Doctors Report Increase in Head Injuries Tied to E-Bikes

March is National Brain Injury Awareness Month

SANTA MARIA, CA – March 12, 2026 – March is National Brain Injury Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about brain injuries and highlight the importance of early recognition and treatment. Brain injuries are complex and life-altering, affecting each individual differently. With prompt medical care and proper support, however, recovery outcomes can significantly improve.

Each year, millions of Americans sustain brain injuries. Yet every person impacted is more than a diagnosis. Individuals living with brain injuries continue to have goals, careers, families, and aspirations. Raising awareness and improving understanding are critical to ensuring they receive the care and support they deserve.

“It’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention after a head injury to ensure the best possible recovery,” says Dr. Claire Collison, a surgeon at Marian Regional Medical Center’s Level II trauma center. “Recognizing symptoms early and acting quickly can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term complications.”

New Data Shows E-Bike Injuries Rising Sharply

Electric bicycles have surged in popularity across California and nationwide as convenient, climate-friendly transportation. However, recent national data reveals a concerning increase in serious injuries:

• E-bike–related emergency department visits increased more than 30-fold from 2017 to 2022.
• Head injuries rose approximately 49-fold, outpacing overall e-bike trauma.
• Only about 44% of injured riders were wearing helmets.
• Riders without helmets face a significantly higher risk of head injuries, with studies showing they are up to 6.6 times more likely to sustain a head injury and 8.3 times more likely to suffer a brain injury compared to helmeted riders.
• Studies also show e-bike crashes often result in more severe injuries than traditional bicycle crashes, likely due to higher speeds and heavier bike frames.

These findings underscore the urgency of prevention — not to discourage e-bike use, but to encourage safer riding practices. Physicians strongly recommend wearing a properly fitted helmet on every ride, regardless of age or distance traveled.

Prevention and Emerging Risks

Preventive measures, such as wearing seatbelts, using protective sports gear, and ensuring proper supervision for children — can significantly reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries. But as transportation trends evolve, so do injury patterns.

Know the Warning Signs: Remember “HEADS”

Early detection is key. Recognizing the symptoms of a concussion or more serious brain injury can make a life-changing — and sometimes lifesaving — difference.

Physicians recommend monitoring for the following symptoms after a head injury:

H – Headaches or vomiting

E – Ears ringing

A – Amnesia, altered consciousness, or loss of consciousness

D – Double vision and/or dizziness

S – Something feels wrong or not quite right

If any of these symptoms occur, seek medical care immediately.

National Brain Injury Awareness Month is an opportunity to educate communities about prevention, recognize warning signs, and encourage immediate medical evaluation when injuries occur. Acting quickly after a head injury can save lives, reduce long-term disability, and help individuals return to the lives they value.

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About Marian Regional Medical Center

Marian Regional Medical Center is a state-of-the-art, 191-bed medical center located in Santa Maria, California. The modern facility is home to a broad array of services including a level II trauma center, a level III neonatal intensive care unit, a nationally recognized cardiac care center, and the Central Coast’s only Comprehensive Community Cancer Program as recognized by the Commission on Cancer. Marian has been recognized for quality and patient safety and has received an “A” grade in hospital safety from the Leapfrog Group.

Learn more at dignityhealth.org/marianregional.