E-bike injuries rising among kids as Corewell Health doctors warn parents about speed, safety risks

Emergency rooms across the country are seeing a sharp and steady rise in e-bike injuries among children and teenagers, and doctors are sounding the alarm. Data from Corewell Health Children's hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan, shows that e-bike related injuries have climbed every single year since 2023, with the severity of those injuries often far outstripping what pediatric surgeons typically see from traditional bicycle accidents.

The reason comes down to one word: speed. E-bikes can reach 20 to 28 miles per hour, at least twice as fast as the average teenager rides a conventional bicycle. At those velocities, the margin for error shrinks dramatically. Reaction times that would be adequate on a pedal bike become dangerously insufficient when you're traveling at car-adjacent speeds on a vehicle that weighs significantly more than a traditional bike and handles very differently.

"Some of these injuries include concussions, skull fractures, facial injuries, as well as pretty severe internal injuries," said Dr. Pavan Brahmamdam, a pediatric surgeon at Corewell Health who has been tracking the trend. The injury pattern is consistent with higher-velocity impacts: head trauma, organ damage, and broken bones that require surgical intervention rather than a simple cast and a few weeks of recovery.

The e-bike boom has been remarkable to watch. Sales have surged over the past three years, driven by rising gas prices, expanded commuter infrastructure, and a cultural shift that has made electric bikes the preferred mode of transportation for many teenagers who previously relied on skateboards, scooters, or parents' car pools. The problem is that the safety infrastructure and rider education haven't kept pace with adoption.

In Michigan, the law requires riders to be at least 14 years old for certain classes of e-bikes, specifically the faster Class 3 models that can assist up to 28 mph. But enforcement is spotty at best, and many parents are unaware of the age restrictions or the differences between e-bike classes. Dr. Brahmamdam, who has a 12-year-old child asking for an e-bike, understands the parental pressure firsthand: "I think parents need to know a few things. Here in Michigan, for certain types of e-bikes, you have to be 14 years old and above for the ones that are a bit faster. Parents also need to know whether or not their child is really good at riding a regular bike."

The competency question is critical. Before any teenager gets on an e-bike, they should demonstrate strong skills on a traditional bicycle — confident riding, smooth braking, and the judgment to follow traffic rules and avoid risky decisions. Many of the children showing up in emergency rooms skipped this foundational step, moving directly from occasional casual riding to piloting a motorized vehicle at speeds their reflexes aren't prepared for.

Size and fit matter too. A child on an e-bike that's too heavy or too tall for their frame will struggle to control it, especially at higher speeds. Unlike traditional bikes where a too-big frame is merely uncomfortable, an oversized e-bike is genuinely dangerous because the extra weight and motor assistance amplify the consequences of any loss of control.

Then there's the helmet problem. Standard bicycle helmets are designed for impacts at conventional cycling speeds, not the 20-28 mph velocities that e-bikes routinely achieve. Dr. Brahmamdam urges parents to look for helmets with ASTM F1952, NTA 8776, or DOT certification — ratings that indicate protection at higher impact forces. "Helmet use is a real issue," he noted. "Riders wearing helmets have less head injuries than riders that aren't wearing helmets. But helmet use is still inconsistent amongst kids and adults."

Corewell Health has responded by launching community outreach events this spring, partnering with local police school liaisons and creating social media videos to spread safety information. The goal isn't to demonize e-bikes — they're genuinely fun and practical — but to ensure that families understand the risks before a child ends up on an operating table.

What This Means For You: If you're a parent considering an e-bike for your child, treat it with the same seriousness you'd apply to a motorized scooter. Verify your state's age restrictions (many require 14+ for Class 3 e-bikes). Ensure your child has mastered traditional bicycle skills before graduating to motorized assistance. Buy a helmet rated for higher speeds (ASTM F1952, NTA 8776, or DOT). Make sure the e-bike fits properly — too heavy or too tall isn't just uncomfortable, it's dangerous. And model the behavior yourself: if you ride an e-bike without a proper helmet, your kids will do the same. The trend in injuries is going in the wrong direction, and a few precautionary steps can keep a fun summer activity from becoming a hospital visit.