Pediatric emergency room visits and severe injuries related to e-bikes and e-scooters are rising at an alarming rate, according to a new study published in JAMA. Researchers from Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford analyzed data from emergency rooms, hospitals, and urgent care centers across the U.S. and found a dramatic increase in accidents involving these electric devices among children.
During the study period, injuries from e-bikes showed a relative increase of approximately 400%, while e-scooter injuries rose by nearly 200%. The study also highlighted that severe injuries, those requiring surgery or intensive care, were about twice as common with powered devices like e-bikes and e-scooters compared to traditional bicycles and scooters.
"This is just an exponential rise in the frequency of these injuries," said Dr. Stephanie Chao, a pediatric trauma surgeon at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford and an author of the paper. She noted that devastating operations are sometimes necessary for children injured in these accidents.
Understanding Electric Devices
E-scooters are stand-up, two-wheeled devices with a powered front wheel operated by a throttle. E-bikes in the U.S. are classified as bicycles with pedals that have battery-powered assistance, allowing riders to achieve higher speeds with less effort. Some e-bikes also feature throttles, eliminating the need for pedaling. Laws governing e-bikes vary by state, with some restricting the use of faster models to individuals aged 16 and older, though licenses and training are often not required. Helmet use is mandated in some states but not others.
Dr. Preeti Panda, a pediatric emergency room doctor at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, pointed out that many devices referred to as "e-bikes" are actually "e-motos," which resemble electric motorcycles and can reach speeds exceeding 60 mph. In states like California, e-motos intended for road use are classified as motorcycles, requiring registration, license plates, licensed riders, and insurance. Children under 16 are generally not permitted to obtain licenses for these vehicles.
Panda's own observations in high school parking lots indicate that a significant majority of electric devices used by students are e-motos, rather than traditional e-bikes. She believes that better legislation and enforcement to keep these vehicles off public roads and out of the hands of young children could significantly improve public health.
Dangers for Children
E-bikes and scooters pose particular risks to children due to their lack of strength, coordination, and often, the absence of helmets. The study revealed that a significant portion of these injuries involve children younger than 12, a detail that surprised researchers. "You're talking about really young middle-school children who really don't have frontal lobe development to be on these really fast motorized vehicles," Chao explained.
The stopping distance for e-bikes and e-scooters is considerably longer than for their non-powered counterparts, meaning that any experience children have with regular bikes may not translate to safe operation of electric versions. The high speeds are a primary factor in the severity of injuries, which can include serious brain trauma.
Potential Solutions
While outright bans on e-bikes and e-scooters are likely impractical, researchers suggest implementing common-sense limits. Dr. Alan Schroeder, a pediatrician and research scientist at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, recommends age restrictions, stating, "I don't think that children under 12 should be riding electronic devices." He also advocates for the use of high-speed helmets, similar to motorcycle helmets with facial protection, as a safer alternative to standard bike helmets.
Both Schroeder and Chao emphasize the importance of parental conversations about safety and responsibility before allowing children to use these devices. Some health organizations are providing guidance sheets to help families navigate these discussions.