Electric bicycles (e-bikes) and electric scooters (e-scooters) can be a fun way to get around. But knowing the risks and safety tips before you ride can help prevent serious injuries.

These battery-powered devices have grown fast in popularity. Between 2018 and 2022, e-bike sales rose from about 250,000 per year to more than one million, and rentals increased sharply as well (Shmerling, 2024). But injuries have grown with sales. Emergency department (ED) data shows e-scooter injuries increased by more than 45% and e-bike injuries more than doubled during that same period. The most common injuries include scrapes, bruises, broken bones and head and neck injuries, with more occurring in urban areas than rural settings.

A few simple steps can help keep you safe:

  • Wear a helmet every time you ride.
  • Practice in a low-traffic area before heading to busier streets.
  • Follow road rules by treating e-bikes and e-scooters like any other vehicle.
  • Slow down, especially in crowded or unfamiliar areas.

To learn more about e-bike and e-scooter safety, click here.

Robert H. Shmerling, M. (2024, September 9). The popularity of e-bikes and e-scooters is soaring, but are they safe?. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-popularity-of-e-bikes-and-e-scooters-is-soaring-but-are-they-safe-202409093069

Written by:
Karen Nash, MBA
Program Leader