There’s no doubt that electric bikes (e-bikes) have been a godsend for many New Yorkers who use their bikes for work — even if it’s just to commute. For those who bike for fun and exercise, e-bikes let them go further, longer and on more challenging terrain than they can on traditional bikes.
As e-bikes become more common, however, doctors are seeing more people show up in the emergency room with serious injuries than ever. According to a study published in JAMA Surgery this year, some 45,000 people went to the ER with e-bike injuries and 5,000 people were hospitalized for them in the U.S. between 2017 and 2022 alone.
Speed and power contribute to the danger
Some injuries occur because a cyclist has crashed their bike on their own. Since e-bikes can move at over 20 miles per hour, even hitting a pothole can have serious ramifications. However, many result from collisions with vehicles.
Again, the speed of the bike as well as its weight compared to traditional bikes, can play a role in the severity of injuries. One doctor involved in the study explains, “With old-fashioned pedal power, you have a lot of control…but when you’re just hitting the throttle button, and you’re going faster than you’ve ever gone before, people aren’t used to that. Your steering gets a little trickier. It’s like driving your car at high speed; little movements have big results.”
What are the most common e-bike injuries?
Even though helmets are required by law for adult cyclists, serious head injuries are particularly common. These can range from concussions to scalp lacerations and fractures. Fractures to arms and legs are also common.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) e-bicyclists are more likely to suffer internal injuries than those on regular bikes. One trauma surgeon says he’s seeing more spinal and orthopedic injuries in those involved in e-bike collisions. Orthopedic injuries include fractures as well as injuries to muscles, tendons and joints.
Anyone who has been in a collision while riding an e-bike may be looking at serious injuries. Some can have long-term effects and require treatment for months, if not longer. Some can even result in permanent ramifications on someone’s life. That’s why it’s crucial not to settle with an at-fault driver or other party or their insurer until a crash victim’s full costs and damages can be determined.