E-bike injuries rise sharply in U.S. hospitals

Emergency room visits linked to e-bike accidents in the United States have grown by more than 760% over three years, according to a report by Truveta, a company that analyzes hospital data. The findings, published in October, compared e-bike and traditional bicycle-related emergency visits from January to August in 2023 and 2026.

Youth account for a large share of e-bike injuries

The increase in e-bike-related emergency visits is most significant among those under 18, with the rate of injuries rising by 19 times compared to a 1.45 times increase for traditional bicycles. Minors made up 31% of e-bike riders who were injured, and e-bikes were more likely to result in fractures and head injuries among children.

Study findings are preliminary and not peer-reviewed

Truveta warns that its findings are not yet peer-reviewed and are based on newly introduced diagnostic codes for e-bikes in U.S. hospitals, which became available in October 2022. This means part of the observed rise in emergency visits might be due to better tracking rather than an actual increase in risk. The study also does not include data on e-bike usage numbers or travel distances.

E-bike classification varies by U.S. state

In the United States, e-bikes are divided into classes, with class 3 models offering assistance up to 45 km/h. Many states restrict class 3 e-bikes to riders 16 or older, but the American Academy of Pediatrics advises against children under 16 riding e-bikes at all. This means teenagers often ride e-bikes that would be classified as mopeds in France.

French e-bike data shows a drop in fatalities

In France, the only national e-bike-specific statistic is the number of deaths. According to the Road Safety Authority (ONISR), 31 cyclists were killed in e-bike accidents in 2025, down from 43 in 2022. However, no national data tracks emergency room visits for e-bike injuries, and the 2,800 seriously injured cyclists estimated in 2025 are not separated by e-bike or traditional bicycle use.

European studies suggest similar risk profiles

Studies from Germany and Switzerland suggest no major difference in accident rates between e-bikes and traditional bicycles when comparing the same distances. However, Swiss doctors have noted that head injuries among e-bike riders are more common than in traditional cyclists, approaching the rates seen in motorcyclists.

French e-bikes often exceed legal limits

In France, 96% of fat bikes sold are not compliant with e-bike regulations, often having motors stronger than 250 W and throttle controls. These machines resemble American class 2 e-bikes and could lead to a similar rise in risk as seen in the United States. The mortality rate for electric scooters in France has also risen to 79 deaths in 2025.