Partial settlement in Rad Power fatal e-bike crash case

[Raboa]

Partial settlement in Rad Power fatal e-bike crash case

Bicycle Retailer and Industry News (BRAIN) recently reported on the partial settlement of a case involving US-based e-bike maker Rad Power. The case centres around a fatal accident that took place on January 31, 2021, when 12-year-old Molly Steinsapir was riding on the back of a RadRunner e-bike...

ebiketips.road.cc

 

[cyclebuddy]

Why is an 11 year old even riding an electric bike, and carrying a 12 year old passenger, and arguably irresponsibly "during a fast descent" too? I know the laws in America differ from state-to-state, but even so AFAIK the minimum rider age is 14. Surely the parents hold a good deal of the responsibility for not educating their kids on safe use of any bike, never mind a powered one?

 

[Raboa]

The lawsuit says the front wheel was wobbling during a fast descent - and it specifically alleges that using disc brakes in conjunction with quick-release skewers means the skewers can loosen during hard braking and cause the wheel to wobble and shake.

Why didn't the parents check the bike was safe to use and all quick release fully tightened.
I ride a front disk brake and if the wheel wobbles you get off and check the quick release, a deformed tyre can also give the impression the tyre is wobbling.
This will have a knock on effect as a president has been set, manufacturers will probably start removing quick releases, most new bikes use through axle designs

 

[flecc]

Why is an 11 year old even riding an electric bike, and carrying a 12 year old passenger, and arguably irresponsibly "during a fast descent" too? I know the laws in America differ from state-to-state, but even so AFAIK the minimum rider age is 14. Surely the parents hold a good deal of the responsibility for not educating their kids on safe use of any bike, never mind a powered one?

There is no federal minimum age for riding an e-bike in the USA. Four states only have minimum age limits at or above 14 years, but 13 states require some form of moped or other driving licence to ride an e-bike, so in effect making a minimum age.

There's no minimum in mainland Europe's main cycling countries where younger children do often ride pedelecs.

The blanket minimum age law of 14 years is uniquely a UK one:

Road Traffic Act 1988

www.legislation.gov.uk

.