Cowell considers suing for £ 10m over electric bike crash that broke his back
SIMON Cowell is considering a £ 10million lawsuit against the maker of a high- powered electric bike he was riding when he crashed and broke his back.
Lawyers acting for the Britain’s Got Talent supremo are said to be investigating whether he should have been given better training for the Swind EB- 01, which can reach speeds of 60mph.
They are studying evidence from a “whistleblower” at the manufacturer’s, who branded the £ 20,000 machine a “death trap” to inexperienced riders.
Dangerous
The former worker at Swindon Powertrain claims the 61- year- old had not been taught to ride the EB- 01 properly before the crash last August.
Simon is nearing the end of a fivemonth lay- off after breaking three vertebrae when the bike reared up on him as he rode near his home in Malibu, California.
Legal experts believe the creator and judge on BGT and X- Factor could get up to £ 10million to cover the cost of legal bills and loss of earnings.
The whistleblower said: “That thing is a death trap and should never have been sold to Simon without him use it.
“I said to my boss, ‘ Are you showing Simon how to use this?’ He said he was just dropping it off and I said, ‘ Are you serious?’”
“They knew at the factory this was extremely dangerous and it was discussed.
“The only way to stop the bike flipping is to put your whole body over the front wheel.
“The first thing someone with no training is going to do is squeeze that accelerator and they are going to have an accident.
“When I heard about the crash, I knew straight away he had been on our bike. I was wracked with guilt being taught how to and thought I could have said more – but was worried about my job.”
Simon’s accident happened when he rode the bike for the first time, and it “flew up in the air and did an accidental wheelie” as he changed gear.
The father of one’s injury required six hours of painful surgery to correct.
Afterwards, he tweeted: “Some good advice... If you buy an electric trail bike, read the manual before you ride it for the first time.”
He added: “I have broken part of my back.
“Thank you to everyone for your kind messages.”
A spokesman for the TV personality said: “Simon is understandably extremely concerned for other people’s safety in relation to this bike.
“We’ve been pressing the manufacturer about this and will continue to press them, including in relation to the claims of the former member of staff.”
Swindon Powertrain’s managing director, Raphael Caille, said: “With any device, it is important to read the user manual before attempting to operate.
“The EB- 01 user manual includes a detailed process of how to familiarise oneself with the performance features and procedures to follow.
“The company has acted in good faith at all times.”