Parents Sue Rad Power Bikes Over Daughter's Death In LA County: Report

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA— The parents of a young girl who died in an e-bike crash on a Rad Power Bike in Pacific Palisades a year and a half ago are suing the company, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Molly Steinsapir, 12, and a friend rode the e-bikes on Enchanted Way, a street known for its sweeping views of the ocean. Molly's parents Jonathan and Kaye Steinsapir said they find it hard to go near the area, according to the newspaper.

“I used to walk there. I have not been up there since,” Jonathan told the Times. “It’s a really beautiful street with beautiful ocean views. That’s why the girls rode up there that day. I don’t know if I avoided it at first. Now I kind of have because it brings on more and more meaning not having gone there since.”

While riding down the steep hill on Jan. 31, 2021, the girls lost control of the bikes and were unable to brake. Molly was thrown to the ground, with her helmet still on according to the lawsuit, and was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance with her parents following closely behind. She died a few weeks later due to several brain injuries, the newspaper reported.

The Steinsapir's are now looking to tackle the issue of child safety on e-bikes, and more specifically at Rad Power Bikes —the largest e-bike company in North America. The suit cites that the company's warning that children under 18 shouldn't operate the bikes is buried on page 49 of 57 in the buyer's manual, according to the report.

Read more from The Los Angeles Times: A Pacific Palisades girl died in an electric bike crash. Her parents see greater danger