E-bikes are seen everywhere in Williamsburg. Whether you’re riding to deliver food, get to work, or just cruise through McCarren Park, electric bikes have become a fast, eco-friendly way to move around Brooklyn, but they’re not without risks. From speeding cars and poorly marked bike lanes to dangerous intersections and reckless drivers, e-bike riders face real dangers on Williamsburg’s streets every day.
If you’ve suffered an injury while riding an e-bike in Williamsburg, you may be wondering: What are my rights? Who’s responsible? And what if you’re a delivery worker who suffered an injury while using your own bike?
Personal injury lawyers represent injured cyclists and e-bike riders across Williamsburg and beyond. We understand how local traffic, insurance laws, and liability rules apply to e-bike crashes in New York City, and we know how to help victims get compensated.
Yes, e-bike riders in Williamsburg are protected under NYC traffic laws, even though e-bikes are relatively new to the city’s streets.
New York law breaks e-bikes into three classes:
All of these are legal in NYC and allowed on bike lanes, streets, and certain parks and greenways.
As an e-bike rider, you have the right to:
You also have the responsibility to follow the same traffic laws as cars and trucks.
Williamsburg’s streets are a mix of busy traffic, construction zones, bike lanes, and crowded intersections. Some of the most common e-bike accidents we see include:
All of these can cause serious injuries—broken bones, concussions, spinal damage, or worse.
The steps you take after an accident can impact your health and your legal case.
Even if your injuries seem minor, always call for help. You need a police report to document what happened and your injuries may be more serious than you realize.
Go to the ER or see a doctor as soon as possible. Medical records create a timeline of your injuries, this is important for insurance or legal claims.
If you’re physically able, take pictures of:
If anyone saw the accident, get their name and number. Eyewitnesses can help prove liability later.
Talk to an experienced attorney who understands the specific challenges of e-bike cases.
Yes, depending on the situation, you may be eligible for:
If a motor vehicle was involved (car, truck, etc.), New York’s no-fault law may apply. That means the driver’s insurance pays:
You may qualify even if you were at fault—but you must file within 30 days.
If the driver was negligent (ran a red light, didn’t yield, opened a door into you), you may also sue for:
This can provide far more compensation than no-fault alone.
If your accident was caused by:
A Brooklyn personal injury attorney understands that e-bike riders are often unfairly blamed for accidents, especially when drivers try to avoid liability.
They will fight for riders by:
While helmets are encouraged (and required for Class 3 riders), not wearing one doesn’t eliminate your right to compensation. It may affect damages slightly, but you can still sue.
No-fault insurance: 30 daysLawsuit against a driver: 3 yearsLawsuit against NYC: 90 days to file a Notice of Claim
Act quickly. The sooner you speak to an attorney, the stronger your case.
Yes. New York is a comparative negligence state. That means you can recover damages even if you were partially responsible—the amount is just reduced by your percentage of fault.
E-bike accidents are serious and it is advisable to talk to an experienced lawyer about your accident. Whether you’re a commuter, a delivery worker, or a casual rider, you deserve protection from negligent drivers and unsafe streets.
