Experts Urge Caution as E-Bike Injuries Soar

Stricter regulations and safety tips aim to protect riders and pedestrians

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:18am

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As the use of electric bikes (e-bikes) has surged, so too have concerns over their safety. A recent study found that rider injuries from e-bikes nearly doubled each year from 2017 to 2022, with a 300% increase in injuries among riders under 18 in San Diego from 2019 to 2023. Experts are calling for new laws and better enforcement of existing regulations to address the growing risks, while also providing safety tips for e-bike riders.

Why it matters

E-bikes offer an eco-friendly and cost-effective transportation alternative, but their increasing popularity has led to a rise in serious injuries, particularly among younger riders. Policymakers and health organizations are working to strike a balance between promoting e-bike use and ensuring public safety on roads and sidewalks shared by cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles.

The details

The crash that left Janet Stotko with severe brain injuries, a facial fracture, and a broken eardrum illustrates the dangers of e-bikes. The 14-year-old rider was traveling at an estimated 25 mph when he collided with Stotko during her evening walk. After being on a ventilator for two days and spending three weeks in the hospital, Stotko survived, but she is now pushing for stricter laws regulating e-bikes to prevent others from being hurt. Under federal law, most e-bikes are considered nonmotorized vehicles, but many states have more stringent rules, and regulations vary widely. Experts have called for new laws and better enforcement, and officials in many places are taking action, such as New York City imposing a 15 mph speed limit on all electric bikes and Florida lawmakers limiting e-bike speeds to 10 mph within 50 feet of pedestrians.

  • In 2024, a 14-year-old rider on an electric bicycle collided with Janet Stotko at an estimated speed of 25 mph.
  • In October 2026, New York City imposed a speed limit of 15 mph on all electric bikes.
  • In 2026, Florida lawmakers recently sent the governor a bill limiting e-bike speeds to 10 mph within 50 feet of pedestrians.

The players

Janet Stotko

A Minnesota resident who was severely injured when a 14-year-old on an electric bicycle collided with her during her evening walk, leaving her with brain injuries, a facial fracture, and a broken eardrum.

John Maa

A general surgeon at MarinHealth Medical Center in Northern California who notes that increased speeds lead to increased injuries, citing Newton's principles.

Christine Cohen

A Connecticut state senator who was behind legislation that requires all e-bike riders to wear a helmet and regulates bikes without pedals equipped with batteries over 750 watts.

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What they’re saying

“Wow, we can't believe you're here.”

— Janet Stotko's doctors

“It's Newton's principles, right? Force equals mass times acceleration, and also kinetic energy is mass times velocity squared.”

— John Maa, General Surgeon, MarinHealth Medical Center

“We were not only hearing from manufacturers and riders, but we were hearing from concerned citizens trying to share the road with these new electric bikes and e-scooters, and also law enforcement who really needed some clear policies set into place.”

— Christine Cohen, Connecticut State Senator

What’s next

Policymakers in many states and cities are continuing to review and update regulations for e-bikes to address safety concerns, including speed limits, helmet requirements, and restrictions on where the vehicles can be operated.

The takeaway

The rapid growth of e-bikes has created new challenges for ensuring public safety, as the increased speeds and power of these vehicles can lead to serious injuries, especially for inexperienced riders. Stricter laws, better enforcement, and a focus on rider education will be crucial to mitigating the risks while still allowing e-bikes to serve as a convenient and eco-friendly transportation option.