Electric motorcycle rider seriously injured in Rochester Hills crash
A 42-year-old man suffered serious injuries Tuesday when his electric motorcycle collided with a pickup truck while he crossed West Avon Road.
The crash happened about 7:25 a.m. Sept. 15 near Old Perch Road in Rochester Hills, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.
He was riding on the sidewalk and moved into the road in a crosswalk. A stopped vehicle blocked his path, causing him to ride outside the crosswalk and into the path of an eastbound Ford Ranger.
Witnesses told investigators the pickup entered the intersection against a red light.
The rider, who was not wearing a helmet, was taken to Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital. The sheriff’s office reported that he was in stable condition.
The pickup’s driver, a 20-year-old Lake Orion man, and his passenger, a 20-year-old Rochester Hills woman, were not injured.
Investigators determined that the electric motorcycle was unregistered and could not legally be operated on the sidewalk or roadway, the sheriff’s office said.
"Obviously, we are seeing more crashes and dangerous situations from e-bikes and e-motos,” said Sheriff Mike Bouchard. “The Legislature must pass better guard rails on where, how, and who can operate these vehicles, as well as require disclosure to potential buyers about where, how, and who may operate them."
The sheriff’s office crash reconstruction unit is investigating.
How Michigan law distinguishes e-bikes from electric motorcycles
An electric motorcycle does not qualify as a bicycle simply because it runs on a battery or is advertised as an e-bike.
Under Michigan’s electric bicycle definition in MCL 257.13e, an e-bike must have a seat or saddle, fully operable pedals and a motor rated at no more than 750 watts. It must also meet one of three classes. Class 1 provides pedal assistance that stops at 20 mph. Class 2 can use motor power without pedaling, but the bike can’t move faster than 20 mph and must stop providing power when the brakes are applied. Class 3 provides pedal assistance that stops at 28 mph.
Electric motorcycles used on public roads generally require registration, insurance and a licensed rider with a motorcycle endorsement.
After a crash, preserve the vehicle, purchase records and modification information. Michigan Legal Center’s explanation of Michigan bicycle and e-bike accident claims discusses why those details matter when the vehicle’s legal classification is disputed.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles motorcycle crashes and serious injury claims.
If you were injured in an electric motorcycle or e-bike crash, Contact Michigan Legal Center to ask whether your matter falls within Michigan Legal Center’s practice areas.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.