E-bikes, e-scooters are a burgeoning pediatric public health emergency

July 27, 2026 - 16:50

Emergency rooms across the United States are seeing a sharp rise in severe injuries linked to e-bikes and e-scooters, according to doctors at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. J. Todd R. Lawrence and Madison A. Kesler describe the situation as a burgeoning pediatric public health emergency. The data shows that children and teenagers are arriving at hospitals with fractures, head trauma, and internal injuries at rates that have climbed dramatically in recent years.

The problem is not just the number of crashes, but their severity. Unlike traditional bicycles, e-bikes and e-scooters can reach speeds of 20 miles per hour or more. Many young riders do not wear helmets, and even when they do, the force of a high-speed collision can still cause serious harm. Doctors note that broken bones and concussions are common, but they are also seeing more cases of traumatic brain injuries and long-term disabilities.

The rise in injuries coincides with the rapid spread of rental e-scooters and the growing popularity of fast electric bikes among teens. Many cities have few rules about who can ride them or where they can go. Lawrence and Kesler argue that this is not just a safety warning, but a call for action. They urge parents to enforce helmet use, limit speeds, and keep young children off these vehicles entirely. Without changes, they warn, the number of preventable tragedies will keep rising.