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Rising e-bike, scooter injuries reported at Sentara trauma centers
With growing popularity of "micromobility devices," physicians urge riders to wear helmets, avoid impaired riding, and follow traffic laws to reduce risk of serious injury
E-bikes are the hot thing in emissions-free urban transportation. Data show 1.7 million units were imported to the U.S. in 2024, with up to $4.6 billion in sales in 2025. Some e-bikes can reach up to 28 miles per hour.
Motorized electric scooters are also popular as pedestrians use smartphones to pay for quick one-way trips and leave the scooters at their destination.
But the surge in popularity of these vehicles is leading to a surge in emergency department visits. The trauma programs at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and Virginia Beach General Hospital saw a combined 135 scooter-related injuries in 2025, and 40 cases related to e-bike crashes, some of which resulted in serious injuries.
“These vehicles can reach speeds of up to 25-30 mph and can be very dangerous,” said Jay Collins, M.D., chief of trauma at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and professor of surgery at Eastern Virginia Medical School. “Do not operate these vehicles if you’re under the influence. Wear a helmet and follow traffic laws to enhance your safety.”
Injuries from e-bike and scooter crashes have included rib and other bone fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and lacerations to livers and spleens.
“These injuries can involve considerable pain, long recoveries, and potential disability,” said Gina Wuertzer, trauma program manager at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital.
The data shared here is just from two Sentara trauma centers in Hampton Roads, which treat the most serious injuries. Less severe cases, in which patients were treated and released, have also appeared at other emergency departments, and the problem of crashes and injuries can be much bigger than reflected in trauma center data.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission calls e-bikes and scooters “micromobility devices.” CPSC urges e-bike and scooter users to wear bicycle helmets and sensible shoes, check for damaged parts before you ride, and be mindful of motor vehicles. Collisions with cars cause most of the injuries described. Finally, CPSC urges riders to slow down and ride within conditions.
Motorized electric scooters are also popular as pedestrians use smartphones to pay for quick one-way trips and leave the scooters at their destination.
But the surge in popularity of these vehicles is leading to a surge in emergency department visits. The trauma programs at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and Virginia Beach General Hospital saw a combined 135 scooter-related injuries in 2025, and 40 cases related to e-bike crashes, some of which resulted in serious injuries.
“These vehicles can reach speeds of up to 25-30 mph and can be very dangerous,” said Jay Collins, M.D., chief of trauma at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and professor of surgery at Eastern Virginia Medical School. “Do not operate these vehicles if you’re under the influence. Wear a helmet and follow traffic laws to enhance your safety.”
Injuries from e-bike and scooter crashes have included rib and other bone fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and lacerations to livers and spleens.
“These injuries can involve considerable pain, long recoveries, and potential disability,” said Gina Wuertzer, trauma program manager at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital.
The data shared here is just from two Sentara trauma centers in Hampton Roads, which treat the most serious injuries. Less severe cases, in which patients were treated and released, have also appeared at other emergency departments, and the problem of crashes and injuries can be much bigger than reflected in trauma center data.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission calls e-bikes and scooters “micromobility devices.” CPSC urges e-bike and scooter users to wear bicycle helmets and sensible shoes, check for damaged parts before you ride, and be mindful of motor vehicles. Collisions with cars cause most of the injuries described. Finally, CPSC urges riders to slow down and ride within conditions.
By: Dale Gauding