The parents of Molly Steinsapir, a 12-year-old girl who died from injuries suffered in an e-bike accident, are suing Rad Power Bikes for design defects that make these bikes dangerous.
According to a news report on People.com, the lawsuit Kaye and Jonathan Steinsapir filed claims that design defects in these e-bikes make it difficult for riders to slow down and stop as the bike gains speed while going downhill.
Catastrophic Brain Injury
Molly suffered catastrophic brain injuries while riding her bike near her family’s Los Angeles home.
Her family said as Molly went downhill on Jan. 31, 2021, the bike began to shake and wobble, causing the crash. Molly was wearing a helmet. Her friend, riding with her, could flag down a car and ask the driver to call for help.
The girl died in the hospital a few weeks after the accident after several MRIs, blood transfusions, and surgeries to relieve pressure in the brain. She never regained consciousness.
Her parents allege in the lawsuit that the e-bike’s design defects make it difficult for riders to slow down and stop as the bike gains speed while going downhill.
Molly’s father told “Good Morning America” that Rad Power Bikes had been made aware of the issue” but that they never redesigned their bikes.
The lawsuit also alleges that the company engaged in “inappropriate marketing of e-bikes to children,” claiming that Rad failed to warn about the dangers of children operating e-bikes properly.
E-Bike and Scooter Safety
There is no question that e-bike and scooter use has surged across the country and here in Southern California.
Rad Power Bikes is one of several major manufacturers of these products. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there has been a steady 70% rise in injuries on e-scooters, e-bikes, and hoverboards from 2017 to 2020. CPSC also reported 71 deaths across the country over that period.
Our product defect lawyers represent those injured because of defectively manufactured or designed e-bikes or e-scooters.
If you or a loved one has been injured because of a faulty e-bike, you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses. An experienced product defect lawyer can provide more information about pursuing your legal rights.
Source: https://people.com/human-interest/molly-steinsapirs-parents-sue-e-bike-company-after-12-year-olds-death/
