UCSD Study Finds E-Bike Collisions in California Rose 750-Fold in Six Years — With a Disproportionate Toll on Children

21 Jul UCSD Study Finds E-Bike Collisions in California Rose 750-Fold in Six Years — With a Disproportionate Toll on Children

Dr. Jay Doucet

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

Dr. Doucet: E-bikes have surged in popularity in recent years because they allow riders to travel farther and faster with less physical effort than traditional bicycles. While this growth has expanded transportation options for many people, researchers say it has also introduced new safety challenges. E-bikes are generally heavier and capable of higher speeds than conventional bicycles, factors that may contribute to more serious injuries when collisions occur. This study adds to a growing body of evidence explored previously on MedicalResearch.com in a related interview on how electric bikes are linked to a dramatic increase in injuries and hospitalizations.

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MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?

Dr. Doucet: The findings were striking. Reported e-bike collisions in California increased from just two in 2018 to 1,506 in 2024. E-bike riders were younger than traditional bicyclists, with a larger proportion of injured riders aged 14 and under (15.6% versus 10.2%). Moderate-to-severe injuries were more common among e-bike riders than traditional bicyclists. While overall mortality rates were similar during the study period, we observed a significant increase in e-bike-related deaths in 2024. E-bike riders were also more likely to be involved in violations related to unsafe speeds and improper turns, and e-bike collisions were more likely to occur in more affluent communities than traditional bicycle collisions.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Dr. Doucet: Future research will focus on linking traffic collision data with hospital and trauma records to better understand the specific injuries riders sustain and which prevention strategies are most effective. Researchers also hope to evaluate how emerging safety regulations and infrastructure improvements influence injury rates over time.

MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add? Any disclosures?

Dr. Doucet: E-bikes are here to stay, and they provide substantial benefits to mobility and recreation. However, our study found a dramatic increase in e-bike injuries across California, including a disproportionate number involving children and low rates of helmet use among injured riders. Parents need to understand what they are buying for their children, and communities and policymakers need to recognize that safety infrastructure, education, and policy have not kept pace with adoption. As trauma surgeons, we will continue our advocacy efforts to ensure that the benefits of e-bikes are realized while reducing preventable injuries and deaths.

Disclosures: No competing interests.

Citation:
Austin J, Perkins L, Haines LN, Kobayashi L, Berndtson AE, Weaver JL, et al. An exponential increase in e-bike injuries in California. Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open. 2026;11:e002099. https://doi.org/10.1136/tsaco-2025-002099

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Last Updated on July 21, 2026 by Marie Benz MD FAAD