In recent years, electric bicycles (e-bikes) have surged in popularity as a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation. But in recent years as e-bikes become more widely available as public transportation options, easily accessible as rentals in many cities, head trauma injuries have skyrocketed due to the lack of safety awareness and a fall in the use of helmets.
According to NPR, helmet use declined by almost 6 percent each year between 2017 and 2022, while the number of e-bike riders with head trauma seeking hospital care shot up 49 fold to nearly 8,000 in 2022.
IEP Urgent Care has seven locations in Metro Detroit open seven days a week; we can do digital x-rays on-site and treat sprains and minor fractures, but if you’ve experienced head trauma from a bicycle fall, the best thing to do is get to a hospital emergency room to be evaluated for a concussion or other dangers.
Safety should always be a top priority, even if you’re just cruising around town on a rented e-bike. Here are some essential e-bike safety tips to ensure your rides are both enjoyable and secure:
Wear a Helmet, ALWAYS.
No matter how short the journey or how experienced a rider you may be, wearing a helmet is non-negotiable. A helmet significantly reduces the risk of head injuries in case of accidents. Make sure your helmet fits snugly and is properly adjusted. Companies like Thousand and Pro-Tec make certified and stylish helmets for the whole family, for a variety of activities.
Familiarize Yourself with Local Laws
Electric bicycle laws can vary from one place to another. Before hitting the road, familiarize yourself with the regulations governing e-bikes in your area. Pay attention to speed limits, bike lanes, and any restrictions on where e-bikes can be ridden.
Stay Visible
Enhance your visibility on the road by wearing brightly colored clothing during the day and reflective gear at night. Equip your e-bike with front and rear lights, as well as reflectors, to make yourself visible to other road users, especially in low-light conditions.
Mind Your Speed
E-bikes can reach higher speeds than traditional bicycles, so it's crucial to ride at a safe and comfortable speed. Be mindful of your surroundings and adjust your speed accordingly, especially when sharing the road with pedestrians or other cyclists.
Practice Defensive Riding
Anticipate potential hazards and always be prepared to react quickly. Stay alert, scan your surroundings regularly, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. Avoid distractions such as using your phone or wearing headphones while riding.
Obey Traffic Rules
Treat your e-bike as you would any other vehicle on the road. Obey traffic signals, yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, and use hand signals to indicate your intentions when turning or changing lanes. Respect the right of way of other road users.