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NewsE-bike injuries among children have nearly quadrupled between 2019 and 2025, and they're proving far more dangerous than regular bikes or e-scooters. Kids on e-bikes are more likely to suffer fractures, concussions, and life-threatening injuries — and more likely to need surgery or hospitalization. With no federal age or helmet laws in place, experts are calling for better enforcement of existing rules.
E-bikes are everywhere — and so are the injuries. Two studies presented at the AAP National Conference & Exhibition reveal that pediatric e-bike injuries have nearly quadrupled from 2019 to 2025, jumping from 33 to 124 cases at Children's Hospital Los Angeles alone. And while e-scooter injuries are more common overall, e-bikes are the ones sending kids to the OR and the hospital.
Compared to e-scooter riders, kids on e-bikes were significantly more likely to suffer fractures, concussions, and injuries severe enough to require surgery or hospital admission. A separate national analysis found that e-bike injury patterns more closely resemble gas-powered motorcycle injuries than traditional bicycle injuries — a sobering comparison for what many parents consider a relatively safe ride.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: There's no federal age restriction or helmet law for e-bikes, and state laws vary widely. With kids riding at speeds exceeding 30 mph, clinicians and policymakers are urging stronger enforcement of existing regulations before more children are seriously hurt.
