Electric bikes are becoming increasingly popular as a convenient and eco-friendly transportation alternative. However, their rising use is accompanied by a significant increase in injuries, prompting rapid changes in regulations across the United States.

A Near-Fatal Crash Highlights the Risks

In 2024, a 14-year-old riding an electric bicycle at approximately 25 mph collided with Janet Stotko during her evening walk in Minnesota. The crash left Stotko unconscious and with severe injuries, including brain damage, a facial fracture, and a ruptured eardrum. Despite being on a ventilator for two days and undergoing brain surgery, she remarkably survived, astonishing her doctors.

“Wow, we can’t believe you’re here,” Stotko recalls her doctors saying during a checkup. Now, she is advocating for stricter e-bike regulations to prevent similar incidents.

The Growing Trend of E-Bike Injuries

E-bikes offer a valuable solution to climate change by providing an emissions-free and affordable alternative to cars. However, safety concerns are mounting. A University of California, San Francisco study revealed that e-bike rider injuries nearly doubled between 2017 and 2022. Furthermore, a University of California, San Diego study showed a 300% surge in e-bike injuries among riders under 18 from 2019 to 2023.

Current Regulations and Classifications

Under federal law, most e-bikes are treated like traditional bicycles, meaning riders generally don’t require a driver’s license, insurance, or helmets. However, state regulations vary considerably. Many states utilize a three-tier classification system:

  • Class 1: Pedal-assist, with a maximum speed of 20 mph.
  • Class 2: Throttle-assisted, reaching a maximum of 20 mph without pedaling.
  • Class 3: Pedal-assist up to 28 mph.

Faster e-bikes, sometimes called e-motos, can reach speeds of 40 mph or higher. These are often regulated like motorcycles and may be prohibited on sidewalks or paths.

The Physics of Speed and Injury

John Maa, a general surgeon at MarinHealth Medical Center in Northern California, emphasizes the direct correlation between speed and injury severity. “It’s Newton’s principles, right? Force equals mass times acceleration, and also kinetic energy is mass times velocity squared,” Maa explained.

Changing Laws and Safety Recommendations

Speed limits, helmet requirements, and other e-bike rules are evolving quickly. New York City implemented a 15 mph speed limit in October. Florida lawmakers recently passed a bill limiting e-bike speeds to 10 mph near pedestrians. Connecticut now requires all e-bike riders to wear helmets, and bikes with batteries exceeding 750 watts require a driver’s license.

Understanding Your E-Bike

Charles DiMaggio, an injury public health researcher at New York University’s medical school, advises riders to thoroughly understand their e-bike’s capabilities. “The first thing we always tell people is familiarize yourself, read the manual, look at some videos, look at your specific model,” he said. Purchasing from a local bike shop can provide opportunities for questions and test rides.

Essential Safety Tips

Hospitals and medical groups are advocating for stricter policies and offering safety advice. Key recommendations include:

  • Always wear a helmet.
  • Ride defensively around cars.
  • Use front and rear lights.
  • Wear reflective vests in low light.
  • Avoid riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Do not modify e-bikes to increase speed.

Experts also suggest parents ensure children are proficient in riding traditional bicycles before transitioning to e-bikes. Maa recommends a motorcycle helmet for added neck protection and emphasizes the importance of understanding traffic laws.