Parents Underestimated E-Bike Safety Risks

A new University of Michigan Health poll shows parents lack knowledge about the hazards of e-bikes and e-scooters.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Children’s Health

Bold vector editorial illustration of a bicycle helmet and an e-bike wheel on a concrete path, highlighting safety risks for riders. — A new University of Michigan Health poll finds that many parents underestimate the safety risks associated with e-bikes and e-scooters for children. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe children require more protective gear when riding e-bikes or e-scooters?

University of Michigan Health reported that parents frequently underestimate safety risks associated with e-bikes and e-scooters. The poll findings arrive as pediatric emergency physicians observe a rise in related hospitalizations.

Why it matters

E-bikes and e-scooters operate at significantly higher speeds than traditional bicycles, creating unique safety challenges for young riders. This discrepancy between parental knowledge and actual injury risk highlights an urgent need for increased awareness.

A University of Michigan Health poll found that only 6% of parents consider themselves very informed about e-bike types. Consequently, the hospitalization rate for these devices is nearly double that of traditional bicycles.

The players

University of Michigan Health

This is a prominent academic medical center that conducts clinical research and provides specialized pediatric care in Ann Arbor.

C.S. Mott Children's Hospital

It is a leading pediatric hospital affiliated with the University of Michigan that focuses on child health research and emergency medicine.

The details

Pediatricians at the University of Michigan emergency department have documented a variety of injuries among young riders, ranging from lacerations and fractures to internal and head injuries. Experts now recommend the use of specialized, e-bike-specific helmets to help mitigate these risks.

University of Michigan Health released the poll findings on September 21, 2026.

The Big Picture

This finding extends the pediatric injury surveillance work performed by the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. It highlights a critical shift in how medical researchers are monitoring new consumer technologies to protect child health.

Parents in Ann Arbor should consider investing in e-bike-specific helmets to provide better head protection than standard bicycle gear. Families must also recognize that these devices carry a higher injury risk than traditional bikes when planning safe transport for children.

The takeaway

Parents should actively familiarize themselves with the specific capabilities and speed profiles of their children's electric vehicles. Using certified safety gear designed for e-bikes can significantly improve safety outcomes during daily travel.