Emergency physicians across the United States are reporting a sharp increase in traumatic brain injuries associated with e-bike and e-motorcycle crashes, particularly among children and teenagers.
Doctors say many families do not realize the speed and power of the vehicles their children are riding until a serious crash occurs.
One recent case involved a 13-year-old girl who suffered a traumatic brain injury and required emergency surgery after crashing her new e-bike. She spent 20 days hospitalized, including two weeks in intensive care.
Traumatic Brain Injuries Are Becoming More Common
According to emergency physicians interviewed by CNN:
- Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Skull fractures
- Concussions
- Chest injuries
- Internal injuries
- Cardiac arrest
- Fatal trauma
Children ages 11 to 14 account for a large percentage of e-bike and e-motorcycle crashes.
Doctors emphasize that these incidents often involve forces more similar to motorcycle crashes than traditional bicycle accidents.
Helmets HelpโBut They Cannot Prevent Every Brain Injury
Medical experts strongly encourage helmet use.
However, trauma physicians caution that helmets have limits when crashes occur at high speeds or involve motor vehicles.
According to ER physicians:
“It’s not just a broken bone.”
At speeds approaching 30 to 60 mph, riders may suffer severe head trauma even when wearing protective equipment.
California Has Tightened E-Bike Regulations
California lawmakers have recently enacted several measures aimed at reducing serious injuries.
These include:
AB 544
Requires e-bikes to have:
- A rear red reflector or light
- Visibility equipment during all hours of operation
SB 1271
Requires:
- Lithium-ion battery safety testing
- Product certification
- Consumer safety labeling
California has also increased enforcement against illegally modified vehicles marketed as e-bikes but capable of motorcycle-level speeds.
Rights After a Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury can result in years of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and financial hardship.
Economic Damages
Victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency medical care
- Hospitalization
- Neurosurgery
- Rehabilitation therapy
- Future medical treatment
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
Non-Economic Damages
Compensation may also include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Cognitive impairment
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability
Liability Analysis
Depending on the circumstances, investigators may examine:
- Negligent drivers
- Unsafe roadway conditions
- Defective vehicle components
- Illegal vehicle modifications
- Product manufacturers
- Retailers that misrepresented vehicle classifications
California Civil Code ยง 1714 generally allows injury victims to pursue claims against parties whose negligence contributed to a crash.
When defective products are involved, California product liability laws may also apply.
In cases involving minors, parents may face legal scrutiny if they knowingly permit the unlawful operation of modified vehicles.
At Brain Injury Help Center
A traumatic brain injury can change a life in seconds.
Victims may face surgeries, cognitive rehabilitation, memory problems, emotional changes, and years of recovery.
At Brain Injury Help Center, we help families understand their legal options after serious head and brain injuries.
โ๏ธFree consultations
โ๏ธ Clear legal counsel
โ๏ธ Available regardless of immigration status.
๐ Contact us for a free consultation.
