Serious E-Bike Injuries Quadruple In Riverside County, Many Involve Children

"E-bikes move faster and are much more powerful than traditional bicycles, so the injuries can be much more serious," said Dr. Michael Mesisca, department chair of Emergency Medicine for RUHS – Medical Center. "Blunt head trauma, rib fractures, collapsed lungs and lacerations are more in line with what we’re seeing in the Emergency Department, particularly among teens and young adults. Those injuries can have dire, sometimes permanent impacts."

The age groups most likely to be involved in e-bike crashes range from 10 to 24 years.

Emergency department visits among 10- to 14-year-olds in Riverside County have more than doubled, from 155 in 2024 to 339 in 2025; the number of emergency visits among 15- to 24-year-olds during the same period have also more than doubled, from 122 to 248, according to RUHS.

It’s likely that e-bike incidents are being undercounted as hospitals work to accurately record injuries given the emergence of various types and speeds of motorized bicycles, according to RUHS.

“Unfortunately, too many youngsters riding around our communities on e-bikes are making dangerous choices by driving too fast, not wearing a properly fitted helmet or not following the rules of the road. It’s time for all of us to slow down and commit to safety guidelines that will save lives,” said Second District Supervisor and Board Chairwoman Karen Spiegel.

In December, the Riverside County District Attorney's Office announced it was reviewing case law to determine who should be held responsible in e-bikes crashes when minors are involved.

Specifically, the DA is focusing on criminal liability, which could include an e-bike operator and possibly the parents or guardians of a minor.

Parents aren't always aware of state laws surrounding e-bikes, and kids without a driver's license aren't well-versed in the rules of the road when riding.

In California, a bike with an electric motor and an automatic transmission that produces less than 4 gross brake horsepower, and is capable of speeds nearing 30 mph on level ground, can only be operated by those 16 years of age or older who possess a motorcycle license. These bikes, defined as Class 3, also require special license plates and an identification card.

For now, state law does not prohibit minors from riding Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes (bikes with pedals and maximum assist speeds of 20 mph).

Follow these state laws and tips to increase e-bike safety:

• Children under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet on any type of bike/e-bike, scooter, skateboard, or roller skates. (Adults are also legally required to wear a helmet on Class 3 bikes.)
• Sidewalk riding is not permitted in most places.

• Wear bright-colored or reflective clothing, along with elbow and knee pads.
• Follow traffic signals, stop signs and right-of-way rules.
• Maintain a measured rate of speed.
• Take part in training courses.
• Parents: Be aware that many Class 2 e-bikes can be easily modified after purchase to go faster than 20 mph, allowing tech-savvy kids to travel at speeds unsafe for their level of experience.
• E-bikes are heavier and harder to maneuver than traditional bicycles, so it takes longer to stop them at higher speeds.

When it comes to young riders, parents should familiarize themselves with e-bikes and consider the protective equipment and training a child or teen needs to ride safely, Mesisca said.

Visit www.ruhealth.org for local trainings, information on how to talk to your kids about e-bike practices and download a free safety pledge to share with your child.