Molly Steinsapir, a 12-year-old California girl, died following an accident that involved an electric bike or e-bike. Kaye Steinsapir and Jonathan Steisnapir, Molly's parents, wanted to see a change and decided to file a lawsuit against Rad Power Bikes, a Seattle-based-e-bike company. The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles Superior County Court.
On January 31, 2021, Molly and her 11-year-old best friend rode a RadRunne bike with the 12-year-old at the back. As they were going down a steep hill, the bike suddenly began to tremble and jiggle, causing them to crash. Molly suffered brain trauma and unfortunately died on February 15, 2021, after receiving multiple brain surgeries. She spent more than two weeks in the Intensive Care Unit.
Kaye told ABC News that she stayed with her daughter until the end. When her daughter was still alive, she would massage her hands and feet, offer her a song, and read to her. She read books that her daughter's class was reading as she didn't want her to be left behind when she woke up.
The lawsuit claims that the e-bike has multiple defects
According to the lawsuit, the bike model Molly was riding, Rad Power Bikes' RadRunner, has numerous design defects. There is also an issue with the bike's brake and front wheel, and in some cases can be the reason for the wheel to come all the way off, which can result in accidents.
The family said the e-bike company knew that the particular bike model was unsafe and contained many defects but still released it on the market. Jonathan noted that Rad Power Bikes was aware of or had been informed of its defects, but they never restyled nor redesigned the bike. The family believed the accident would have been preventable if only the company had carefully examined its product.
An e-bike is a bicycle equipped with a rechargeable battery. It is just a bicycle but is supplied with an electric motor to guide the user while pedaling. Therefore, they have more power compared to regular bikes.
Rad Power Bikes' RadRunner can reach speeds up to 20 miles per hour.
Also mentioned in the lawsuit is Giro Sport Design, the helmet brand that Molly was wearing during the accident.
Prevent more accidents from happening
The e-bike company released a statement extending its sincere and deepest condolences to the Steinsapir family but said it would not comment on the pending litigation.
According to Dr. Charles DiMaggio, a faculty member in the department of surgery, division of trauma, and critical care at New York University School of Medicine, although e-bikes represent potentially a revolution, people should need to consider their safety first and as much as possible needs to be introduced safely. They should be marketed to the appropriate age groups to avoid this kind of accident, per Good Morning America (GMA).
The Steinsapirs hope that this kind of tragedy will not happen to another family by filing a lawsuit.
