As e-bike ridership surges in popularity, orthopaedic surgeons are sounding the alarm about the significant bone and joint injuries they can cause when used improperly. These high-powered bicycles, which can reach speeds of up to 28 mph, are spurring increased bone and joint injuries across all age groups—not just inexperienced users. With e-bike sales continuing to climb nationwide [hyperlink], medical experts are urging all riders to know the rules of the road and understand the unique physical risks these micromobility products pose before hitting the roads and trails
“Electric bikes can reach speeds much higher than traditional bicycles, and this increased velocity means more force during falls or collisions,” Brian R. Waterman, MD, FAAOS, Chief and Fellowship Director of Sports Medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine said. “The risk of fractures, dislocations and head trauma increases as e-bike usage becomes more popular. The best protection starts with awareness, proper protection and responsible riding.”
Rising Popularity, Rising Risks
E-bikes offer convenient, environmental-friendly and less expensive alternative to other forms of transportation. However, they also present a significant health risk if used improperly. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), micromobility-related injuries (e-scooters, hoverboards and e-bikes) have trended upward since 2017 increasing an estimated average 23% annually. CPSC reports show nearly half (46%) of all estimated e-bike injuries from 2017-2022 occurred in 2022 alone. According to Dr. Waterman, research shows that falls causing fractures are among the most frequent injury type for both sexes. Greater than 10% of patients required hospital admission and a high rate of vehicle-induced collisions emphasizes an increased need for additional regulations and legislation to protect e-bikers[1].
Gear Up, Slow Down: Essential Safety Strategies
May is National Bicycle Safety Awareness Month, which serves as a reminder of the importance of bicycle safety and injury prevention all year long. Orthopaedic experts with AAOS share the following injury prevention tips and strategies to keep yourself or your loved ones safe:
- Always Wear a Helmet: Protect your head with a properly fitting, certified and secured helmet – regardless of local laws. Check out this article on OrthoInfo.org for more information on choosing the right helmet for you.
- Know Your E-Bike: Familiarize yourself with your bike’s classification (class 1, 2, or 3), top speed, and motor assistance functions before riding.
- Ride Defensively: Stay alert to your surroundings, follow traffic rules and use hand signals to communicate with other riders and drivers.
- Check Your Equipment: Regularly inspect brakes, tires, lights, and battery to ensure they are functioning properly.
- Avoid Distractions: 11% of e-bike injuries reported in the 2022 CPSC study were due to a source of distraction such as music or cell phone. Minimize these distractions by never wearing headphones and storing mobile devices out of sight while riding.
- Be Visible: Wear bright colored clothing and use your bike’s front and rear lights, especially at dawn, dusk or night.
- Supervise Young or New Riders: E-Bikes are not toys and can be difficult for young or new riders to operate. Children should only use them under adult supervision and age-appropriate conditions. New riders should be accompanied by an experienced rider.
As more cities adapt to e-bike popularity, riders must take responsibility for their safety and the safety of others. Riders of all ages should embrace smart and safe habits that reduce the risk of preventable injuries. For more information about bicycle safety and bone and joint injury prevention, visit OrthoInfo.org.