Emergency room visits related to electric bike (e-bike) injuries have surged dramatically over the past several years, particularly among children, according to an analysis of medical data spanning January 2023 to August 2026. The health data company Truveta reported a 1,810% increase in e-bike injury-related ER visits among children and a 760% rise overall during this period.

The study examined records from more than 140 million patients and identified 4,769 emergency visits associated with e-bike injuries. While injuries involving traditional bicycles remained far more common—with 63,811 visits recorded—the increase in those cases grew at a much slower rate of 7.9%.

Head and neck injuries emerged as the most prevalent type for both e-bike and conventional bicycle incidents, accounting for roughly one-third of emergency visits in each group. Rates of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions, were comparable between the two, with 5.8% of e-bike cases and 5.6% of traditional bicycle cases involving such diagnoses.

However, the outcomes appeared more severe among children injured on e-bikes. Approximately 7.8% of pediatric e-bike injury visits resulted in a traumatic brain injury, compared to 6% for children on traditional bicycles. Dr. Karen Gilbert Farrar, who contributed to the analysis, suggested that varying factors such as helmet usage, riding environments, or behaviors could influence these differences. She also noted the possibility that children might be more likely to ride with multiple passengers on a single bike, increasing risk.

In addition to head injuries, fractures were more frequently reported in emergency visits linked to e-bike accidents than those involving traditional bicycles. Farrar attributed this pattern to the generally greater speed and weight of e-bikes, which could lead to more severe physical trauma upon impact.

The findings underscore growing safety concerns as e-bikes gain popularity, especially among younger riders. Experts emphasize the importance of appropriate protective gear, safe riding practices, and awareness of the distinct risks posed by electric bicycles to help mitigate the rising incidence of injuries.