Protecting Childhood Fun through Safe Biking and Scooting

The freedom of riding a bike, e-bike, or e-scooter is a childhood joy, but it comes with important safety responsibilities. As these wheeled activities grow in popularity, injuries are on the rise. In fact, children 14 and younger account for about 36% of all bike and scooter-related injuries, with fractures being the most common diagnosis.

"Our pediatric emergency and trauma care teams are equipped to handle the most severe injuries, but our goal is to prevent these incidents from ever happening," says Margaret McGuire, M.D., Pediatric Trauma medical director, Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC) & K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital. "We want to see children enjoying their freedom on wheels, but we also want them to do it safely and return home without a trip to the emergency department."

The most critical piece of safety equipment is a properly fitted helmet, which can reduce the risk of head injury by at least 45%. Yet, less than half of children typically wear one. A helmet should sit level on the head and low on the forehead, one or two finger-widths above the eyebrows. The side straps should form a "V" under the ears, and the chin strap should be snug enough that no more than one or two fingers fit between the chin and the strap.

"When you wear a helmet, your child is more likely to wear one too," says Patricia Bonatakis, PT, DPT, Pediatric Trauma Injury Prevention coordinator. "It's also essential to teach them the rules of the road, like riding on the right side with traffic, using hand signals, and stopping at all stop signs and intersections." Before each bike ride, have your children check the ABCs: make sure the Air in the tires is sufficient, the Brakes are working correctly, and the Chain is secure.

Make sure the bike or scooter is the right size for your child; they should be able to sit and place the balls of both feet on the ground. Always supervise younger children, ensure riders wear bright colors for visibility, and strictly forbid riding at dusk or after dark. Distractions like headphones should be avoided. By modeling safe behavior and teaching your children these rules, you empower them to make smart choices that can prevent a life-altering injury.

JSUMC provides the community with adult and pediatric emergency department care and Monmouth & Ocean counties’ only Level 1 Pediatric and Adult Trauma Centers. The E.D. achieved the 2026 ENA Lantern Award from the Emergency Nurses Association, recognizing advanced patient care and innovative care performance. For information, visit www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/locations/jersey-shore-university-medical-center.