The child who was injured was not the driver. Two kids on one bike. The parents of the 11-year old driving, who survived, have paid out $1.2 million so far in a settlement.[1] Rad Power is suing them, on the grounds that the parents of the driver have to take on Rad Power's liability due to their child's bad driving.

The mother seems to be milking this for attention. Lawsuits, Twitter postings, a foundation, a mural, press coverage in People and the New York Times. But where's the forensic evidence that the e-bike failed? One of the arguments in the lawsuit is that the manufacturer is liable because, without power assist, the kids would not have been able to get a bike to the top of that hill. That's pushing it.

For an alternate view, see this article in Outside Magazine.[2]

[1] https://www.bicycleretailer.com/industry-news/2022/12/29/goo...

[2] https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-gear/bikes-and-biking/...