Accidents between electric bikes and cars are increasing, especially in our increasingly congested city centers. Faced with the stress and panic that such situations can cause, it's better to know how to react. What to do in case of an accident between an electric bike and a car? And how to handle the procedures afterwards? The Weebot team explains everything, step by step.
First reflexes to have at the accident scene
During an electric bike accident, the first seconds are often decisive. Keeping calm and adopting the right reflexes can make all the difference. Here are the essential steps to follow immediately after the impact. Take note!
Secure the area and protect people
Your priority: avoid a secondary accident. If the electric bike blocks traffic or poses a danger, move it quickly away from the roadway.
Turn on the lights if the model is equipped or use a lamp to signal your presence.
Position yourself safely while alerting other users. If you are on a busy road, move away from traffic without panicking.
Check the condition of the injured and call for help
Take a few seconds to assess your condition and that of the people involved. If someone is unconscious or unresponsive, do not wait: call emergency services at: 15 (Samu) or 112 (medical emergency) or 18 (Firefighters). Be clear and precise: exact location, number of injured, general condition. And stay on the line if asked, every piece of information helps speed up the intervention.
Filling out an amicable accident report: instructions
A collision between an electric bike and a car can quickly become complicated to manage if you don't put things in writing. This is when the amicable accident report comes into play. Even if tensions are high or there is disagreement, this document remains the key for your insurance to take over. Here's why and how to fill it out without forgetting anything.
Why is it essential even in case of disagreement?
The amicable accident report is much more than a formality. It is an official proof that will describe the circumstances of the accident and identify responsibilities. Even if the other person refuses to sign or if you disagree on the facts, still complete the document with your version. It will have real legal value and facilitate the processing of your file.
How to properly fill out the report? (damages, diagram, circumstances)
Start by noting the date, time, and place of the accident. Describe precisely what happened, mention the damages to the electric bike and the car, and make a small diagram to illustrate the position of the vehicles at the moment of impact.
Don't forget to check the "injured" box if there are victims, even minor ones. Finally, sign and get a copy. Also consider the e-report if you don't have paper handy.
Procedures to follow after the accident between car and electric bike
Once the first reflexes on site are done, the serious part begins. To be properly and timely compensated, you must respect certain formalities. Ideally, do not leave anything pending and quickly build a solid file. Here is what you absolutely must do.
Declare the accident to your insurance within the deadline
You have 5 working days to notify your insurer. This deadline is essential because a delay can compromise your compensation or complicate file management. Contact your insurance as soon as possible by phone, via their mobile app, or by mail, and send them the amicable accident report.
Prepare supporting documents (report, photos, testimonies, repair estimates)
Your file must contain as much evidence as possible. Keep the report, take photos of the scene and damages, and collect witnesses' contact details if possible. Don't forget to request a repair estimate for your electric bike, essential for reimbursement.
In case of injuries: keep medical certificates and reports
Even for minor injuries, see a doctor quickly. The medical certificate is essential to justify any bodily harm. It will serve as the basis for compensation of your care, work stoppages, or possible sequelae. Keep all prescriptions and associated medical reports.
Insurance and compensation: who pays what?
Once procedures are underway, it remains to know who covers what. And in an accident involving an electric bike and a car, things are sometimes more subtle than they seem. Depending on the case, different insurances and mechanisms intervene.
The guarantees of the motorist and those of the cyclist
In principle, it is the driver's car insurance that covers bodily and material damages caused to the cyclist. On their side, the cyclist can be protected through the civil liability of their home insurance or a dedicated bike coverage, which will cover damages caused to others or to their own equipment if they are at fault.
What does the Badinter law cover for injured cyclists?
Since 1985, the Badinter law protects cyclists in case of traffic accidents. It requires full compensation for bodily harm, even if the cyclist is partially at fault, except in cases of inexcusable fault. This rule places the cyclist on the same level of protection as a pedestrian.
The role of the FGAO in case of hit-and-run or uninsured driver
If the motorist flees or is uninsured, it is the Mandatory Insurance Guarantee Fund (FGAO) that compensates the victims. This public mechanism prevents an injured person from having no recourse and covers bodily damages and sometimes material damages depending on circumstances.
Repairing your electric bike after an accident
After an accident, the restoration of your electric bike should not be delayed. First to be able to get back on the road safely, then so your insurance can estimate the costs. Quickly get an estimate from an authorized repairer such as Weebot or from the bike seller.
The importance of the estimate and insurance coverage
This estimate is essential to open the file with the insurer. Depending on the guarantees provided in your contract, the insurance will reimburse either on invoice after repair, or based on the estimate in case of replacement or irreparable bike.
How is the compensation amount evaluated?
Compensation is calculated based on the bike's new value and its age. Some insurances deduct a depreciation rate while others offer new-for-old reimbursement, especially if the bike is recent. Hence the importance of carefully reading your contract to avoid unpleasant surprises.
