Las Vegas, NV (April 7th, 2025) – Clark County is considering regulations for e-bikes and e-scooters to help keep riders, as well as pedestrians and others, safe.
Electric bikes and scooters have surged in popularity across Clark County, offering residents and tourists a convenient mode of transportation. However, this rise has brought about safety concerns, as e-bike and e-scooter accidents are all too common. These concerns prompted local officials to introduce new regulations aimed at curbing reckless usage.
The Rising Concern of E-Bike and E-Scooter Accidents in Clark County
The impetus for this ordinance stems from a notable increase in accidents involving electric bikes and scooters. In 2024, Clark County reported six fatalities related to these vehicles, up from four in the previous year.
School zones have become hotspots for reckless e-bike and e-scooter activities. Law enforcement have highlighted that some models reach speeds up to 50 mph in these areas, posing significant risks for student and pedestrian accidents.
Common Causes of E-Bike and E-Scooter Accidents
Many of these incidents, and those resulting in serious injuries, follow similar patterns. The most common causes include:
Excessive Speed
Riders often travel faster than conditions allow, especially in pedestrian-heavy zones like parks or near schools.
Lack of Visibility
Poor lighting, no reflectors, and dark clothing make it hard for drivers to see riders, especially at dawn or dusk. Further, due to their size in comparison to even small cars and trucks, e-bikes and e-scooters and their riders may get lost in vehicles’ blind spots.
Inexperience
Younger or first-time riders often lack the handling skills needed to safely maneuver high-speed electric bikes and scooters.
Distracted Riding
Texting, listening to music with headphones, or riding one-handed while holding a phone increases the chance of a crash. A distracted driving attorney may help determine if the rider, driver, or both might have been inattentive at the time of the crash.
Failure to Yield or Follow Traffic Laws
Riders frequently ignore stop signs, crosswalks, and signals. In doing so, however, they put themselves and others at risk.
Poor Maintenance
Loose brakes, worn tires, or battery issues can quickly lead to a loss of control.
Understanding the Clark County Ordinance on E-Bikes and E-Scooters
In response to increasing accidents involving electric bikes and scooters, Clark County Commissioner Justin Jones has proposed an ordinance to establish clear guidelines for their operation. The ordinance seeks to define where these vehicles can be used and impose penalties for unsafe behaviors. Key provisions of the proposed ordinance include:
Speed Limits and Designated Areas
The ordinance suggests limiting e-bikes and e-scooters to a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour within parks, trails, and natural safety to ensure the safety of all users.
Helmet Requirements
Riders will be mandated to wear helmets to reduce the risk of head injuries in case of accidents.
Penalties for Reckless Behavior
Individuals found performing dangerous maneuvers, such as popping wheelies or weaving through traffic, will face fines. Violations of the ordinance would start at $150 for a first offense, escalating up to $500 for repeated offenses.
Legal Implications for Riders and Parents
The proposed ordinance not only targets riders but also holds parents accountable for their children’s actions. If minors are caught violating the regulations, parents or guardians could be held liable, and the vehicles may be impounded. This measure aims to encourage responsible ownership and supervision of these high-powered devices to help avoid serious or fatal accidents.
Navigating Liability and Compensation Under the Proposed Ordinance in Clark County
Determining liability in e-bike and e-scooter accidents isn’t always straightforward. Several factors come into play, including local laws, the classification of the vehicle, and the behavior of all parties involved.
How Liability Is Determined?
Liability often depends on whether a party acted negligently, or failed to take responsible care and caused harm as a result. Investigators and attorneys will look at:
- Traffic Violations: Did the rider run a stop sign, ignore traffic signals, or fail to yield?
- Device Compliance: Was the e-bike or scooter legally permitted to operate where the crash happened?
- Speed and Behavior: Was the rider moving too fast for the environment or performing stunts?
- Surrounding Factors: Were roads or sidewalks poorly maintained? Was another driver involved?
These questions help establish whether the rider, another motorist, a pedestrian, or even the manufacturer of the device might bear responsibility.
Who May Be Held Responsible?
Multiple parties can be liable in an e-bike or e-scooter accident. Those who may bear financial responsibility include:
Riders
If the rider was reckless, underage, or ignoring posted rules, they may be at fault.
Parents or Guardians
When a minor is involved, parents may face legal responsibility, especially if the proposed ordinance is passed and makes them accountable.
Motor Vehicle Drivers
A driver who strikes a rider while engaged in negligent or reckless behaviors, such as speeding or distractions, they can be held liable.
Manufacturers
If a defect in the scooter or e-bike, such as a brake failure or battery fire, contributed to the crash, the maker may be responsible.
Victims of e-bike and e-scooter accidents in Nevada may be entitled to several forms of compensation, including for their medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. A dedicated Las Vegas personal injury lawyer can help them determine what’s recoverable based on the circumstances and ensure that insurance companies don’t shortchange a legitimate claim.
Since 1985, our attorney at George Bochanis Injury Law Offices has helped Nevadans like you, injured due to the negligence or recklessness of others, to recover compensation. If you suffered harm in an e-bike or e-scooter accident, contact our law offices today to discuss your options. 702-388-2005.
