Getting Up to Speed: Why E-Bike Safety Hasn't Caught Up

E-bikes are changing the way people get around: offering new opportunities for transportation, recreation and independence. But as their popularity grows, so do questions about safety, especially for children and teenagers. Living Healthy Together sits down with pediatric critical care physician Dr. Rebecca Bell, MD, MPH, and injury prevention specialist Stephanie Busch, AEMT, CPSTI, to explore this growing conversation. Together, they discuss what e-bikes are, how they differ from traditional pedal bicycles, why injuries are increasing nationwide, and what parents need to know before purchasing one for their child. The conversation covers rider readiness, age recommendations, helmet selection, injury prevention, battery safety, community regulations and the unique challenges e-bikes present because of their speed and weight. Dr. Bell and Stephanie also explain how families can balance the benefits of e-bikes with practical steps to reduce risk and keep riders safe. Whether you’re considering an e-bike for yourself or your child, already have one in the garage, or simply want to better understand this rapidly evolving mode of transportation, this episode offers expert guidance to help you make informed decisions.