E-bike, Scooter Injuries Surge Among Teens, Hospitals Report

Electric bikes and scooters have surged in popularity, particularly among teenagers and young adults, but this has led to a significant increase in injuries nationwide. Hospitals, including those in the U.S. and the U.K., report a sharp rise in emergency room visits and severe trauma cases, with some facilities seeing increases of up to 250%. Common injuries include head trauma, broken bones, and even fatalities, often exacerbated by riders not wearing helmets or using inadequately rated helmets for the higher speeds these vehicles can reach, which can be as fast as 50 mph. Medical professionals are urging caution and recommend wearing helmets that meet higher safety ratings, such as those evaluated by Virginia Tech and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In London, surgeons have emphasized the heavy burden these injuries place on healthcare resources and are calling for stricter regulations, including licensing and helmet requirements, to improve safety. The trend highlights a growing public health concern as e-bikes and scooters become a more prevalent mode of transportation.