Researchers say the results support efforts to improve rider education, encourage consistent helmet use and expand infrastructure designed to protect cyclists. They also point to the potential value of policies that address issues such as age requirements, e-bike classification standards and safe riding practices.
Future research will focus on linking traffic collision data with hospital and trauma records to better understand the specific injuries riders sustain and which prevention strategies are most effective. Researchers also hope to evaluate how emerging safety regulations and infrastructure improvements influence injury rates over time.
“As e-bike use continues to grow, it will be important to identify which interventions have the greatest impact on preventing serious injuries,” Austin said. “Our goal is not to discourage e-bike use, but to ensure that riders of all ages can use them as safely as possible.”
Additional co-authors on the study include: Louis Perkins, MD; Laura Haines, MD; Leslie Kobayashi, MD; Allison Berndtson, MD; Jessica Weaver, MD; Jarrett Santorelli, MD; and Amy Liepert, MD, from UC San Diego. Romeo Ignacio, MD, from Rady Children’s Health and UC San Diego. Sigrid Burruss, MD, from UC Irvine. John Maa, MD, from MarinHealth Medical Center. Todd Costantini, MD, from University of Minnesota.
Authors declare no competing interests.