E-bike injuries rising in WNY

Buffalo, NY (WBEN) The alarm is sounding on e-bike crashes in WNY. One doctor says the number of crashes involving e-bikes has gone up substantially.

Doctors at Golisano say the problem isn't simply that they are seeing more crashes. They are also concerned about the severity of the injuries.

E-bikes can be heavier and considerably faster than traditional bicycles, changing the forces involved when a young rider crashes.

“E-bikes are becoming increasingly common for transportation and recreation, including among young people. But they are not simply faster bicycles — they are heavier, travel at significantly higher speeds, and when a rider crashes, the injuries are much more serious,” said Dr. Dori Marshall, Chief Medical Officer at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo.

Dr. Andrew Nordin, Medical Director of Golisano’s ACS Level I Pediatric Trauma Center, said the injuries physicians are treating can look less like traditional bicycle crashes and more like motorcycle trauma. “Injuries sustained from these e-bikes are more severe than traditional bicycles and more akin to motorcycle injuries; they may be life-threatening or even life-ending,” Nordin said. “The frequency and severity of these injuries underscores the importance of thoughtful, evidence-based safety standards for young riders.”

The increase at Golisano comes amid a broader toll from e-bikes and e-scooters across Western New York.

According to the Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office, 13 deaths involving e-bikes or e-scooters have been identified in Western New York since 2024. Nine have occurred in 2026 alone.

“E-bikes reach much higher speeds than regular bikes and scooters, and collisions and crashes can lead to injuries more commonly seen in a motorcycle crash,” said Dr. Gale Burstein, Erie County Commissioner of Health. “These injuries can be catastrophic, life-altering, disabling and fatal — and no age group is free from risk.”

FYI: WHAT NEW YORK LAW SAYS NOW

Under current New York State law:

• You must be at least 16 years old to operate an e-bike.
• Outside New York City, a legal Class 1 or Class 2 e-bike cannot provide electric assistance above 20 mph.
• Class 3 e-bikes, which can provide assistance up to 25 mph, are permitted only in New York City.
• State law does not currently require 16- and 17-year-olds riding Class 1 or Class 2 e-bikes to wear helmets statewide. Helmets are required for Class 3 e-bikes, and local governments may impose additional helmet requirements.
• E-scooter riders must be at least 16, and riders ages 16 and 17 must wear helmets.
• Local governments can impose additional restrictions governing where and how e-bikes and e-scooters are operated.

New York officials have also warned consumers that some vehicles marketed or sold as “e-bikes” do not actually meet New York's legal definition. Vehicles capable of exceeding the state's electric-assist speed limits may instead be treated as e-motos, mopeds or motorcycles and subject to different requirements.

SAFETY TIPS FOR FAMILIES

Golisano Children’s Hospital and public health officials encourage families to:

• Wear a properly fitted helmet on every ride.
• Make sure children understand braking distance, traffic, intersections and the additional speed and weight of an e-bike before riding on streets.
• Know what you're buying. Make sure the vehicle is legal under New York law and appropriate for the rider's age.
• Know the rules governing where e-bikes and e-scooters can legally be ridden.
• Have inexperienced riders ride with someone else so help is nearby if something goes wrong.
• Drivers should slow down around cyclists and e-bike riders, anticipate their movements and leave adequate room when passing.