E-Bike Injuries on the Rise: A Growing Concern for Hawaii’s Kids

E-bike injuries are increasing at an alarming rate, particularly among children.

"Prior to 2022, we were not seeing any injuries from e-bikes," said Alissa Lo, a registered nurse and the trauma program manager for Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children.

"Starting in 2022, we started seeing these injuries, and between 2022 and 2023, we've more than doubled the volume of children coming in with injuries from e-bikes. In the second quarter of 2024, this was our most common cause of injury among the children treated at the Trauma Center," Lo revealed.

Lo appeared on Hawaii News Now's Sunrise morning show to highlight this growing issue and offer safety advice for families.

What Types of Injuries Do E-Bike Accidents Cause?

E-bike accidents can result in a variety of injuries, ranging from deep cuts and abrasions to blunt trauma to the chest or abdomen, which can lead to internal organ damage.

However, Lo emphasized that brain injuries are often the most devastating.

"If you can imagine a healthy, independent child prior to the injury now needing assistance with activities of daily living, like walking, feeding themselves, going to the bathroom and brushing their teeth – it can be pretty severe," she said.

Who is Most at Risk?

E-bike injuries affect children of all ages, from toddlers to teens.

Lo said the Kapiolani Trauma Center most often treats children ages 7-8 who operate e-bikes by themselves

"Unfortunately, the majority of them are not wearing helmets at the time of injury," she said.

Additionally, Lo added that they also see children ages 3-6 brought in for injuries sustained while riding as passengers on e-bikes operated by adults.

How Can You Reduce the Risk of E-bike Accidents?

To reduce the risk of e-bike injuries, Lo recommends taking the following precautions:

• Use proper safety gear. Standard bicycle helmets are not sufficient when it comes to e-bikes; motorcycle helmets should be used instead. For regular bicycles, scooters or skateboards, always make sure children wear properly fitted helmets.
• Obey the rules of the road. E-bikes are permitted wherever traditional bicycles are allowed, including roadways, bike lanes and multi-use paths. Those operating an e-bike have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers and should obey all traffic signals and signs.
• Know the definition of an e-bike. Hawaii currently recognizes e-bikes as low-speed two- or three-wheeled vehicles with:
  • Fully operable pedals
  • An electric motor no more than 750 watts
  • A maximum speed of 20 mph produced by the motor only

  Any vehicle that is missing the above is not considered an e-bike.

• Keep young children off e-bikes. Hawaii state law prohibits children under the age of 15 from operating an e-bike. Parents and guardians should strictly adhere to this regulation to ensure their safety.

This segment originally aired Aug. 7, 2024, as part of the Hawaii News Now "Sunrise" Healthier Hawaii series. Watch the full broadcast here or below.

Published on: December 13, 2024