Kids Moving Too Fast on e-Bikes and e-Scooters Are Racking up Injuries

Electric bicycles and e-scooters have become very popular, especially among younger people. There’s no question that e-bikes allow people to go faster and farther than they could on their own power. Is there a downside?

Pediatricians Are Concerned About Injuries from e-Scooters and e-Bicycles

An analysis in JAMA Pediatrics suggests that these powered micromobility devices can be dangerous (JAMA Pediatrics, Nov. 2, 2026). The authors analyzed medical records from many different emergency departments, urgent care centers and hospital inpatient care between January 1, 2023 and March 31, 2026. The study included all patients under 18 years old who required care during that time if the care institution had information on the cause of injury.

The researchers wondered if kids were more likely to be injured on motorized devices. To find out, they compared injuries from e-bikes, e-scooters, non-motorized bycicles, non-motorized scooters and skateboards. The data  from health centers around the United States included 13,307 injury encounters.

Non-motorized devices accounted for the majority of injuries (7,572). In addition, 642 injuries were linked to e-bicycles and 1,396 to e-scooters. A significant proportion of injuries occurred among children under 12 years old: 24% of e-bicycle injuries and 44% of e-scooter injuries. Rates of injury increased over the three years of the study, especially for e-scooters. Motorized devices, especially e-bikes, were associated with more severe injuries. Brain injuries were particularly worrisome. This might reflect both greater speed of e-bikes compared to non-motorized bikes. The investigators also suggest that lower helmet use might account for such injuries. A single-center study in New Jersey found that people from poor neighborhoods were less likely to be wearing helmets (Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Injury, July 23, 2026).

The authors summarize their findings:

“Pediatric e-bicycle and e-scooter injuries are increasing in frequency and are more likely to have high severity than nonmotorized devices.”

Although these devices are undeniably appealing to youngsters as well as adults, parents may want to restrict use to situations in which they can monitor for safe usage. Previous studies have also raised red flags about the safety of scooters and e-scooters (Pediatric Emergency Care, June 1, 2022). They have highlighted the risks of riding motorized micromobility devices without adequate helmets.