E-Bike Injuries and Deaths Rising Among American Youth

Nationwide injury and death rates among children are rising due to increased use of electric bikes and scooters. Between 2017 and 2024, over 155,200 emergency room visits and 310 deaths occurred due to E-bikes, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Another 380,000 were treated in emergency rooms for E-scooter injuries. 

Physicians at the Cleveland Clinic believe that injuries are “severely underreported” and the true numbers of injuries are much higher. In the past few months, the Clinic has seen a spike in child tragedies due to E-bikes. Physicians believe parents are largely ill-informed about the dangers associated with E-bikes and E-scooters, and that current injury and death rates are just the “tip of the iceberg.”

Recent laws in New Jersey now restrict E-bike use. All E-bikes must be registered and insured, and riders must be aged 16 or older and have a valid driver’s or motorized bicycle license. Children under age 15 are no longer allowed to ride E-bikes in the Garden State.

Unlike traditional bicycles, E-bikes can reach relatively high speeds with little physical effort, allowing young or inexperienced riders to travel faster than they may be prepared to control safely. Higher speeds also mean less time to react to vehicles, pedestrians, intersections, and unexpected road hazards, while increasing the force of impact during a crash. Children are particularly vulnerable with less experience judging traffic, speed, and stopping distances.

Riders should always wear properly fitted, certified helmets designed for higher-speed riding and obey applicable traffic laws. Motorists should also watch carefully for E-bikes and E-scooters, particularly at intersections and when turning or changing lanes, where smaller riders can be difficult to see. 

If you or a loved one has been injured on an E-bike or E-scooter, our experienced personal injury lawyers at Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo L.L.P. can help. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 732-247-3600 or contact us online. With office locations in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Manalapan, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients in the surrounding areas.