Aug. 17, 2023—Electric bikes and scooters are a fun and environmentally friendly way to get to work or school. With more cities offering convenient hourly rentals, e-bikes and e-scooters are also becoming an enjoyable way for people to explore trails and lakes. But as these devices become more common, so do e-bike and e-scooter injuries.
Not as simple as riding a bike
E-bikes and e-scooters have a lot in common with their human-powered counterparts. But there are differences that can raise the risk of injury.
E-bikes and e-scooters handle differently. They have a different center of gravity, and they accelerate more quickly than traditional bikes and scooters. And because they move at faster speeds, any fall can lead to a serious injury. That's why only people age 16 and older should use motorized scooters and bikes, says the American Academy of Pediatrics.
What to do:
- Always wear a helmet when riding an e-bike or e-scooter.
- Wear closed-toed shoes.
- If you're new to using an e-bike or e-scooter, take some time to practice before riding in streets or in crowded areas.
- Start riding at slow speeds and practice braking, turning, and pedaling or pushing.
Tricky terrain can spell trouble. E-bikes and e-scooters might not be equipped to handle uneven sidewalks or potholes—especially at fast speeds. Scooters also have small tires that can get caught in drain grates easily.
What to do:
- Keep both hands on the handlebars at all times.
- Pay attention to the road or path ahead of you, and slow down as you go over bumps or around other obstacles.
- Avoid distractions like listening to music or using your phone.
You may not be noticed. When it comes to traffic safety, it's best to avoid surprises. But electric vehicles operate quietly, so pedestrians may not hear them approach. And drivers of cars might not expect them to move as fast as they do.
What to do:
- Ride in bike lanes when they're available.
- Try not to make abrupt moves.
- Slow down at intersections and in high-traffic areas.
- Use a bell or horn to alert others of your presence.
- Avoid riding electric bikes and scooters on sidewalks and walkways to reduce risk to pedestrians.
- Wear reflective gear if you're riding at night.
The batteries can catch fire. E-scooters and e-bikes use lithium-ion batteries that can ignite if not used properly. Batteries get extremely hot and give off toxic gases when they burn.
What to do:
- Always keep an eye on the device when it's charging.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for charging and storing the battery.
- Use only approved chargers and replacement batteries. Don't modify the devices.
- Dispose of batteries properly at your city's hazardous waste collection site or a battery recycler.
Ready to ride? Remember to follow the rules of the road. And check out our interactive infographic for more safety tips.
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