Crashes involving e-bikes lead to more serious injuries vs. crashes on traditional bikes, data shows
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Following the death of an 11-year-old in Fort Bend County who was rushed to the hospital after an e-scooter crash, ABC13 looked into the data on which is safer: a traditional bike or an e-bike.
The data is nuanced. ABC data experts say local agencies don't always distinguish whether a bike, e-bike, or scooter is involved in an incident. However, a national review shows some trends.
Despite Houston's car-centric design and attitude, the city and surrounding area have a rich bike culture.
"Because it's a lesser-known scene and lesser-used mode of transportation in Houston, people who use bikes tend to band together into a community," Bike Houston executive director Joe Cutrufo said.
Cutrufo said e-bikes have changed the commuter game in cities as big as Houston.
"It gets really hot here, and you don't have to sweat as much when you are on an e-bike, or if you have had a knee injury or you have arthritis or you just can't manage long distances on a regular bike, an e-bike is a great tool for you because it helps extend your range," Cutrufo said.
A national review by Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives found no clear evidence that either e-bike or traditional bike riders crash more than the other.
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The review did find that when an e-bike rider does crash, they are more likely to suffer more serious injuries. This includes injuries to the head, neck, face, and even traumatic brain injuries.
Looking back, the review shows that as e-bike use has exploded, emergency visits related to e-bike crashes more than doubled between 2022 and 2024.
Fatalities also grew. In 2017, the review found no deaths nationwide. Fast forward to 2023, there were 91 fatalities, and in 2024 there were 97.
Cutrufo said some e-bikes can go up to 20 miles an hour, which he finds too fast for most kids. Cutrufo encourages parents to go to a local bike shop, rather than buying online, to find out what is right for their child or themselves.
"They have the equipment that you need; they have the knowledge that you need. When you shop for an e-bike online, sometimes you don't know exactly what you are getting. So do your research, but also talk to an expert; go to a local bike shop," Cutrufo said.
Cutrufo said e-motor bikes have also become more popular and should not be lumped in with e-bikes. He said only adults with experience on motorized bikes should ride them and that they are generally not safe for kids, especially in an urban setting with cars.
