.

E-Bike Injury Rates

According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine on e-bike accidents, males accounted for 82.5% of e-bike injuries. The age group most commonly affected by e-bike injuries was 10-13 years old. Electric bicycle accident injuries also resulted in hospitalization 11.5% more than moped or pedal-only bicycle accidents.

A significant issue in e-bike accident cases is the lack of helmet use, which can lead to serious injury. For example, the same study showed that 97.3% of e-bike riders were without a helmet at the time of injury.  

Another study in the American Public Health Association’s AJPH showed that population-based rates of e-bike injuries increased by 293% from 2019 to 2022. 

Common E-Bike Accident Injuries

E-bike accidents can range in severity depending on the specifics of the accident, such as the speed they were going, the unit(s) involved, and more. Common e-bike accident injuries include but are not limited to:

  • Internal Injuries
  • Head and Brain Injuries
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries
  • Neck Injuries
  • Broken Bones
  • Fractures
  • Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)
  • Road Rash
  • And More.

If you or a loved one was hurt in an e-bike accident, it is imperative that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. Many injury symptoms can take days or even weeks to develop, so it’s always in your best interest to get a professional medical exam done following an accident.

Common Causes and Contributing Factors of E-Bike Wrecks

Between e-bike, powered scooter, hoverboard, and bicycle accidents in the US between 2019 and 2022, e-bike injuries had the highest proportion of motor vehicle involvement. 

Motor vehicle drivers may cause a collision with an e-bike for a variety of negligent reasons, including but not limited to:

  • Speeding
  • Driving under the influence
  • Misjudging distances
  • Distracted driving
  • Failure to notice the bike in their blind spot
  • Hitting an e-bike rider with a door 
  • And other forms of driver error.

On the other hand, e-bike riders may be responsible for accidents involving pedestrians, bicyclists, motor vehicles and others, commonly due to:

  • Rider inexperience
  • Misjudging distances
  • Reckless riding
  • Speeding
  • Ignoring traffic rules
  • Riding under the influence
  • Mechanical issues
  • And More.

Understanding Liability in South Carolina Electric Bike Accidents

South Carolina follows a “modified negligence” system. This means that in every personal injury claim, each person involved is assigned a percentage they were found to be at-fault for the accident. If you were found to be no more than 50% at-fault for the accident, then you can seek compensation for your damages resulting from the accident. The percentage that you are found to be at-fault impacts the amount of compensation you are eligible to recover. 

An experienced injury attorney will gather and analyze critical evidence of the accident such as witness testimony, security footage, and much more to identify and prove who was truly at fault for the accident, pursuant to South Carolina law.

Speak With a Reputable E-Bike Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one was hurt in an e-bike accident, we’re here to help you. We offer complimentary case evaluations directly with an attorney so we can answer your questions, explain the process, and guide you through the best plan of action specific to you and your case. With decades of experience and hundreds of 5-star reviews, you can trust that the award-winning team at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC has your back. 

To speak with an experienced personal injury attorney today, simply call (803) 888-2200 or start an online chat and a member of our team will be in touch with you shortly. We are available via phone 24/7.

With offices in Columbia and Mount Pleasant, our lawyers travel to and represent clients throughout the state of South Carolina. We look forward to hearing from you.

Legally Reviewed By: William H. Yarborough

My name is Will Yarborough, and I am a partner and personal injury attorney at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC. My practice primarily focuses on car and truck accident cases, and I represent injured people across the state of South Carolina.

I’m committed to ensuring that every single client gets the compensation and justice they deserve following serious and unexpected accidents.

You don’t have to go through the aftermath of an accident on your own. If you have any questions about the information in this article or are interested in becoming a client at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC, give me a call today. I’d be honored to help.