E-bike strikes pedestrian, causes disability; compensation of 120K! Non-motorized vehicles must also have insurance!

Riding an e-bike is convenient and eco-friendly, but if you accidentally hit someone, the consequences can be far more serious than you think. Don't assume "non-motor vehicle" means you're off the hook!

1. Real Case

Old Chen rode his electric bicycle against traffic on the sidewalk and knocked over Aunt Wang, who was out for a walk. Aunt Wang was assessed as having a Grade 8 disability. The court ruled that Old Chen must pay medical expenses, disability compensation, mental distress damages, and other costs totaling 120 yuan. Old Chen was stunned: A 2,000-yuan e-bike ended up costing him the down payment for a house!

II. Liability for Compensation in Electric Vehicle Accidents

Under the Tort Liability section of the Civil Code, liability for traffic accidents between non-motor vehicles or between a non-motor vehicle and a pedestrian is determined based on the principle of fault. If the e-bike party violates traffic rules (e.g., riding against traffic, running red lights, speeding), they typically bear primary or full liability.

Compensation items include medical expenses, lost wages, nursing fees, transportation costs, nutritional allowances, disability compensation, and mental distress damages. Disability compensation is the largest component, calculated as: (per capita disposable income of urban residents in the year preceding the filing of the lawsuit at the court's location) × (disability coefficient) × 20 years.

III. Insurance Configuration Recommendations

1. E-bike Third-Party Liability Insurance: Annual premiums range from a few dozen to over 100 yuan, with coverage up to hundreds of thousands.

2. Personal Accident Insurance: Covers risks of personal injury.

3. Mandatory electric vehicle insurance has been implemented in some regions; please stay informed about local regulations.

IV. Risk Prevention

1. Obey traffic rules: do not ride against traffic, run red lights, or use motor vehicle lanes.

2. Control speed, especially in crowded areas;

3. Wear a safety helmet to protect yourself.

4. Purchase adequate insurance to transfer financial risk.

Small e-bikes, big responsibilities. For help with traffic accident claims or legal rights protection, contact Fujian Ciji Law Firm.