What ER doctors, prosecutors and parents want you to know about e-bikes
What ER doctors, prosecutors and parents want you to know about e-bikes
What ER doctors prosecutors and parents – On Christmas Day, Jade Sharpe watched her 13-year-old daughter, Kennedi Chandler, take a new electric bike for a ride in their Indiana neighborhood. The vehicle, capable of reaching speeds up to 20 mph, had been a gift the parents had agreed to give. Yet, they hesitated when Kennedi asked to ride without a helmet, a request made on an unusually warm holiday. Within two hours, the teenager’s journey took a tragic turn. “The next thing I knew was flashing lights, and then just … heart sunk,” Sharpe recounted to CNN. “I didn’t realize how bad it was until we were in the ambulance,” she added. The family opted for Indianapolis’ top trauma center instead of the nearest hospital, recognizing the severity of Kennedi’s injury. After a traumatic brain injury, she spent 20 days in the hospital, with 14 of those in intensive care. Surgeons had to remove part of her skull to relieve swelling and bleeding. “This surgeon has expressed how many bicycle accidents she’s had come through over the years, and Kennedi is lucky—so very lucky,” Sharpe noted.
While Kennedi’s accident is one example, it reflects a growing trend of e-bike-related dangers. Unlike traditional bicycles, these vehicles are equipped with motors that can propel riders beyond 30 mph, making them significantly faster and more powerful. In California, recent cases have underscored the risks. In Fresno, a 13-year-old lost their life in a crash, and two others suffered severe injuries, according to police. In Garden Grove, a 13-year-old boy died after hitting a median at 35 mph while riding what authorities called an electric motorcycle. Another incident in Lake Forest saw a 14-year-old strike and kill an 81-year-old Vietnam veteran walking home from his substitute teaching job. Prosecutors have since charged the boy’s mother with involuntary manslaughter, citing prior warnings about the legality of her son’s e-motorcycle use. The Orange County district attorney has also filed child endangerment charges against three parents this year for allowing their children to ride high-powered vehicles illegally, labeling them as “deadly weapons.”
Dr. Darria Long, an Atlanta-based emergency room physician, has seen the consequences of e-bike accidents firsthand over the past five to 10 years. She described a range of injuries, from head trauma and fractures to concussions, chest injuries, cardiac arrest, and even fatalities. Many families, she explained, were unaware of the risks their children faced. “They thought their kid was just doing something fun,” she said. “They thought that by giving them a helmet, maybe they prevented all injuries—and then they’re devastated, because every parent loves their child, and they don’t want to see them hurt.” The incidents highlight a gap in awareness, especially as e-bikes become more popular among young riders.
As gas prices soar, e-bikes are gaining traction as an eco-friendly alternative to cars and traditional bikes. However, the surge in popularity has also led to a rise in accidents, prompting calls for stricter regulations. Authorities are now emphasizing the need for road safety measures, clearer guidelines from sellers, and increased vigilance from parents. “It could be so much worse than what you think,” Sharpe said, reflecting on Kennedi’s recovery. “It’s not just a broken bone.”
The Consumer Product Safety Commission’s data from 2017 to 2024 reveals a sharp increase in micromobility-related deaths. Over that period, the number of fatalities in this category—encompassing e-bikes, e-scooters, and other small electric vehicles—jumped from five to 135. Emergency department visits also rose dramatically, quadrupling from 37,300 to 149,100, according to the commission’s report released in April. E-bike deaths alone rose from zero in 2017 to 97 in 2024. These figures do not include motorized vehicles like mopeds or e-motorcycles, which can exceed e-bike speed limits and are often not covered by the same safety standards.
Parents and caregivers are now urged to assess the risks their children face when using these devices. The incident with Kennedi underscores the importance of proper gear, such as helmets, and adherence to safety rules. “You just know,” Sharpe said, capturing the mix of fear and helplessness that comes with such accidents. “It’s not just a broken bone.” Meanwhile, experts warn that without better oversight, the situation could worsen. Dr. Long emphasized that while e-bikes offer convenience and mobility, they also demand greater caution and education. “The surge in popularity has outpaced the understanding of how these vehicles can affect safety,” she said.
With more children and teens taking to the roads on high-speed e-bikes, the conversation around regulation is intensifying. Authorities are now exploring measures to ensure riders are properly trained, vehicles are labeled with clear speed ratings, and parents are held accountable for oversight. The cases in California serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers, pushing the need for a broader awareness campaign. As the number of incidents grows, the focus is shifting from fun and convenience to the critical importance of safety. “Every parent loves their child,” Sharpe said, “and they don’t want to see them injured.” The challenge lies in balancing the benefits of e-bikes with the necessary precautions to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
Following Kennedi’s accident, she has undergone extensive therapy, including occupational, physical, and speech treatments. Now, she is preparing to return to soccer and cycling, this time with a helmet. “It’s not just a broken bone,” Sharpe reiterated, underscoring the long-term impact of the injury. Her story, while personal, resonates with a growing number of families across the country who are grappling with the consequences of e-bike use. As the number of e-bike fatalities continues to climb, the call for action is louder than ever. The hope is that these stories will lead to better safety practices, more informed parents, and a clearer regulatory framework to protect young riders and pedestrians alike.
