MADISON (WKOW) — The number of accidents involving e-bikes and scooters at SSM Health has jumped more than 700% over the past year.
A doctor at SSM Saint Mary’s says it’s not just the number of injuries that’s concerning, but also their severity.
“Injuries from e-bikes or e-scooters run the whole gamut. It can be something as simple as a scraped knee or elbow, progressing to long-bone fractures, broken ribs, and more severe consequences,” said Dr. Douglas Soltys. “You could have internal bleeding in organs such as the liver or spleen. You can also end up with closed head injuries, skull fractures, and in extreme cases, these accidents can even cause paralysis or death.”
Soltys says most of the injuries they see involve younger riders who are generally less comfortable on roads or bike paths.
Along with following traffic rules and wearing a helmet, Soltys recommends wearing reflective gear and understanding how fast the bikes can go before riding.
