Electric bikes (e-bikes) are contributing to a rise in serious injuries, prompting medical professionals to warn about the dangers and leading some communities to explore regulations. Emergency rooms in areas like the Detroit metro are reporting an uptick in incidents, with doctors treating injuries that range from minor to severe trauma.
Doctors note that certain e-bikes, particularly Class 3 models capable of reaching speeds up to 28 miles per hour, can be as dangerous as motor vehicles. The higher speeds and weight of these e-bikes, combined with rider inexperience, can lead to more severe accidents. "These Class 3 bikes are probably more like motor vehicles," said Robert Sherwin, an emergency room doctor at the Detroit Medical Center. "They travel up to 28 miles an hour, and a lot of riders aren't expecting that, might not be experienced in that."
New York City has also seen a significant increase in e-bike and scooter-related injuries. A study by NYU Langone Health found that medical emergencies involving these devices accounted for nearly 7% of trauma patients admitted to NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue. Within this group, one-third suffered traumatic brain injuries, and over two-thirds required hospital admission, with about 30% needing intensive care.
The physical harm linked to electric bikes and scooters more than quintupled from less than 10% of trauma cases in 2018 to over 50% by 2023. Collisions with cars or trucks were the most common cause of injury, responsible for about half of all cases. The study also highlighted that fewer than one-third of riders wore helmets, which was associated with a higher rate of brain and facial injuries. Additionally, 20% of tested patients had consumed alcohol, a factor linked to more severe head trauma and less frequent helmet use.
Pedestrians struck by e-bikes sustained brain injuries at nearly double the rate of riders, according to the analysis of pedestrian cases. "In a busy urban setting, we are seeing more and more of these injuries firsthand," said Hannah Weiss, MD, a resident in the Department of Neurosurgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. "The data point to actionable solutions – helmet use, safer bike lane design and enforcement – that could prevent many of these injuries and better protect both riders and pedestrians."
In response to growing safety concerns, some states are enacting stricter regulations. New Jersey, for example, implemented a law requiring e-bike registration and setting a minimum age of 15 for operation, with riders needing a valid driver's or e-bike license. This measure was introduced amid rising e-bike crash incidents, including a fatality involving a teenager.
While some advocate for increased safety measures and restrictions, others view e-bikes as an efficient and cost-effective mode of transportation. E-bike rider Cam Cason described his e-bike as "way better than a car" for commuting to work and school, citing savings on fuel costs.
However, the increasing frequency and severity of injuries underscore the need for improved urban infrastructure and safety protocols to accommodate the growing popularity of e-bikes and scooters. "Urban infrastructure must continue to improve to keep pace with the rapid rise of electric bikes and scooters," noted Paul P. Huang, MD, chief of neurosurgery at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue. Future research aims to assess the effectiveness of measures like protected bike lanes and helmet programs in reducing injuries.