E-bike accidents in Leeds: Rising concerns over safety

By Katrina Elsey

Published November 10, 2025In: Personal Injury, Brain and Spinal Injury

E-bikes have transformed how people move around Leeds, particularly for delivery riders working long hours in the city centre. Fast, efficient and low-cost, they’ve become a familiar part of urban life. But a recent rise in serious and fatal e-bike accidents, alongside growing reports of dangerous riding in pedestrian zones, has raised significant concerns for public safety.

At Switalskis, our serious injury solicitors see first-hand the devastating impact of road collisions. We support riders, pedestrians, and families affected by accidents, helping them access compensation, rehabilitation, and answers.

A growing number of serious e-bike incidents in Leeds

Recent incidents demonstrate the potential severity of e-bike collisions:

Butcher Hill, West Park (August 2025): An 18-year-old man died after his e-bike struck a tree. Police confirmed no other vehicles were involved and are appealing for witnesses.
Stanningley Road (December 2023): A 31-year-old man was fatally injured after his e-bike collided with a street sign in a cycle lane.
Merrion Street (October 2025): A collision between an e-bike rider and a pedestrian in Leeds city centre was captured on video and widely shared online. Police are investigating.
East Street (April 2022): A cyclist was killed in a collision involving an e-bike. The rider later admitted to causing death by careless driving, driving without a licence and insurance.

These incidents highlight the serious risks associated with e-bike use, particularly in busy urban areas.

Public and police response

West Yorkshire Police are investigating these crashes and have urged riders to comply with traffic laws. Residents have voiced concern about delivery riders using pedestrian zones, pavements, and crowded shopping streets — particularly in areas like Briggate, Headrow, and Merrion Street.

In response, senior Leeds councillors are considering new restrictions to reduce collisions and near misses in pedestrianised areas. Proposed measures include requiring cyclists and e-bike riders to dismount and walk with their bikes during pedestrianised hours, helping protect both riders and pedestrians.

Concerns from the public also include:

High-speed riding through shopping streets
Ignoring traffic signals
Riding without helmets or lights
Use of unregistered or modified e-bikes exceeding legal limits

While most delivery riders aim to work safely, even a small number ignoring these rules can create serious hazards.

Supporting those affected by e-bike accidents

E-bike collisions, whether with pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles, or stationary objects, can lead to life-changing injuries. Even at low speeds, the combination of weight, motorised power, and urban hazards makes these bikes dangerous.

Common serious injuries include:

Head and brain injuries: Concussions, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or skull fractures, especially if no helmet is worn.
Spinal injuries: Damage to the neck or spine, which can result in long-term mobility issues or paralysis.
Fractures and broken bones: Arms, legs, collarbones, or ribs are frequently affected.
Internal injuries: Organ damage caused by high-impact collisions, sometimes requiring surgery.
Soft tissue injuries and chronic pain: Ligament, tendon, or muscle injuries can affect everyday life and employment.
Psychological trauma: Anxiety, PTSD, or depression can result from serious collisions or witnessing fatalities.

The consequences often extend beyond the immediate physical injuries, affecting independence, work, and quality of life.

The issue of insurance and liability

Unlike cars or motorbikes, e-bikes that meet current UK regulations do not need to be insured against third-party risks, meaning there’s no automatic cover if a rider causes injury or damage to another person or property.

This can make it more complicated for injured pedestrians or other road users to claim compensation after a collision, particularly if the rider was uninsured or using a privately modified or unregistered e-bike.

At Switalskis, we help clients explore all available legal routes for redress, whether through personal injury claims, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), or other compensation schemes.

Important note: - You can only claim through the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB) for an e-bike accident if the e-bike is a modified, non-compliant motor vehicle. Legal e-bikes that meet the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) criteria are treated as bicycles, so the MIB does not apply.

How Switalskis supports those affected

Our serious injury solicitors support individuals across Yorkshire who have been injured in e-bike accidents — whether as riders, pedestrians, or other road users. We also assist families who have lost loved ones, guiding them through inquests, investigations, and civil claims.