Fatal Brooklyn E-Bike Crash Highlights Growing Dangers for New York Pedestrians

Insights from Our NYC Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Earlier this month, a tragic collision in Brooklyn claimed the life of 60-year-old Theresa Valenti, who was fatally struck by an illegal high-speed e-bike on Flushing Avenue near the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

According to Streetsblog New York City, the rider was operating a Movcan V30 — a motorized vehicle marketed as an “e-bike” but capable of reaching speeds exceeding 30 mph, far above New York City’s legal limit of 25 mph. The crash occurred at a hazardous shared space where a bus stop merges with a bike lane, highlighting the mounting safety risks for pedestrians in mixed-use corridors. Photos of the site show the so-called “bike lane” blending directly onto the pedestrian sidewalk without any pavement markings, creating a hazardous environment for people stepping off the bus.

Representing Pedestrians Struck by Bicycles and E-Bikes

At Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf, our attorneys have long represented pedestrians injured or killed by negligent riders—whether on traditional bicycles, delivery e-bikes, or illegally modified high-speed scooters.

In one widely reported case, our firm represented the family of Donna Sturm, a 67-year-old woman who was fatally struck by a bicyclist in Midtown Manhattan after the cyclist ran a red light on 57th Street. As Managing Partner Ben Rubinowitz said at the time, “Donna Sturm was a vibrant, energetic, and wonderful woman who died as a result of carelessness and negligence. She died because a bicyclist completely disregarded the law.” That case serves as a sobering reminder that even without a motor vehicle, a bicycle operated irresponsibly can cause devastating harm.

Why Illegal “E-Bikes” Pose a Unique Threat

Legal e-bikes are tightly regulated in New York City.

• Class 1: Pedal-assist only, max 20 mph
• Class 2: Throttle-assisted, max 20 mph
• Class 3: Throttle-assisted, max 25 mph (legal only in NYC)

Any two-wheeled motorized vehicle that exceeds these limits—or has a motor stronger than 750 watts—is not a bicycle under state law. It is considered an illegal motorized scooter, which cannot be insured or registered with the DMV. Yet, many online retailers continue to sell such vehicles, often under misleading “off-road mode” or “multi-class” labels, making enforcement difficult and confusing riders.

These machines, some capable of 35–40 mph, share bike lanes and sidewalks with pedestrians who have no protection. As seen in the Flushing Avenue crash, one moment of excessive speed can lead to irreversible tragedy.

Holding Negligent Riders and Sellers Accountable

When pedestrians are struck by a bicycle or e-bike, determining liability can be complex. The attorneys at Gair, Gair, Conason & Rubinowitz investigate every detail:

• Whether the operator was riding a legal e-bike or an illegal motorized scooter
• The speed and mode the vehicle was in at the time of the crash
• Whether online sellers or retailers violated state and city regulations
• The adequacy of signage, lane design, and municipal oversight at the crash site

Our firm’s trial attorneys have secured some of the highest verdicts and settlements in New York pedestrian cases, using decades of litigation experience to uncover every layer of negligence that contributes to a crash.

Protecting Pedestrians in an Era of Rapid Change

As e-bikes and micromobility devices continue to reshape New York’s streets, stronger regulation and clearer enforcement are essential. Pedestrians—particularly seniors, children, and transit riders—remain the most vulnerable users of city streets.

If you or someone you love was struck by a bicycle, e-bike, or scooter in New York City, contact Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf for a free consultation. Our attorneys have the experience and resources to handle these complex cases and to fight for the full compensation and justice you deserve.