A Doctor and Dad’s Guide to Safer Rides on E-Bikes and E-Scooters

E‑Scooter and e‑bike safety for kids and adults

I'm writing this wearing two hats. One is my bike helmet, scuffed from years of weekend rides and neighborhood loops with my kids. The other is my role as Chief Medical Officer at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, where I see-every day-the human cost of preventable injuries.

E-scooters and e-bikes are a newer part of modern life. They're fun, environmentally friendly, and a real solution for getting around town. I love that teens and tweens can zip to school or a part-time job without needing a car, and adults of all ages can rediscover the joy of moving outdoors.

But I also see what happens when enjoyment outruns caution. I'm not here to scare you, but as we enjoy the summer months I do want to talk about responsibility - shared by kids, parents, and adults alike - to keep safety at the forefront with these newer forms of transportation. 

Why this matters more than ever

E-bikes aren't just regular bikes with batteries. Their added speed and weight change the risks of riding them dramatically. The same goes for e-scooters.

A fall at 20-28 mph is not the same as tipping over at 8 mph on a standard bicycle or scooter. As a physician, I've treated and reviewed cases involving head injuries, broken wrists, facial fractures, internal injuries, and long-term mobility challenges-often from a single moment of distraction.

A recent study found that e-bicycle injuries doubled every year from 2017 to 2022, while e-scooter injuries rose by 45 percent each year. 

And as a dad, I know how fast "just one quick ride" can turn into something we wish we could rewind. The good news: most serious injuries are preventable.

For kids and teens: independence comes with rules

One of the hardest parts of parenting is letting go-especially when technology gives our kids independence before they fully understand risk. When it comes to e-bikes and e-scooters, boundaries matter.

• Helmets are non‑negotiable
  Not sometimes. Not "just down the block." Every ride. A properly fitted helmet reduces the risk of serious head injury dramatically. No helmet? No ride.
• Know the law—and your limits
  Many states and cities have age restrictions, speed limits, and rules about where e‑scooters and bikes can be ridden. Help your kids understand why those rules exist, not just that they do.
• One rider means one rider
  Double‑riding throws off balance and braking—especially dangerous on scooters.
• Phones down, eyes up
  Multitasking doesn't work at speed. No earbuds. No texting. Awareness is safety.
• Practice before freedom
  Just like learning to drive, kids should practice braking, turning, and navigating obstacles in a safe space before riding in traffic or crowded areas.

From one parent to another: consistency is key. Safety rules only work if we enforce them-every time.

For adults: experience doesn’t equal invincibility

Adults tend to assume they're safer because they're more experienced. In reality, I see many serious injuries in adults-often because of overconfidence.

• Wear the helmet you tell your kids to wear
  Kids notice hypocrisy instantly. Modeling safe behavior is powerful-and protective.
• Respect the speed
  An e-bike or scooter can accelerate faster than your reflexes. Ride at a speed that allows you to stop suddenly without panic.
• Be visible
  Reflective gear, lights (front and back), and bright clothing aren't just for night rides. Visibility saves lives during dawn, dusk, and overcast days, too.
• Don’t ride impaired
  Alcohol and e-mobility don't mix. Reaction time, balance, and judgment all suffer-often with severe consequences.
• Protect more than your head
  Wrist guards, gloves, and padded jackets aren't overkill. They're smart, especially for new riders or commuters in traffic.

Shared roads mean shared responsibility

Whether you’re 14 or 44, riding an e‑scooter or e‑bike means sharing space—with cars, pedestrians, cyclists, and other riders.

• Yield to pedestrians - always
• Use bike lanes when available
• Obey traffic signals
• Signal turns
• Assume drivers may not see you—even when you think they should

Ride responsibly

E-scooters and e-bikes aren't going away-and they shouldn't. There are real positives to using them, but the positives only outweigh the negatives when paired with responsibility.

So whether you’re gearing up a child for their first ride or hopping on a scooter yourself after work, take an extra second and put on the helmet.

The ride will still be fun. And you'll give yourself-and the people who care about you-the best chance to enjoy many more rides to come.