E-bikes and e-scooters are a fun and quick way to tour the city. But that convenience comes with a higher chance of an injury.
Buses, cabs, and the subway carry millions of New Yorkers everyday to work and play. Yet even with those transportation options, making your way around New York City can still be a struggle. As a result, many resourceful New Yorkers have hopped on to e-bikes and e-scooters to swiftly glide around city streets and parks.
Nationwide, the Department of Energy estimates sales of e-bikes in the U.S. hit 1.1 million in 2022. While these low-speed, motorized vehicles are inexpensive and eco-friendly, their popularity has driven an increase in e-bike and e-scooter injuries. Those traumas send many riders into the ER with orthopedic injuries. New York Bone & Joint Specialists treat a lot of those injuries, as well.
By the numbers: The dangers of e-bikes and e-scooters
The rate of injuries traced to e-bikes and e-scooters is definitely on the rise in recent years. The Consumer Product Safety Commission tracked e-bike and e-scooter injury statistics between 2017 and 2022. It found e-bike ER visits rose from 21,000 in 2017 to 24,400 in 2002. In 2022, the agency counted 51,700 e-scooter-related ER visits, a 21 percent jump from the prior year.
Injuries attributed to all micromobility devices (including e-scooters, e-bikes, and hoverboards) have soared 23 percent since 2017, with 46 percent occurring in 2022 alone, the CPSC reports.
A New York City Vision Zero report analyzed all injuries due to motorized and non-motorized two-wheelers, including e-bikes, stand-up e-scooters, traditional bikes, mopeds, and motorcycles, between 2017 and 2023. Injuries increased roughly 350 percent since 2017 for all motorized two-wheelers, representing about 10 percent of all injuries. The report noted that e-bike injuries have remained steady since 2021 as traumas related to traditional and limited used motorcycles rose around 200 percent since 2017. E-scooter injuries grew, as well.
Common e-bike and e-scooter collision causes & injuries
Several factors can result in an e-bike collision involving either a pedestrian, vehicle, or another e-bike or e-scooter. Falls from an e-bike also account for many severe injuries
- Low visibility. E-bikes typically don’t have headlights and taillights, making it difficult for riders to see other vehicles, e-bikes, or pedestrians in dim lights..
- Distracted riding. Listening to music or even texting while riding distracts riders from the road before them.
- More e-bikes on the road. The risk of collisions increases as more e-bikes share the road with cars.
When accidents happen, e-bike injuries tend to be more severe due to the higher speeds — up to 28 miles — and heavier construction compared to traditional bicycles. This can lead to significant orthopedic injuries.
- Head trauma
- Bone fractures and dislocations
- Sprains and strains
- Serious abrasions
Take precautions before you hop on your e-bike or e-scooter
Though an efficient way to scoot along crowded city streets, e-bikes and e-scooters are motorized vehicles just like cars. As such, precautions must be taken before you pump the pedals.
- Wear a helmet. Purchase one designed to withstand higher speeds and make sure it fits properly.
- Get the right equipment. Protection doesn’t stop at the helmet. Put on knee and elbow pads in addition to wrist guards to prevent broken bones and bruises.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Be on the lookout for pedestrians, vehicles, or anything that could throw off your ride, like potholes, bumps, and even dogs.
- Avoid distractions. Never use your phone or listen to music while riding.
- Follow the rules of the road. Always ride safely. Put up your hand when you turn, and always obey stop signs and traffic lights.
- Keep within the speed limit. In New York State, e-bikes and e-scooters must use the bike lanes when possible and cannot ride on roads with speed limits over 30 miles per hour.
- Be visible. Wear bright, reflective clothing and attach lights and reflectors on the e-bike to let others see you. Shout “on your left” if you’re passing another bike or pedestrian.
- Practice. Learn how to handle and maneuver your e-bike or e-scooter before you hit the road.
Had an e-bike accident? Come see us
Accidents happen. If you’ve tumbled from your e-bike or e-scooter and think you’ve suffered an injury, come see the expert orthopedists at New York Bone & Joint Specialists. Our team treats all types of orthopedic injuries such as broken bones and sprains. Using conservative therapy and surgery when needed, we’ll get you back on your e-bike or e-scooter in a New York minute. Contact us for more information.
FAQ
How are e-bikes different from traditional bikes?
Traditional bicycles move when you pedal. You also pedal an e-bike, but they are built with a motor that assists you as you pedal up to a certain speed limit, typically between 20 and 28 miles.
What are the dangers of riding an e-bike?
E-bikes travel at higher speeds than a non-motorized bike. They are also heavier. Those elements can raise the risk of a serious injury while riding, especially if you’re distracted or traveling a crowded street or pathway.
What are common injuries associated with e-bikes?
Head trauma is probably the most serious injury. Broken bones, dislocations, sprains, strains, and abrasions are also common among e-bike riders.
How can I prevent an e-bike or e-scooter injury?
Wear a helmet and other protective devices such as knee pads and wrist protectors. Always be aware of your surroundings to avoid other vehicles, pedestrians, or bumps in the road. Remember, you share the road with others so always obey traffic rules.
