A university lecturer is confronting a staggering £10,000 medical bill after sustaining severe injuries when an e-bike operated by a child collided with her on a pavement in south London. Sandy Peters, an academic, was walking with her son on his birthday along North Street near Grove Park in Sutton on October 30 last year when the incident occurred, leaving her with multiple broken bones and what she described as an 'ocean of blood' pouring from her face.
Traumatic Impact and Serious Injuries
Sandy recalls nothing of the actual impact, only regaining consciousness moments later lying on the ground, struggling to breathe as blood flowed from her nose and mouth. The e-bike rider, who was under 16 years old, struck her right side, causing her to smash face-first into a brick wall. Emergency services were promptly called, and Sandy was rushed to a local hospital for initial treatment before being transferred to another facility where she remained for seven days.
Extensive Dental Damage and PTSD
The crash resulted in broken teeth, fractures to both cheeks, and a broken upper jaw that is now misaligned with her lower jaw. Sandy now suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and faces approximately £10,000 in dental work costs. She expressed frustration over the difficulty of obtaining financial redress from the young rider, stating, 'It was so traumatic, and so fast, and so brutal, and in a place where I should have been safe. I should have been safe on a pedestrian pavement.'
Insurance Gaps and Legal Requirements
Sandy has discovered that Forest, the e-bike hire company, does not carry rider liability insurance, which would cover incidents caused by rider negligence. Under UK law, companies like Forest are required to have public liability insurance for mechanical faults, but rider liability insurance is not legally mandated. This gap leaves victims like Sandy with little recourse for compensation when accidents occur due to rider error.
Forest states that its e-bikes are intended for users aged 18 and over, requiring age confirmation during account setup and completion of in-app safety training. However, Sandy criticises local councils for not imposing rider liability insurance as a condition for operating licenses. E-bike hire companies must secure financial agreements with councils to operate in boroughs, yet this does not currently include such insurance requirements.
Calls for Legislative Change
Sandy is advocating for government legislation to make rider liability insurance mandatory for e-bike companies, similar to existing regulations for e-scooters. She also urges that councils only grant licenses to companies insured against accidents involving irresponsible riders. The upcoming English Devolution Bill is anticipated to grant councils new powers to license and regulate e-bike and e-scooter hire schemes, potentially addressing these concerns.
Company and Council Responses
A Forest spokesperson expressed sadness over the incident and confirmed ongoing contact with Sandy to investigate the circumstances. They emphasised their commitment to safety and thorough investigation processes. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the London Borough of Sutton stated that the council takes all incidents seriously and has requested Forest to collaborate with Sandy for a comprehensive investigation. They noted that Forest complies with current legal requirements, including public liability insurance for mechanical issues, but acknowledged the lack of legal mandate for rider liability insurance.
The controversy surrounding dockless e-bikes continues, with Forest's rival Lime facing bans in several London councils. Sandy's case highlights broader issues of pedestrian safety and insurance accountability in the growing e-bike rental market, prompting calls for stricter regulations to protect public welfare.
