ROYAL OAK, Mich. – E-bikes have exploded in popularity among adults, teens, and even some tweens. But as more people are riding them, injuries have increased, too.
“We’ve noticed that the number of injuries related to use of electric bikes has gone up every single year from 2023, and the number of kids that are being injured on electric bikes have also gone up every single year since 2023,” said pediatric surgeon Dr. Pavan Brahmamdam.
Injuries from e-bike accidents are often more serious than those from traditional bike accidents.
“Some of these injuries include concussions, skull fractures, facial injuries, as well as pretty severe internal injuries,” said Brahmamdam.
The difference is speed. Some e-bikes can reach 20 to 28 miles per hour.
That’s at least twice as fast as the average teenager goes on a traditional bike.
“When you’re going faster, you have to have quicker reflexes for maybe when that car comes across the street or even just handling the bike itself, the bikes are a little bit heavier,” explained Brahmamdam.
But Brahmamdam understands the pressure parents are facing.
“I’m a parent of an almost-teenager, a 12-year-old who is constantly asking for an e-bike,” said Brahmamdam. “I think parents need to know a few things. Here in Michigan, for certain types of e-bikes, you have to be 14 years old and above for the ones that are a bit faster. Parents also need to know whether or not their child is really good at riding a regular bike.”
Before a teenager is ready for an e-bike, they should have strong skills on a traditional bike, riding confidently and braking smoothly.
They should also have the proper judgment to follow the rules of the road and avoid risky choices.
The size and style of the e-bike matter too.
“Kids need to be fitted to the proper bike. If the bike is too heavy or too tall, it’s going to be harder for them to control, especially at those faster speeds,” said Brahmamdam.
Riders should always wear a high-quality helmet made for higher speeds that covers the head and face. Look for one with an ASTM F1952, NTA 8776, or DOT label.
“Helmet use is a real issue,” said Brahmamdam. “Riders wearing helmets have less head injuries than riders that aren’t wearing helmets. But helmet use is still inconsistent amongst kids and adults.”
Safety experts from Corewell Health Children’s have already participated in a variety of community events this spring to spread the word about e-bikes. They’ve also discussed rising safety concerns with the Royal Oak Police School Liaison.
Pediatric hospitalist Dr. Allison Ball and third-year medical student Meghna Iyer also made a social media video to help spread the word.
The ultimate goal is to help kids and parents make safer choices and prevent injuries.
“We’re trying to get the word out and have that conversation with all of our patients,” said Brahmamdam. “These things can be super fun, but we really want to be careful so that you don’t have to see me in the hospital.”
Is your child ready for an e-bike? Download this checklist to help make that determination.
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