San Francisco e-bike crashes surge among young people

The e-bike boom has fueled a spike in crashes and severe injuries in San Francisco, as cities crack down on the motorized vehicles.

Why it matters: Emergency departments are seeing a surge of child trauma cases related to electric bikes.

Experts say electric bikes and scooters aren't inherently more dangerous than traditional versions.

• But their higher speeds and heavier weights make them more difficult for inexperienced riders to control, heightening the risk of serious injuries.

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.

Zoom in: No federal law regulates e-bike use, leaving states and local governments to set their own rules.

• In San Francisco, riders under 16 are barred from using Class 3 e-bikes, which can reach speeds of up to 28 mph.
• Anyone under 18 must wear a helmet and, like traditional bicycles, e-bikes must follow the rules of the road.