Electric bikes and scooters are becoming increasingly popular in densely populated areas around the country; however, their rise in usage coincides with an increased need for safety measures, according to a study published by the University of San Francisco.
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The study, which reported a national surge in accidents tied to “micromobility” devices, stated that e-bike injuries doubled annually from 2017 to 2022, while e-scooter injuries rose by 45% in the same timeframe.
“The U.S. had a remarkable increase in micromobility injuries during the study period,” said co-lead author Adrian Fernandez, MD, chief resident with the UCSF Department of Urology. “This increase in accidents not only introduced a demographic shift, but also underscores an urgent need for added safety measures. There are undeniable health and environmental benefits to micromobility vehicle use, but structural changes must be taken to promote safe riding.”
The U.S. Department of Transportation describes micromobility devices as “any small, low-speed, electric-powered transportation device, including electric-assist bicycles (e-bikes), electric scooters (e-scooters), and other small, lightweight, wheeled electric-powered conveyances.”
And while their effects on traffic congestion and sustainability have been well-documented, the devices have proven to be dangerous when in the hands of those with limited experience handling them.
The study also found that helmet usage is “noticeably lower” among e-bike and e-scooter riders and that they were more likely to exhibit potentially destructive behaviors like riding while intoxicated compared to conventional bike and scooter riders.
“As micromobility vehicles become more embedded in our daily lives, understanding and addressing the safety challenges they pose is critical,” said senior and corresponding author Benjamin N. Breyer, MD, MAS. “This not only involves adapting our urban landscapes but also fostering a culture of safety among riders.”
In Northeast Florida, measures have begun being implemented to cultivate the type of culture Breyer is referring to.
For example, the Atlantic Beach City Commission recently approved new legislation to improve e-bike safety in the area, including imposing speed restrictions and making riders yield to pedestrians on sidewalks or crosswalks.
In St. Johns County, a draft e-bike ordinance was recently submitted to the county’s sheriff’s office after a 12-year-old boy was critically injured after he was involved in an e-bike crash.
Regarding state law, Florida, like most states, classifies electric bicycles into three categories:
- Class 1: Bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the electric bicycles reaches 20 mph.
- Class 2: Bicycle equipped with a throttle-actuated motor, that ceases to provide assistance when the electric bicycle reaches 20 mph.
- Class 3: Bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the electric bicycle reaches 28 mph.
In states like California and Colorado, those under the age of 16 are not permitted to ride Class 3 e-bikes. No such regulation currently exists in Florida.
