As e-bikes and e-scooters become increasingly popular among young riders, physicians at Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital are helping families understand the risks, the realities of serious injuries and the road to recovery.
At Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Loma Linda, clinicians have cared for young patients recovering from serious e-bike and e-scooter accidents. Some arrive with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries or other complex medical needs that require weeks or months of specialized rehabilitation.
For families, the consequences of a serious accident can extend far beyond the emergency room. A child who was riding through their neighborhood one afternoon may suddenly face the difficult task of relearning everyday activities, while parents adjust to a recovery process they never anticipated.
Why E-Bike Injuries Can Be So Serious
Unlike traditional bicycles, electric bikes combine motor-assisted speed with additional weight, creating conditions that can make collisions particularly dangerous.
According to Dr. Anh Vu Le of Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, the combination of speed and weight is an important consideration for parents.
“E-bikes are heavier than traditional bikes, which requires increased stopping distance. The higher speeds greatly reduce the reaction time for bike riders and other motorists,” explained Dr. Le. “These two factors of increased mass and speed combined often result in more forceful collisions and life-altering injuries.”
Research has also raised concerns about the growing number of injuries associated with electric bicycles. A 2026 UC San Diego study reported a substantial increase in California e-bike collisions between 2018 and 2024, with younger riders representing a notable share of those injured. National emergency department research has similarly documented increases in e-bike-related injuries, including fractures and head trauma.
For children and adolescents, these injuries can interrupt school, sports, friendships and everyday routines. In the most serious cases, they can fundamentally change how a child moves, communicates or cares for themselves.
What Happens After the Emergency Room?
At Totally Kids, pediatric rehabilitation focuses on helping children and young adults regain as much function and independence as possible following an injury or illness. Depending on their needs, patients may receive physical, occupational and speech therapy alongside physician oversight, nursing care and other specialized services.
Dr. Wilson of Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital emphasizes that rehabilitation is about more than a single physical milestone.
“We want parents to understand just how serious these injuries can be and how quickly a child’s life can change,” said Dr. Wilson of Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. “At Totally Kids, we care for children and families facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Our team works closely with each family to support their child’s recovery, rebuild independence and prepare them for life beyond the hospital. We are proud to be part of that journey, but our greatest hope is that greater awareness can help prevent these injuries from happening in the first place.”
A Road Back to Independence
For 17-year-old Richard K., that journey began after a serious e-scooter accident.
Richard came to Totally Kids from Riverside University Health System, where he had received treatment following his injury. At Totally Kids, he continued his recovery through specialized pediatric rehabilitation, working with a team focused on helping him regain independence and prepare for his return home.
In August, Richard reached an important milestone. With his girlfriend beside him, he walked out of Totally Kids, marking the end of his inpatient rehabilitation stay and the beginning of the next chapter of his recovery.
Not every child’s recovery follows the same path, and not every patient will regain the abilities they had before an injury. But each milestone can make a meaningful difference in a child’s quality of life. Richard’s experience is also a reminder of what can be at stake when an ordinary ride ends in a serious accident.
What Parents Should Know Before Their Child Rides
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages families to carefully consider a child’s age, maturity, riding experience and ability to make safe decisions before allowing them to operate an e-bike.
The AAP recommends that children under 12 not ride e-bikes. For children ages 12 to 15 whose parents determine they are ready, the organization recommends Class 1 e-bikes only, which require pedaling for motor assistance and have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph.
In California, riders must be at least 16 years old to operate a Class 3 e-bike. Parents should also familiarize themselves with local regulations, which may place additional restrictions on where certain e-bikes can be ridden.
The AAP offers several important safety recommendations for families:
- Wear a helmet every ride. Choose a properly fitted, safety-certified helmet appropriate for the bicycle and riding conditions. California law requires riders under 18 to wear a helmet.
- Choose an age-appropriate e-bike. Understand the differences between Class 1, 2 and 3 models before purchasing or allowing a child to ride.
- Practice essential riding skills. Children should be comfortable braking, turning, signaling and recognizing hazards before riding independently.
- Establish clear riding rules. Discuss traffic laws, safe routes, passenger restrictions and the dangers of distractions such as phones or headphones.
- Inspect the bicycle regularly. Check brakes, tires and other equipment, and avoid modifications that increase motor speed.
- Talk openly about the risks. Help children understand why speed, traffic awareness and responsible decisions matter.
The AAP also provides an E-Bike Safety Checklist and Family E-Bike Riding Agreement to help parents assess readiness and establish expectations before their child begins riding.
For more information about pediatric rehabilitation at Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, call 909-796-6915 to speak with our Case Management team or visit www.totallykids.com.