With increasing popularity comes a growing concern about safety
Are electric bikes safe?
Electric bikes have become increasingly popular as a convenient, environmentally friendly way to get around. However, as they become more common on roads and bike paths, concerns about their safety are growing. Are electric bikes safe? What are the risks?
Studies based on hospital data show that electric bike accidents have increased in recent years. States and cities have taken steps to improve the safety of electric bikes through education and training programs. Scripps is an active participant in these efforts.
Trauma surgeons have also expressed concerns about electric bikes based on what they see in their hospitals.
"We are seeing head injuries, orthopedic injuries and fractures, spinal fractures, bruises and skin abrasions. "This is not unique to e-bikes, but anecdotally, we seem to be seeing more cases because of the high volume of e-bikes," said Vishal Bansal, MD, chief of trauma surgery at Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego.
What do e-bike accident statistics show?
More and more data supports concerns about the safety of e-bikes.
Hospitals reported treating 53,200 e-bike-related injuries between 2017 and 2022. The number of injuries increased from 3,500 in 2017 to 24,400 in 2022, according to a study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The study looked at injuries and deaths caused by micromobility devices, specifically e-bikes, e-scooters and hoverboards.
The study analyzed data from 2017 to 2022 and found that:
Micromobility devices caused 360,800 injuries, an annual increase of 23%.
E-scooters and hoverboards caused 169,300 and 138,400 injuries, respectively.
Nearly half of e-bike injuries during the six-year period studied occurred in 2022.
233 deaths were caused by micromobility devices. The number of deaths increased from five in 2017 to 76 in 2022.
Trauma surgeons at Scripps also expressed concern about the risks of e-scooters and stressed the need to be careful to avoid injuries.
E-bikes vs. regular bikes
Safety experts warn that without proper education and training, e-bike users are at greater risk of injury or death in an accident.
E-bikes are heavier and faster than regular bikes, and because they are battery-powered, they can go faster. This makes them more dangerous than regular bikes.
"They go faster, which can create a risk of hitting pedestrians or motor vehicles that can't get out of the way because the driver of the motor vehicle didn't expect the bike to go so fast," said Walter Biffl, chief of trauma medicine at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla and a trauma surgeon at Scripps Clinic. "And with more momentum, you'll have more braking distance."
How fast can an e-bike go?
Bike companies have a three-level system for e-bikes based on motor assist and top speed. Many states use these levels in their rules. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes have a top speed of 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes, on the other hand, can go up to 28 mph.
In most states, riders under 16 can use Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, while riders of Class 3 e-bikes must be 16 or older. In California, Class 3 e-bike riders must be 16 or older, wear a helmet, and may not carry passengers. They can ride on bike paths if authorized by local government or ordinance.
Rules of the road for e-bikes
Bansal Dr. stressed the importance of following traffic rules and safety precautions when riding an e-bike.
"If you are intoxicated or concerned about a situation, such as the weather, you should not ride an e-bike," he said.
E-bike riders must obey traffic laws, avoid riding on sidewalks, and use proper safety gear, including helmets.
E-bike safety education and training
If you plan to use these devices, ask an experienced rider for help. They can help you improve your skills and confidence on the road or bike path.
The California Highway Patrol has an online program that teaches people of all ages how to ride an e-bike safely. The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition also offers e-bike education and training. Scripps also helps the community learn about e-bikes.
In 2022, there were more than 9,600 bicycle accidents in California, including 225
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