BIKE & E-BIKE SAFETY
E-bikes offer a convenient, eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to cars, and they offer more speed than bicycles, but their increasing use is drawing safety concerns.
Electric bikes are legal in Pennsylvania if they have pedals, a motor of 750 watts or less, top motor speed of 20 mph and weigh 100 lbs. or less. If they meet this criteria, they currently do not require registration, a license, or a helmet. They are treated as bicycles in the eyes of the law. However, a person under 16 may not operate one.
Central PA has seen a large increase in e-bike accidents in the last year. Sadly, some of these e-riders died. Some accidents were caused by cars or trucks not seeing e-bikes, some by e-bike riders not abiding by motor vehicle rules such as not stopping at stop signs.
A study by the University of California, San Francisco found that rider injuries from e-bikes nearly doubled each year from 2017 to 2022, and a University of California, San Diego study showed injuries in San Diego among e-bike riders under 18 soared 300%from 2019 to 2023.
Hospitals and medical groups like the American College of Surgeons and American Association of Neurological Surgeons have called for stricter policies and offered safety tips. To safely operate an e-bike, one should wear a helmet. For extra protection, it is recommended that e-bike riders should consider wearing a motorcycle helmet that covers the neck to protect against spinal injuries. Other tips include riding defensively around cars, do not weave between cars, use front and rear lights, wear reflective vests in the dark, and avoid biking under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Experts also recommend against altering an e-bike to make it faster.
E-bikes are much heavier than conventional bicycles and may handle differently. So, if you aren’t familiar with riding an e-bike, practice in a safe location where there’s no traffic or pedestrians.
Remember, the faster you go, the less time you have to react to unexpected potholes or veering vehicles, and the more serious an injury is likely to be if you have an accident.Watch out for potholes or opening car doors. Announce your presence to others. For example, shout “on your left!” as you approach pedestrians or slower riders that you intend to pass.
By following good sense and road rules, and teaching your teens to do the same, a trip to the ER can be minimized.