E-Bike Operators -- Especially Kids -- Urged to Take Safety Precautions

INDIO (CNS) - Upward spikes in accidents involving electric bicycles,
or e-bikes, throughout Riverside County prompted the Riverside University
Health System Thursday to urge riders, especially youths, to exercise caution
while on the vehicles.
  

``E-bikes move faster and are much more powerful than traditional
bicycles, so the injuries can be much more serious,'' RUHS Dr. Michael Mesisca
said. ``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.''
  

Agency figures indicated there were 224 e-bike accidents reported
countywide in 2023, 494 in 2024 and 958 in 2025 -- translating to a roughly
320% increase over that period.
  

Officials said one county resident died in an e-bike accident in 2024,
while there were two deaths last year.
  

Year-to-date in 2026, 416 e-bike accidents have been documented, RUHS
stated.
  

The age group most prone to accidents was identified as those 10 to 24
years old.
  

In Riverside County, the number of emergency visits among 10- to 14-
year-olds more than doubled, rising from 155 in 2024 to 339 in 2025, while
visits among 15- to 24-year-olds increased from 122 to 248, according to RUHS.
  

``Too many youngsters are dangerously riding e-bikes, driving too
fast, not wearing a properly fitted helmet, or not following the rules of the
road,'' Board of Supervisors Chair Karen Spiegel said. ``Everyone needs to slow
down and follow the safety guidelines that are meant to save lives.''
  

Parents and guardians were urged to ensure children utilize protective
equipment and take safety courses before riding to prevent mishaps. RUHS'
specific recommendations included:
   -- Wearing bright-colored or reflective clothing, along with elbow and
knee pads;
   -- Following traffic signals, stop signs and right-of-way rules;
   -- Maintaining a measured rate of speed; and
   -- Wearing certified, properly fastened helmets.
  

Additional safety tips are available at www.ruhealth.org.
  

E-bike training courses can be found at
https://rise.articulate.com/share/yB3Hip8AYzOGdY0dqnd42mQ3k0c6Jza1#/, and
helmet options are listed at https://helmets.org/.
  

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