Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital is seeing a big jump in the number of kids with e-bike-related injuries, including riders as young as 8 years old who have been seriously injured in e-bike crashes.
That’s why as the holiday season approaches, Intermountain Children’s Health experts want to ensure parents are educated and empowered to make good safety decisions for their children.
“If e-bikes are on your child’s holiday wish list, make sure they wear a helmet, every ride, every time, and that you understand the e-bike regulations of your community,” said Michelle Jamison, community health program manager for Intermountain Children’s Health. “Some e-bikes can go up to 40 miles per hour. Remember, the faster you’re going, the greater the force behind crashes, which means a greater risk for serious injury.”
Trauma data from Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital campuses in Utah shows a 66.7% increase in e-bike-related injuries among children and teens in the past year. Riders as young as 8 have been involved in serious crashes, and many required hospital stays, intensive care, and surgery. High-speed incidents and lack of helmet use are common contributing factors to these serious injuries.
An uptick in e-bike-related injuries has been recorded nationwide, according to The American College of Surgeons. Head injuries are the most frequent injuries, yet only a third of injured patients were reported to have been wearing a helmet, ACS reports. The group notes higher speeds reduce reaction time for riders, and risks may not always be conveyed to parents.
“E-bikes offer convenience and fun, but without proper safety measures, they pose significant risks, especially for children,” said Katherine Stokes MSN, RN, injury prevention coordinator for Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital.
E-bike laws vary from state to state, though most classify e-bikes in three categories, depending how fast they can go with and without pedaling.
Here are a few examples:
In Colorado, no one under age 16 may ride a class-3 e-bike, except as a passenger.In Nevada, e-bikes are treated as bicycles, and riders must obey traffic rules like stopping at stop signs and red lights. Areas like Clark County and Boulder City have adopted speed and location restrictions, and require minors to wear helmets.Utah, Montana, Idaho and Colorado, have enacted helmet requirements.
Utah law enforcement and health experts urge families to follow these e-bike laws and safety guidelines:
Under 8: Cannot legally ride e-bikes.Under 14: Cannot operate Class 2 e-bikes, whose motor helps up to 20 mph, without adult supervision.Under 16: Cannot operate Class 3 e-bikes, whose motor helps up to 28 mph.Helmets are required by Utah law for riders under age 21 on Class 3 e-bikes.Electric motorcycles are not allowed on streets or sidewalks, and require a license and insurance.
Here are some recommendations to keep kids safe from Intermountain Children’s Health:
Follow all state laws and local ordinances.Wear a helmet, every ride, every time, and make sure it fits properly. ACS recommends the type of helmet aligns with the e-bike’s classification.Supervise riders under age 14.Follow traffic laws and ride with traffic. Stop at stop signs and red lights, and yield to pedestrians.Stay alert: no phones or headphones.Check the e-bike’s brakes, tires, and lights before riding.Wear bright or reflective clothing.Use front and rear lights.
For more safety and injury prevention information from Intermountain Children’s Health, visit intermountainhealth.org/childsafety.
