E-bike and e-scooter injuries continue to rise in Colorado Springs
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The e-bike boom is fueling a spike in crashes and injuries in Colorado Springs, especially among young riders.
Why it matters: The result has been evident in emergency departments. Experts say electric bikes and scooters aren't inherently more dangerous than traditional versions, but their higher speeds can increase the severity of crashes.
Threat level: Children's Hospital Colorado in Colorado Springs released new data showing that e-bike injuries for children tripled in 2025 compared to the prior year.
- E-scooter injuries doubled in the same period.
- About 40% of e-bike crashes involve a motor vehicle.
What they're saying: "I think the number one rule is helmets, helmets, helmets. No helmet, no ride," said Alicia Melven, an injury prevention specialist at Children's Hospital Colorado, told News 5.
The big picture: E-bike sales in the U.S. have more than quadrupled over the past five years.
- About 41% of all emergency visits for e-bike injuries in 2024 and 2025 involved patients ages 10–19, according to National Electronic Injury Surveillance System estimates.
Between the lines: E-bikes travel faster and weigh more than conventional bicycles, making them more difficult for inexperienced riders to control and increasing the risk of serious injuries.
- They use electric motors that amplify a rider's pedaling effort. Some models include a throttle that propels the bike without pedaling.
- Youth-oriented models are limited to about 20 mph, but some users illegally bypass those speed limiters.
Zoom in: Incline Bikes owner Kenneth Vasseur told News 5 that parents should understand how e-bikes work and consider whether their child is ready for one. "I wouldn't have my first bicycle for my child be an e-bike," he said.
Worthy of your time: The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers tips to prevent e-bike injuries, including wearing a helmet every time and putting phones and headphones away while riding.