10 Proven Tips to Avoid Injuries on E-Bikes and E-Scooters

Have you ever rode an e-scooter or e-bike? These "micromobility" modes of transportation are undeniably convenient, affordable, and fun to use. But did it feel a little dangerous?

Indeed, the number of accidents involving e-bikes and scooters is increasing. Given their remarkable rise in popularity, this may not come as a surprise. Then there's the way riders frequently use them: at high speeds, near automobiles and pedestrians, and on roads and sidewalks that weren't built for them.

Disruptive developments such as e-bikes and scooters are always associated with disadvantages. So, how can we reduce the danger of accidents?

Electric bikes, scooters, and injuries

Between 2018 and 2022, e-bike sales increased from approximately 250,000 per year to more than a million. E-bike and e-scooter rentals have also risen considerably. As e-bikes and e-scooters become more popular, emergency departments observe an increase in the number of persons injured while riding them.

A 2024 study in JAMA Network Open emphasizes this. The researchers used data from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. They compared emergency room visits between 2017 and 2022 for persons injured while riding an e-bike or e-scooter to those injured while riding traditional bikes and scooters.

What did the study discover?

During the six-year study period, approximately three million people riding e-bikes, e-scooters, or their conventional counterparts sought emergency room care, including approximately 45,500 e-bike riders and 190,000 e-scooter riders, as well as approximately 2.5 million conventional bike riders and 305,000 conventional scooter riders.

Several themes evolved regarding e-micromobility:

ER care has increased dramatically.

• E-bike injuries have more than doubled each year, from 751 in 2017 to 23,493 in 2022.
• E-scooter injuries have climbed by more than 45% every year, from 8,566 in 2017 to 56,847 in 2022.

More dangerous behaviours

• 43% of e-bike and scooter riders wore helmets, compared to 52% of conventional micromobility users.
• 7% of e-bike riders and 9% of e-scooter riders had consumed alcohol before their accidents, compared to 4% of conventional bike riders and 3% of conventional scooter riders.

More accidents occurred in urban areas than in rural settings.

• 83% of accidents involving e-bikes and scooters
• 71% of typical motorcycle and scooter accidents.

All cyclists had similar injuries, with scrapes, bruises, broken bones, and head and neck injuries being the most prevalent.

What are the study's limitations?

This study only included patients evaluated in an ER; thus, it excluded persons with less severe injuries—as well as those with major injuries who did not go to an ER. Some may have sought no care at all or gone to a primary care practice or walk-in clinic to avoid pricey emergency room care, among other reasons.

The study did not count pedestrian injuries caused by e-bike or e-scooter riders. Property damage, such as to a car, was not calculated.

Finally, the study cannot compare the safety of e-bikes and e-scooters to conventional options. That's because no information was gathered on the number of miles traveled by a certain mode of transportation or over how long.

How do you prevent e-bike or scooter injuries?

Ten common-sense procedures will help you avoid injuries and emergency room visits.

Wear a helmet. If you are renting an e-bike or e-scooter, you may need to carry your own helmet because many rental companies do not provide one.

Practice. E-bikes are significantly heavier than standard bicycles and may handle differently. Many adults haven't ridden a scooter since elementary school. So, if you're unfamiliar with riding an e-bike or e-scooter, practice in a safe area with no traffic or people.

Follow the road rules. Avoid riding on sidewalks and instead use available bike lanes. On an e-bike, use arm signals to notify anyone nearby that you want to turn or change lanes. (When riding an e-scooter, it is best to keep both hands on the handlebars at all times.

Slow down. Some electric bikes reach speeds over 30 mph. The quicker you drive, the less time you have to respond to unforeseen potholes or veering vehicles, and the more serious your injuries are likely to be if you get into an accident.

Reduced risks. Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or use your phone while driving.

Go it alone. Don't add any riders. Most bikes and scooters are designed for one rider at a time.

Ride defensively. Keep an eye out for potholes and opening car doors.

Reflect. If you're riding at night, wear luminous clothes or attach a light.

Call out. Make other people aware of your presence. Shout "on your left!" when you approach pedestrians or slower motorcyclists you intend to pass.

Lobby. Contact your local officials to advocate for bike lanes and other infrastructure to improve the safety of micromobility.

In conclusion

E-bikes and e-scooters are a terrific way to move around, whether it's part of your daily commute, a quick trip from point A to point B, or simply a fun ride. Though they are risky, there are many things you can do to reduce the likelihood of ending your trip with a trip to the emergency room.

Photo by JONATHAN PAGAOA