In recent years, the popularity of electric bikes and scooters has soared across the United States. Many major cities now offer rideshare programs for these micromobility devices, allowing residents and tourists to hop on for a quick ride. Sales of e-bikes alone rose by 40% in 2022. However, this growth has coincided with a notable increase in injuries.
Recent research published in JAMA Network Open analyzed data from 86,623 individuals from 2017 to 2022, revealing that injuries related to electric bicycles nearly doubled each year, while electric scooter injuries rose by more than 45%.
The study highlights that injured electric vehicle users were generally older and less likely to wear helmets than those using traditional bicycles. Researchers emphasized the need for improved riding infrastructure and practices to curb the rising tide of micromobility injuries.
A Growing Concern Among Medical Experts
Healthcare professionals are not surprised by these findings and suggest that the actual numbers may be even higher. Dr. Ali Jamehdor, Medical Director at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California, believes that the real figures are likely underreported. Dr. Michael Levine, an emergency medicine physician at UCLA Health, concurs, noting that such injuries are a daily occurrence.
Many incidents involve riders hitting obstacles or failing to anticipate sudden stops by vehicles ahead, resulting in falls and collisions.
The Importance of Helmets for Electric Bikes
For years, public health experts have advocated for helmet use when cycling, but this becomes even more crucial with electric bikes. Dr. Jamehdor compares the power of these bikes to motorcycles, emphasizing the heightened risk associated with their higher speeds and quick acceleration.
Dr. Erin Muckey, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, explains that the increased power and weight of e-bikes elevate the risk of severe injury during accidents. Many users, especially those renting e-bikes, may lack the experience to operate them safely.
Dr. Nicholas Kman from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center highlights that many injured riders are older and less active, and some accidents involve substances like alcohol. For seniors on medications such as blood thinners, injuries can be particularly severe.
Common Types of Injuries
Injuries often include head and facial trauma, with riders hitting curbs or other hard surfaces. Dr. Levine reports a range of injuries from cuts and lacerations to broken bones and, in severe cases, significant head trauma.
The potential for high-speed accidents is concerning, Dr. Jamehdor warns, as head injuries can have life-changing or even fatal consequences.
Rental E-Bikes and Scooters Pose Additional Risks
A key issue with rental e-bikes and scooters is the lack of helmet availability. Most riders don’t carry helmets, and rental services typically don’t provide them. Dr. Levine notes that without helmets offered at rental points, riders might underestimate the risk.
Dr. Jamehdor suggests that companies should consider integrating helmet rentals with e-bike and scooter rentals, making it easier for riders to prioritize safety. Additionally, he proposes requiring users to verify helmet use before unlocking the vehicles, adding an extra layer of safety.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety
Experts strongly advocate for helmet use with electric bikes and scooters. Dr. Kman emphasizes that helmets can prevent life-threatening injuries, particularly in urban environments where these vehicles share roads with larger cars.
Dr. Levine advises riders to maintain awareness of their surroundings, as collisions with cars can have devastating consequences for cyclists.
As e-bike and scooter use continues to grow, fostering a culture of safety and responsibility among riders is essential to reducing injuries and ensuring that these micromobility devices remain a safe and convenient mode of transportation.