From ABC7 New York · · 1m 20s
E-bike surge injuring children on Long Island
Doctors and officials warn of a public safety crisis as e-bike accidents spike, with children as young as 8 suffering serious injuries.
In brief
Doctors and officials warn of a public safety crisis as e-bike accidents spike, with children as young as 8 suffering serious injuries. Children lack the maturity and experience to safely operate e-bikes at high speeds, and many devices sold are illegal and unregulated. Originally reported by ABC7 New York.
E-bike injuries surge on Long Island
Doctors at South Shore University Hospital are treating serious injuries from e-bikes, e-scooters, and motorized dirt bikes, describing it as a public health crisis. Children as young as 8 have suffered life-threatening injuries.
“This is a real public safety and public health crisis”
Children lack judgment at high speeds
Pediatricians warn that children don't have the maturity to safely navigate corners or handle obstacles like sand at 30 miles per hour. They simply lack the experience needed.
“These children don't have the maturity to judge what it's like to go around the corner with sand in the street at 30 miles an hour”
Many e-bikes sold are illegal
Suffolk County police have seized over 200 illegal vehicles marketed as e-bikes or e-scooters. Many lack required pedals or exceed the 750-watt limit for legal models.
“What they buy or what they give their children is not street legal, and is not actually an e-bike or an e-scooter”
Legal e-bikes must meet strict standards
A legal e-bike requires operable pedals, an electric motor under 750 watts, and a label showing class, wattage, and assisted speed. Modified models without pedals are illegal.
“A legal e-bike must have operable pedals, an electric motor, under 750 watts, and a label showing the class, wattage and assisted speed”
No riders under 16 on public roads
County law prohibits children younger than 16 from operating e-bikes on public roads. Parents can face fines for allowing underage children to ride, especially without helmets.
“Allowing your 14-year-old child to operate an e-bike, particularly without a helmet is really not much different than giving them a loaded handgun”
What matters most
Children lack the maturity and experience to safely operate e-bikes at high speeds, and many devices sold are illegal and unregulated.
