How To Protect Your Spine On Electric Bikes And Scooters

Electric bicycles and scooters have become much more common in recent years, especially in more populous areas like the Twin Cities. These fun and fast options can help you explore the city or make for a less taxing commute, but they’ve also led to a rise in injuries. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at why electric bikes and scooters can be dangerous for your spine health, and what you can do to protect yourself if you enjoy these electric modes of transportation.

E-Bike And E-Scooter Dangerous

A recent study out of the Netherlands found that head and spine injuries were rising among 50-70 year olds, and they believed that e-bike use was partly responsible for this increase. The same study also found that a rider was 1.6 times more likely to be injured on an electric bicycle compared to a standard bicycle. Numerous studies have also found a significant uptick in the number of people who are presenting to emergency rooms with injuries suffered on an electric scooter. So what’s driving these injuries?

There are a number of different factors at play, but experts believe that three main factors may be contributing to this uptick.

• Speed – Unlike a traditional bicycle or scooter, the electric options are not manually powered by the operator. This means that the rider can get going faster than they could ever hope to go on a traditional bicycle, and if they lose control at higher speeds, it’s more likely they’ll be injured. Speed is commonly a factor in bicycle accidents, and because you can reach faster speeds on an electric bike, they certainly pose a bigger risk than a standard, slower bicycle.
• Lack Of Helmets – Another common factor, especially in the study out of the Netherlands, was that riders typically did not wear a helmet when riding their electric bicycles. The Netherlands has no intention of mandating helmet use, as they fear doing so would lead to a downturn in bike usage and an uptick in carbon emissions, but that doesn’t mean that not wearing a helmet should be the norm. Here in the states, helmet use does seem to be more commonplace, but usually only on standard bikes and scooters. Since many people jump on an electric bike or scooter that has been parked on the street or at a charging station, they oftentimes don’t have a helmet with them, and since none are provided, they usually jump on their ride sans helmet. Needless to say, you’re at a much higher risk of a head or spine injury on any type of bike or scooter if you’re not wearing a helmet.
• Inexperience – Finally, many people grew up with a standard bicycle or scooter, but the electric option is a different animal, and they may lack the experience to comfortably handle the ride. Thousands of people are trying electric transportation options for the first time each day, and a portion of them will end up in the ER on their first ride. These heavier and faster options may be harder to control than the one you had as a kid, and that can lead to injuries if you’re not careful.

As for protecting your spine, it really comes down to looking at these threats and taking the sensible steps to combat these potential pitfalls. For example, the first thing you’ll want to do is maintain a comfortable speed. Don’t try to see how fast you can get going. Stick with a comfortable speed, even if that means taking a little longer to get to your destination. Also, know that the bike or scooter will be different than a manual option, so take some time to get comfortable with your ride before taking it on a longer journey. And of course, always wear a helmet and never jump on one of these bikes or scooters if you are under the influence of alcohol, medication or other intoxicants.

We’ve treated numerous patients who have suffered a spine injury as a result of an accident on an electric bike or scooter, and we hope that we won’t be adding your name to our list. We’re here to help if you need us, but if you follow the above tips, we believe you can keep your back and neck safe on these electric options. For more information, or for help with a different back issue, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi and the talented team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.

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