A pediatric surgeon has issued a stark warning to parents regarding the safety of e-bikes for children, a trend increasingly popular among younger generations. The surgeon's cautionary advice, shared widely online, has prompted an outpouring of testimonials from parents whose children have suffered severe injuries or died while riding these motorized two-wheelers.
Dr. Cynlyn, a pediatric operating room surgeon, advised parents against purchasing e-bikes for their children, emphasizing the potentially fatal consequences. "Don’t get an e-bike for your child," she urged. "The consequences of e-bike accidents are life-changing and deadly."
E-Bike Related Injuries on the Rise
Studies indicate that a significant number of e-bike and e-scooter related injuries and fatalities are sustained by young males, often those not wearing helmets. Data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for 2026 suggests hundreds of lives have been claimed by e-bike incidents in recent years.
A study conducted by researchers at NYU Langone Health analyzed 900 patients treated for e-bike and e-scooter related injuries at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan. The findings revealed that approximately one-third of these patients suffered traumatic brain injuries, with 30% requiring intensive care. The study also noted that a majority of the riders involved in these incidents were not wearing helmets.
Dr. Cynlyn also asserted that "Kids should not be riding them." At a minimum, she recommended that young riders wear helmets. "The protective headgear could shift e-bike safety into high gear," the article notes.
Parents Share Devastating Experiences
Following Dr. Cynlyn's warning, parents began sharing their own harrowing experiences. One parent commented on the surgeon's post, detailing the loss of their son due to complications from a traumatic brain injury sustained while riding an e-bike. "I do not wish this pain on any parent. Please make your children wear motorcycle-grade helmets if they are riding electric scooters or bikes. Please."
Another parent recounted the severe injuries their 16-year-old son sustained after being hit by a car while riding his e-bike. The teenager was in a coma for four months, experienced three brain bleeds, and faced uncertain prospects for recovery, including organ collapse and broken bones. "Don’t buy your kid an e-bike," the parent advised.
A mortician also shared their grim observations, stating, "It’s ASTONISHING the amount of children I’m having to take care of because of these e-bike things."
One mother described how a helmet saved her son's life on June 7, 2025, though he still suffered a skull fracture, broken nose, broken ribs, a broken elbow, required his lip to be reattached, and sustained a severe compound fracture to his leg that narrowly avoided amputation. "My son will be permanently disabled due to the damage to his leg. But he is alive," she stated, reiterating the warning: "Do not buy your child an e-bike."
Dr. Cynlyn noted that these vehicles can be compared to "motorcycles" and questioned why children are permitted to ride them. The surge in severe injuries and fatalities has led to increased concern from medical professionals and parents alike about the safety of high-powered e-bikes for young riders.