Simon Cowell is reportedly considering legal action against the manufacturers of his electric bike after breaking his back in a terrifying accident back in August.
The TV mogul, 61, and his team are said to be ‘weighing up’ legal options and have been ‘pressing’ the manufacturers, Swindon Powertrain.
One lawyer claimed that a successful lawsuit could see Simon get up to £10million for medical bills and loss of earnings, The Sun reported.
Legal action: Simon Cowell is reportedly considering legal action against the manufacturers of his electric bike after breaking his back in a terrifying accident back in August
It comes as a whistleblower from the manufacturers reportedly claimed the £20,000 electric bike an ‘accident waiting to happen’ due to Simon’s lack of training.
He told the publication: ‘It should never have been sold to Simon without him being taught how to use it.’
The former employee claimed the Swind EB-01 bike, which can reach up to 60mph and is banned on public roads in the UK, should not be used without specialist training.
The source continued: ‘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?”
Injury: The TV mogul, 61, and his team are said to be ‘weighing up’ legal options and have been ‘pressing’ the manufacturers, Swindon Powertrain
The bike has three settings, known as maps, and the source is said to believe the TV personality may have accidentally switched it to ‘map three’ leading it to ‘take off’.
And lawyer Mark Stephens, of Howard Kennedy, told The Sun if Simon was successful in any legal action, he believes the TV star could get ‘up to £10million’ for loss of earnings, appearance fees, and the ‘cost of people replacing him’.
He continued: ‘If you get on a bike thinking it’s an ordinary electric-assisted bicycle and, without proper warning, it goes too fast and causes someone to lose control that is a latent defect.’
The X Factor boss’ team are studying the claims made by the former employee and are ‘pressing the manufacturers’ about the safety of the bike.
A spokesperson for Simon told MailOnline: ‘Simon is understandably extremely concerned for other peoples’ safety in relation to this bike.
‘We have been pressing the manufacturers about this and will continue to press them, including in relation to the claims of the former member of staff.’
A spokesperson for Manufacturers Swindon Powertrain told MailOnline: ‘With any device, it is important to read the user manual before attempting to operate, acknowledged by Mr Cowell himself.
‘The EB-01 user manual includes a detailed process of how to familiarise oneself with the performance features and procedures to follow.’
They added that they are ‘in contact with Mr Cowell’s aides to progress this’, noting, ‘the company has acted in good faith at all times.’
Concerns: A whistleblower from the manufacturers reportedly claimed the Swind EB-01 electric bike was an ‘accident waiting to happen’ due to Simon’s lack of training (stock image)
Simon broke his back in August after falling from his electric bike, leaving him forced to undergo a six-hour surgery to try and fix the injuries.
The accident occurred when the powerful machine ‘flew up in the air and did an accidental wheelie’ after he tired to change gears.
The music boss is thought to have been ‘surprised by the power’ of the bike and knew immediately that he ‘was in trouble’.
Recovering: His recent injuries saw him sit out of the resumed 2020 series of Britain’s Got Talent after it returned following England’s first lockdown
Following the accident, Simon tweeted: ‘Some good advice… If you buy an electric trail bike, read the manual before you ride it for the first time.’
He went on: ‘I have broken part of my back. Thank you to everyone for your kind messages.’
He then added in a second tweet: ‘And a massive thank you to all the nurses and doctors. Some of the nicest people I have ever met. Stay safe everyone Simon.’
His recent injuries and ongoing recovery saw him sit out of the resumed 2020 series of Britain’s Got Talent after it returned following England’s first lockdown.