The specific legal framework for electric bikes: what to know before riding
Not all electric bikes are subject to the same rules, and this distinction can have a direct impact in case of an accident. Depending on the assistance power and maximum speed, an e-bike can be considered a simple bike... or a moped. It is therefore better to know the status of your two-wheeler to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Classic e-bike: same rules as a bike
A so-called "classic" electric pedal-assist bike (VAE) is defined by three criteria:
• assistance limited to 25 km/h,
• a motor of maximum 250 watts,
• assistance that cuts off as soon as pedaling stops.
In this case, the electric bike is legally treated as a traditional bike. No license, no registration, nor specific insurance is required, although it is strongly recommended to take out civil liability insurance.
Speed bike: obligations close to those of a scooter
If your bike exceeds 25 km/h or has a more powerful motor, it falls into the speed bike category. Legally, it is considered a moped. This implies several obligations:
• wearing an approved helmet,
• registration of the bike,
• specific insurance (mandatory civil liability),
• wearing CE-certified gloves.
In case of an accident, a cyclist on an uninsured or non-approved speed bike may be judged in violation, which can reduce or cancel their right to compensation.
Why this distinction changes everything in case of an accident
The classification of your electric bike determines your rights... and your duties. In case of dispute or injury, the insurance will check if you were compliant. A cyclist on a "boosted" VAE without insurance can be held responsible, even partially, and thus less well compensated. Hence the importance of knowing the technical specifics of your bike and verifying its compliance.
What to do in case of dispute over facts or refusal to fill out the report?
Sometimes, the accident does not happen calmly: disagreement on responsibilities, bad faith, or refusal to sign the report can complicate the situation. In these cases, it is essential to react methodically to not lose your rights. Here are the right reflexes to adopt.
If the other driver refuses the report or lies about the facts
The amicable accident report remains an essential document, even in case of disagreement. If the other party refuses to fill it out or offers a false version:
• Write your own unilateral report, with your complete description of the facts, time, place, damages, and the other driver's contact details if you have them.
• Take as many photos as possible (vehicles, signage, position on the road, plates).
• Note the license plates and, if possible, take a photo of the driver's license or insurance of the other driver.
Even without the other party's signature, your version will be useful to the insurer, especially if well documented.
The role of witnesses: valuable support in case of disagreement
If passersby or other users saw the accident, ask for their contact details immediately. A written testimony, even brief, can make all the difference in a disputed file. Some insurers even have standard forms to be filled out by witnesses.
In case of conflict, these objective elements help to decide, especially if no video is available.
Call law enforcement if the situation requires it
If tensions rise, the driver refuses to cooperate, flees, or behaves aggressively, do not hesitate to call the police or gendarmerie. Their presence allows drawing up an official report that will serve as an official document in your file.
Even if law enforcement does not come to the scene, simply making a statement at the police station within hours can strengthen the credibility of your version of events.
Dashcam or GoPro: admissible video evidence
If you use a dashcam or an onboard camera (like a GoPro) during your rides, keep the recording of the accident carefully. The footage can be sent to the insurer and, in case of proceedings, serve as admissible evidence in court.
Remember to store the video in a secure space and clearly date the files so they can be used.
Practical advice in case of disagreement or refusal to fill out the report
• Take as many photos as possible: damages, vehicle positions, signage, plates, weather.
• Write a unilateral report if the other driver refuses to cooperate.
• Ask for witnesses' contact details as soon as possible.
• Keep dashcam or GoPro videos, dated and stored separately.
• Contact law enforcement in case of conflict or flight.
• Report the facts quickly to your insurer, even without a signed report.
Prevention: safety equipment not to be neglected
Better to prevent than repair. While procedures after an accident are crucial, the ideal remains to avoid it as much as possible. To ride an electric bike safely, a few simple pieces of equipment can make all the difference... and sometimes even save a life.
The helmet: strongly recommended, even mandatory in some cases
Wearing a helmet for electric bike is only mandatory for children under 12, but it is highly recommended for all cyclists, regardless of age. In case of a fall or collision with a car, it protects against head injuries, responsible for many serious wounds.
Some insurance companies may even reduce compensation if the helmet is not worn, especially if you ride a speed bike.
Gloves, glasses, reflective vest: simple and useful protections
Gloves protect hands in case of a fall and improve grip on the handlebar, especially in cold or wet weather.
Glasses (or visor) protect eyes from splashes, insects, or gusts of wind.
The reflective vest is mandatory at night or in low visibility outside urban areas, but is also strongly recommended in the city: it significantly increases your visibility.
Lighting and signaling: being seen is vital
An electric bike must be equipped with front and rear lights, reflectors on the wheels, pedals, and rear. Check their proper functioning regularly, especially if you ride early in the morning or late in the day.
Additional light accessories (LED bracelets, flashing helmet or backpack lights) are also a good idea, especially in winter or rainy weather.
Conclusion
As you have understood, in case of an accident between an electric bike and a car, you must know how to react quickly and properly: secure the scene, fill out a report, call for help, and declare the claim without delay. Also think about protecting your future by wearing a helmet and taking out civil liability insurance, or even specific insurance for your e-bike. To ride better equipped and with peace of mind, discover the robust and approved models available at Weebot.