E-Bike Safety: What Parents and Riders Should Know

We’ve all seen them – e-bikes and scooters buzzing past on sidewalks or zipping through traffic. Known collectively as “micromobility,” these devices offer a flexible, eco-friendly and affordable way to get around. But with rapidly evolving regulations, it can be difficult to know what’s allowed – and what’s not. For everyone’s safety, both riders and drivers need to understand how to share the road.

Unfortunately, along with the popularity of micromobility, emergency and trauma departments have seen a rise in preventable injuries, ranging from broken bones to serious, and sometimes fatal, head trauma. 

Kory S. London, MD, is the Director of Clinical Operations – Jefferson Methodist Hospital ED and a biking enthusiast himself. He says he has personally seen an increase in accidents.

“Part of it is volume. There are way more riders out there than even a few years ago,” Dr. London says. “The other part is the roads. The cold winter left a lot of potholes, and at e-bike or scooter speeds, hitting one can throw you right off the bike.”

Here are a few key statistics highlighting the trend:

• E-bike injuries in the U.S. rose from approximately 11,000 to 37,000 each year between 2017 and 2022, with 62% of injured riders not wearing a helmet. 
• 68% of e-bike injuries in 2022 were to the head, neck or torso.
• Pedestrian fatalities from e-bike collisions rose by 23% between 2020-2022 in the U.S.
• In 76% of e-bike-pedestrian accidents, the e-bike was traveling above the 20-mph speed limit.

Source: whatbikeshouldibuy.com

“E-bikes are faster than regular bikes, so the injuries tend to be worse,” Dr. London says. “Those who are hit by automobiles have the highest injury burden, and, sadly, every body part can be impacted.”

Many micromobility accidents are caused by things you might not expect, Dr. London explains.

“Two big ones – riders catching a wheel in train tracks or hitting potholes and falling, and riders getting hit by cars or car doors,” he says. “Dooring is a big one. Someone parks, swings their door open into the bike lane, and the rider has no time to react.”

Micromobility refers to a smaller mode of transportation designed for one person. It includes bicycles, e-bikes, cargo bikes, electric scooters, electric skateboards, pedal-assisted bicycles and more. They are also sometimes referred to as personal transporters.

William (Bill) McQuilken, Trauma Prevention Coordinator, Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health, says it’s important for people to know that proper helmet fit and type of helmet – not just helmet use – make a significant difference.

“Some e-bikes get up to 40 mph, which is like a small motorcycle,” McQuilken says. “The crash forces are much greater on the body at that speed.”

E-bikes and regular bicycles require two entirely different bike helmets. A standard bicycle helmet must meet the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) 1203 Standard. Since e-bikes can legally reach speeds up to 28 mph, riders should wear helmets that meet the NTA 8776 Standard, a widely accepted Dutch Standard that offers better protection against higher impact speeds, covering a larger portion of the head, including the back of the head and temples.

“An NTA 8776 helmet fits like a regular bicycle helmet,” McQuilken says, “but it’s manufactured to provide the additional protection required of higher-level speeds.”

E-bike riders might also consider helmets with features listed below: 

• MIPS technology: Reduces rotational forces during angled impacts
• Full-face helmets: Provide maximum coverage, ideal for fast or off-road riding
• E-bike certified helmets: Meet specific standards for electric bike accidents, offering enhanced protection 

Dr. London agrees that helmets make a real difference.

“People think of brain injury as all or nothing, but even when a traumatic brain injury doesn't cause coma or death, it can leave you with chronic headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, coordination problems and brain fog that can last months or years,” he says. “A broken wrist heals. We only have one brain.”

While micromobility can be dangerous, there is a lot riders can do to ensure their safety and the safety of others.

“Ride defensively,” Dr. London says. “Assume every car you see is about to turn into you. Don't wear noise-canceling headphones; you need to hear what's around you. And put a bright light on the front and back of your bike or wear reflective clothes after dark.”

Additional safety tips include:

• Follow guidelines for where you can ride (paths, sidewalks, road, etc.).
• Have mirrors large enough to see.
• Use adequate lighting when riding at night.
• Wear light-colored clothing and reflective vest at night.

Whether you are a micromobility rider or a driver sharing the road, we’re all in this together. It’s important to stay vigilant, avoid distracted driving and respect everyone sharing the road. A few simple precautions can make a lifesaving difference.