Riding Faster, Falling Harder: The Rise of E-Bike Injuries

Key Takeaways: E-bike injuries and their severity are on the rise. While this is largely due to the increased speed of e-bikes and riders’ inexperience, one of Orthopedic ONE’s fellowship-trained orthopedic trauma surgeons is breaking down the causes, common injuries, ways to reduce risk, and possible treatment options.

The Rise of E-Bikes

While electronic bikes, or e-bikes, offer an exciting, convenient, and relatively inexpensive mode of transportation, their associated risks are often overlooked. As e-bikes have become increasingly popular, Orthopedic ONE fellowship-trained orthopedic trauma surgeon Dr. Brian Davison has seen a dramatic increase in e-bike injuries and their severity.

So, what’s behind the rise in these injuries, what types of injuries are most common, and how can riders help protect themselves? Dr. Davison shares what he is seeing firsthand.

Not Your Average Bike Injury

Injuries caused by both traditional bicycles and e-bikes may involve many of the same bones or body parts, but there is one major difference: severity. Dr. Davison explains that this is largely due to speed: “A fall from a traditional bicycle at a relatively low speed may result in a bruise or a minor injury, but when a rider loses control at a much higher speed, the force of impact can be far greater.” As a result, patients are suffering more complex injuries and sometimes requiring surgery and/or hospitalization following an e-bike accident.

Additionally, these injuries are not always caused by a collision with another person or vehicle, but can instead result from an isolated crash caused by a loss of control. Therefore, even avoiding cars, heavily trafficked areas, or other cyclists does not eliminate the risk of injury.

Common Injuries

According to Dr. Davison, one of the most common injuries associated with bike injuries is a clavicle, or collarbone, fracture. Injuries to the wrists and forearms are also typical, particularly when a rider falls and instinctively puts out an arm to break their fall. Upper-extremity injuries remain more common than lower-extremity injuries, but hip, knee, and ankle fractures can still occur.

E-bike injuries can, and do, affect riders of all ages. More than age, it’s inexperience that puts riders at a greater risk. As Dr. Davison explains, many riders hop on an e-bike thinking, “I know how to ride a bike,” but underestimate the additional power and speed. This can be particularly true with e-bikes that feature both pedal assistance and a throttle. It’s all too easy to accelerate faster than expected, encounter gravel or another slick surface, and lose control before having time to react.

Preventing Injuries

Beyond avoiding e-bikes altogether, there are several ways to minimize your risks while riding

  • Dress appropriately: Make sure you’re wearing proper footwear and clothing. Untied shoelaces, long skirts, and flowy scarves can easily get caught in the bike’s spokes, increasing your risk of crashing. Likewise, open-toed or flimsy shoes can increase your risk of road rash.
  • Wear a helmet: Helmets are the most effective way to protect your head and brain from a serious injury, including a concussion.
  • Avoid distractions: Keep your phone in your pocket and your eyes on the road!
  • Drive responsibly: Never operate an e-bike while under the influence. Additionally, riders should stay in bike lanes or on bike paths whenever possible. Before going for a spin, plan your route and check whether your e-bike is permitted in the typical bike lanes.
  • Practice: If you have never ridden an e-bike before, have not ridden one in a long time, or are unfamiliar with a specific model, start slow. Keep your speed to a minimum and stay out of highly congested areas.

Treating E-Bike Injuries at Orthopedic ONE

If you are injured while riding an e-bike, Dr. Davison recommends seeking medical attention as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may need to visit the emergency room for immediate treatment or hospitalization. For non-emergency situations, the Orthopedic ONE team can evaluate your injury and determine the best course of action.

While some injuries may require surgery, our team always prioritizes the most conservative and effective treatment possible. For less severe injuries, non-operative treatment may include a cast, brace, splint, or physical therapy.

The Orthopedic ONE Care Team

Regardless of the type of injury, Orthopedic ONE is here to help. “We truly have specialists for every type of orthopedic injury,” Dr. Davison explains. “We can almost always find a physician and a team uniquely qualified to take care of a particular patient. On top of that, our system, from the scheduling process right down to the physical therapy, really allows for patients to get timely care.” This collaborative approach helps ensure patients receive the care they need from the initial injury through every stage of recovery.

An e-bike ride can change your life in an instant, but the right care can help put your recovery on the right path. From your first appointment through rehabilitation, Orthopedic ONE is here to help you move forward.