John Muir Trauma Doctors Warn Of Growing E-Bike Injury Crisis In Contra Costa County

For nearly 40 years, John Muir Health has served as the Trauma Center for Contra Costa County and parts of Solano County, providing rapid diagnosis and treatment for severe injuries. But trauma care extends beyond the hospital walls. The team is also focused on injury prevention, helping people of all ages make safer choices before an emergency happens.

That mission has taken on new urgency as electric bicycles and e-scooters surge in popularity across the Bay Area. With increased use has come a sharp rise in serious and sometimes fatal injuries.

Over the past year, John Muir Health’s Trauma Center has treated twice as many injuries involving e-bike and e-scooter riders, as well as pedestrians struck by them, compared with the previous year. Trauma leaders say the trend is alarming.

The injuries being seen are often severe. Neurological and orthopedic trauma from e-bike crashes more closely resembles injuries typically associated with motorcycle accidents than those involving traditional bicycles. Some e-bikes can reach speeds of up to 28 miles per hour, and simple modifications can push them even faster, increasing the likelihood of high-impact collisions.

Seniors and teenagers — particularly teenage boys — make up the largest share of patients. What local doctors are seeing reflects a nationwide pattern. According to the American College of Surgeons, more than 20,000 people are injured on e-bikes each year, with about 3,000 requiring hospitalization. Head injuries are the most common, and only about one-third of injured riders were wearing helmets. Experts believe the true number of injuries is likely underreported.

Health officials say education is critical. Riders and families should understand the different classes of e-bikes and the laws tied to each one, including restrictions that prohibit children under 16 from operating Class 3 e-bikes. Riders should also be familiar with local rules of the road, which can vary by city and county, and know where e-bikes and e-scooters are legally allowed.

Helmet use is especially important. Helmets must fit properly and be appropriate for the speed and power of the e-bike, as head injuries from e-bike crashes are often severe. Parents are urged to know exactly what type of e-bike or e-scooter they are purchasing for their children and to make clear that speed modifications are unsafe and unacceptable. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against children under 16 riding or operating e-bikes or e-scooters at all.

Local and state agencies offer safety courses and guidance designed to help riders choose the right equipment and learn how to operate e-bikes responsibly. Trauma experts stress that safe operation requires the same level of judgment and awareness as any other motorized vehicle.

The goal, they say, is simple: prevent life-altering injuries before they happen — and keep riders out of the trauma bay and safely on the road.