E-bikes and e-scooters are everywhere. They’re zipping down streets, rolling through parks and weaving across sidewalks and crosswalks, sometimes without even slowing down or stopping.
As these motorized vehicles have become more affordable, their popularity has exploded. But that growth has also led to a rise in serious injuries from crashes and falls.
According to the American College of Surgeons, more than 20,000 people are treated every year for e-bike and e-scooter injuries in the U.S., with about 3,000 of those injuries require hospitalization. That number will only continue to rise as e-bikes and e-scooters become more accessible.
Why are e-bike and e-scooter injuries so serious?
Speed. The faster you’re going, the less time you have to react and the greater the impact when a rider crashes or falls. With some of these vehicles topping speeds around 25 mph, a pothole, uneven pavement or other hazards happen much quicker than they would on a traditional pedal bike. The bumps, bruises or scraped knees you might expect are now more likely to be broken bones and trauma cases requiring surgery, similar to what is experienced in a motorcycle crash.
What should parents consider before buying an e-bike or e-scooter?
Before purchasing, parents should be confident that their child is an experienced rider, mature enough to understand the rules of the road and can make safe decisions while riding. The data proves that a child who isn’t prepared to handle e-bike and e-scooter speeds is more likely to get seriously hurt.
How can riders reduce their risk of injury?
Here’s what CAO recommends to prevent serious injuries:
Pay attention and slow down
A rider may feel like they have plenty of time to slow down or move around someone, but pedestrians may not see or hear them coming. Because of this, pedestrians are also at risk of getting hurt when they share walkways with e-bikes and e-scooters.
Children can move unpredictably, and aging adults or individuals with disabilities may have limited mobility, creating unstable balance and reaction time that makes it difficult to dodge a fast-moving vehicle.
The safest approach for riders is to slow down in crowded areas, give others plenty of room and never assume you’re seen or heard. Pedestrians need to stay alert when sharing the road or path with others.
Know the rules where you ride
Cities across Michigan are taking notice of the safety concerns surrounding e-bike and e-scooter injuries. Earlier this month, Berkley’s City Council voted to ban electric bikes and electric skateboards on sidewalks throughout the city.
Other communities are considering ordinances such as minimum rider ages, restrictions on where e-bikes and e-scooters can travel and established speed limits. Always be aware of the rules in your community that govern the use of e-bikes and e-scooters. They’re intended to reduce risky situations and keep you safe.
E-bikes and e-scooters are not toys
E-bikes and e-scooters can provide convenient transportation and encourage people to spend more time outdoors. But those benefits shouldn’t come at the expense of safety.
For riders, it means wearing a helmet, paying attention and giving the people around you enough space. Not doing one of these things can end up with you in a cast, sling or even an ambulance.