Dignity Health East Valley doctor warns of serious injuries tied to e-bike and e-scooter crashes

Local communities mirror  national trend in uptick of e-bike emergency room visits

As electric bike (e-bike) and electric scooter (e-scooter) popularity continue to gain traction, Dignity Health East Valley emergency departments are witnessing a concerning rise in injuries related to these devices, leading local doctors to issue a plea for rider safety. 

Across the nation, emergency departments are treating patients with complex fractures, head trauma, and other injuries related to these increasingly popular modes of transportation. East Valley communities are no exception.

Dignity Health Chandler Regional’s Level I Trauma Center treated nearly 200 patients who suffered injuries from e-bikes or  e-scooters between 2020 and 2025. Of those injured, only 30 patients said they were wearing a helmet.  The most severe injuries were traumatic brain injuries and skull fractures, and the most common were injuries and fractures to face ribs, ankles and wrists. The largest age group to visit Chandler Regional’s trauma center for e-bike and e-scooter injuries were people in their 30s and 40s. 

“E-bikes and e-scooters are not toys - they are powerful vehicles capable of significant speed and force,” said Dr. Evan Leibner, chair of emergency medicine at Dignity Health Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert Medical Centers. “What might seem like a minor fall from a traditional bicycle can escalate into a major injury or trauma when traveling at 20-30 miles an hour. It’s essential that all riders take safety precautions to protect themselves on the road and avoid a preventable trip to the emergency department.”

To mitigate the growing risks, Dr. Leibner recommends the following:

• Always wear a helmet: There is no exception to this rule. A properly fitted helmet can significantly reduce the risk of head injury and potentially save your life. 

• Take it easy: E-bikes are much faster and heavier than traditional bicycles. The extra speed means more force in a collision or fall. Don’t go full throttle if you don’t have to.

• Don’t double up: Resist the urge to ride with a passenger as it can compromise stability, handling, and braking which increases the risk of accidents. 

• Understand your skill level: Practice in safe, controlled environments away from traffic and obstacles before hitting the road. 

• Never ride impaired: Just like driving a car, do not ride an e-bike under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It impairs your judgment, reaction time, and drastically increases accident risk.

“When operated responsibly and with an awareness of the risks,  e-bikes can be a great way to get around,” said Dr. Leibner. “However, we’ve seen the consequences of careless riding. Please prioritize your safety and the safety of others  when hitting the road.”

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