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E-Bike Rider Killed in Four-Vehicle Crash Near Disney World in Orange County
A 40-year-old Orlando man tragically lost his life Monday morning in a multi-vehicle collision involving an e-bike on State Road 536 near Disney World, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The deadly crash highlights the growing safety concerns surrounding e-bikes on Florida’s major roadways.
The crash occurred around 6:40 a.m. on Epcot Center Drive, west of Interstate 4, as early morning traffic moved toward the Disney resort area.
According to investigators, four vehicles — a 2016 Honda Civic, 2018 Ford Fusion, 2021 Toyota Camry, and the e-bike — were traveling westbound on SR-536. The FHP report indicates that the e-bike moved into the direct path of the Honda Civic, which struck it from behind.
The initial impact triggered a chain-reaction collision involving the other two vehicles. The e-bike rider sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead after being transported to a nearby hospital.
The driver of the Honda Civic, a 57-year-old Orlando woman, was also taken to the hospital with minor injuries, while the drivers of the Ford and Toyota were uninjured.
Troopers initially described the crash as involving a motorcycle but later confirmed that the victim had been operating an electric bicycle (e-bike). All westbound lanes of SR-536 were closed for several hours during the investigation but have since reopened.
E-bikes have surged in popularity across Florida, offering a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation. However, their presence on high-speed roads such as SR-536 and U.S. 192 has created new challenges for both riders and motorists.
Under Florida Statute §316.20655, e-bikes are allowed to operate on roadways with a speed limit of 35 mph or less and must follow the same rules as traditional bicycles. Riders are not required to have a driver’s license or registration, but they must obey traffic laws and yield the right-of-way just as any other vehicle would.
On high-speed routes like SR-536 — where traffic often exceeds 55 mph — e-bike riders face increased risks, including:
- Limited visibility to other motorists, especially at dawn or dusk.
- Instability at higher speeds, particularly when sharing lanes with cars.
- Lack of crash protection, making any collision potentially fatal.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder that e-bikes are not designed for major highways, where the flow of traffic can be extremely fast and unpredictable.
Legal Options for the Victim’s Family
When a fatal e-bike accident occurs, the victim’s surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under the Florida Wrongful Death Act (§768.16–§768.26).
A wrongful death claim can seek compensation for:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical bills incurred before death
- Loss of income and financial support
- Pain and suffering for surviving family members
- Loss of companionship and parental guidance
If the investigation reveals that another driver acted negligently — by speeding, distracted driving, or failing to maintain a safe following distance — that party could be held liable for the victim’s death.
Even if the e-bike rider was partially at fault, Florida’s comparative negligence law (§768.81) allows families to recover damages proportionate to the other party’s degree of responsibility.
If you have lost a loved one in a bicycle or e-bike accident, it’s important to act quickly to preserve evidence and protect your rights:
- Request the full crash report from the Florida Highway Patrol.
- Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney.
- Gather photos, witness information, and medical documents.
- Contact a wrongful death attorney experienced in e-bike and motor vehicle cases.
A skilled lawyer can help determine liability, work with accident reconstruction experts, and handle negotiations with insurance companies to ensure your family receives fair compensation.
At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families across Florida who have lost loved ones in tragic road accidents — including e-bike, motorcycle, and pedestrian fatalities.
Our firm covers all upfront costs and only gets paid if we win your case. We understand the emotional and financial burden families face after losing someone suddenly and are committed to helping you seek justice.
Our team proudly serves clients throughout Orange County, Orlando, and across Central Florida, advocating tirelessly for families affected by preventable accidents.
