With its recent expansion into the dockless bicycle and electronic bike rental market, Lyft had hoped to beat their rival Uber to the punch by cornering the market in several major U.S. cities. But a series of injuries caused by brake malfunctions has forced Lyft to pull thousands of e-bikes off the streets. This is an enormous setback for the company on the heels of announcing a $100 million investment into expanding their e-bike program in cities like New York.

Recent E-Bike Malfunctions

Reports of injuries from Lyft e-bike accidents began circulating shortly after their launch. These injuries varied, with at least one report involving a rider with a broken hip. According to these reports, the bikes have unusually strong braking power in the front wheel. This has led multiple riders to flip over the handlebars onto the ground.

The injuries were enough for Lyft to pull their e-bikes off the streets in three of America's largest cities: New York, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. In total, Lyft has been forced to sideline approximately 15% of their entire fleet.

Can Lyft Be Held Liable?

Lyft and the manufacturer of the brakes on their e-bikes owe a duty of care to their customers. And if the company was negligent in releasing e-bikes with faulty brakes when they should have been aware of the problem, they could wind up being held liable for the damages of anyone hurt due to the brake malfunction.

Have You Been Injured? An Attorney Can Help

If you have been injured in a Lyft e-bike accident, it's important to remember that you are not alone and that you have options. And if Lyft was negligent in their duty to you, a claim for damages may be warranted. Your first call in that instance should be to an experienced personal injury attorney. A personal injury attorney will be able to evaluate your case and explain your legal options to you.

If your attorney is unable to settle the matter, he or she may be able to file a lawsuit on your behalf in order to pursue damages through a court of law. To discuss your case with an Oceanside, California injury attorney, call the experienced personal injury legal team at Kohn Law Office today.