Children ride e-bikes and e-scooters at a press conference in Fresno.

E-Bikes: Addressing an Increasing Concern in Pediatric Trauma

Published August 21, 2026

This article was originally published in the State of Our Children 360 newsletter, a publication from the Guilds Center for Community Health that shares some of the most pressing issues facing kids through the lens of those who are involved, impacted or providing care. Dr. Shannon Castle serves as Medical Director for Trauma at Valley Children’s Hospital and is active in regional trauma collaboration and education.

MADERA, Calif. – The rapid rise in electronic bicycles (e-bikes) across all age groups has introduced a new source of preventable injury in both children and adults. Over the last five years, the frequency of e-bike-related injuries among children and adolescents has increased dramatically.

E-bikes and scooters may offer convenience and accessibility, but higher speeds and acceleration compared to traditional bicycles significantly increase the force involved in crashes. Riders often perceive them as equivalent to standard bikes and may not take the same precautions they would with a motorized vehicle, including consistent helmet use and situational awareness in mixed traffic environments.

Trauma departments and pediatric clinicians around the country are observing injury patterns associated with e-bike incidents. These injuries include higher rates of traumatic brain injuries, complex facial fractures and serious extremity injuries requiring operative intervention.

At higher speeds, crashes are also more likely to result in multisystem trauma, including chest and abdominal injuries. Contributing factors include limited rider experience, minimal training requirements and frequent use in crowded urban settings alongside pedestrians and motor vehicles.

As e-bikes become increasingly common, there is a clear opportunity for prevention through community partnership. Emphasizing helmet use, rider education and safe-speed practices is critical. In parallel, evidence-based policy, infrastructure adaptation and public awareness will be essential to reducing injury risk. By working together across healthcare, public safety and community organizations, we can help ensure that the benefits of e-bikes are not overshadowed by preventable harm.