Riverside University Health System and county officials are urging residents to take immediate safety precautions after emergency department visits for electric bicycle crashes more than quadrupled over two years.
What changed for Riverside riders
County data show emergency room visits tied to e-bike crashes rose from 224 in 2023 to 494 in 2024 and to 958 in 2025. Through the first half of 2026, health officials have recorded at least 416 e-bike-related injuries. The county has also seen a rise in fatalities tied to e-bikes, with the coroner recording one death in 2024 and two in 2025.
| Year | ER visits | Fatalities |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 224 | 0 |
| 2024 | 494 | 1 |
| 2025 | 958 | 2 |
| 2026 (H1) | 416 | — |
Who is most affected
Children and young adults account for the largest share of emergency visits. Cases among riders ages 10 to 14 climbed from 155 in 2024 to 339 in 2025. Injuries for those ages 15 to 24 rose from 122 to 248 over the same period. Officials say these figures may undercount the true scope because hospitals are still standardizing how they classify different types of electric bicycles.
Medical and public officials speak
"E-bikes move faster and are much more powerful than traditional bicycles, so the injuries can be much more serious,"
said Dr. Michael Mesisca, chair of emergency medicine at RUHS Medical Center, who described blunt head trauma, rib fractures, collapsed lungs and lacerations as among the injuries arriving in local emergency departments.
Second District Supervisor and Riverside County Board Chair Karen Spiegel pointed to risky behavior and gaps in helmet use among young riders. She said the trend highlights the need for stronger awareness and parental supervision, noting that many youngsters are "making dangerous choices by driving too fast, not wearing a properly fitted helmet or not following the rules of the road."
Advice and next steps for residents
Health officials and county leaders urge these steps to reduce risk:
- Wear a properly fitted helmet every ride.
- Observe posted speed limits and traffic laws.
- Supervise minors and restrict high-powered e-bikes for younger riders.
- Seek medical attention after any crash, even if injuries seem minor.
Local hospitals and the county say they will continue refining data collection to better track crashes and injuries involving the growing variety of electric bicycles on Riverside roads. For parents and community groups, officials recommended outreach and education to make screenings, helmet use and safe riding habits routine.
Riverside residents with questions about local resources or safety programs can contact Riverside University Health System or their county supervisor’s office for more information.
