E-Bike and Scooter Crashes Driving Surge in Traumatic Brain Injuries

Urban transportation is evolving rapidly, but the rise of electric micro-mobility is coming with a significant cost to public health. A new study led by NYU Langone Health researchers reveals a surge in brain and spine injuries among both urban riders and pedestrians caused by electric bikes and scooters.

The research, published April 15, 2026, in Neurosurgery, highlights a stark increase in the severity and frequency of trauma cases linked to these devices. As cities grow more crowded with delivery vehicles and commuters, the risk of life-altering injuries is climbing.

The Rising Toll of Micro-Mobility Trauma

The study analyzed 914 patients treated at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue over a five-year period. The findings indicate that e-bike and scooter crashes now account for nearly 7% of all trauma patients admitted to New York City hospitals.

The growth in these incidents is aggressive. Researchers found that the share of emergency room cases involving these micro-mobility devices climbed from less than 10% in 2018 to more than 50% by 2023. The clinical impact is severe:

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): One-third of the analyzed patients suffered a TBI.
• Hospitalization: More than two-thirds of patients required admission to the hospital.
• Critical Care: Roughly 30% of patients needed treatment in an intensive care unit.

High-Risk Factors and Contributing Causes

The study identifies several key factors that contribute to the frequency and severity of these injuries. The most common cause of injury was a collision with a car or truck, which accounted for about half of all cases.

The Helmet Gap

Despite the high risk of head trauma, helmet use remains dangerously low. Fewer than one-third of riders wore helmets, a factor the researchers linked to significantly higher rates of facial and brain injuries.

The Role of Alcohol

Substance use also plays a role in rider safety. About one in five patients tested positive for alcohol. This was tied to both a lower likelihood of wearing a helmet and a higher incidence of worse brain injuries.

The “Dinnertime” Peak

The data shows a specific window of increased danger. Injuries peaked between 6 p.m. And 8 p.m., suggesting that heavy e-bike delivery traffic during the dinner rush contributes to the spike in accidents.

A Hidden Danger for Pedestrians

Even as riders face significant risks, pedestrians are even more vulnerable. The study analyzed 69 pedestrians who were struck by electric vehicles. The authors found that these pedestrians suffered brain injuries at nearly double the rate of the riders themselves.

Preventing Future Injuries

To curb the surge in traumatic brain and spine injuries, the NYU Langone study emphasizes two critical areas of improvement: better urban infrastructure and increased helmet compliance.

As electric micro-mobility continues to integrate into urban life, the gap between technology adoption and safety infrastructure must close to protect both those on the devices and the pedestrians sharing the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is more likely to suffer a brain injury in an e-bike crash—the rider or the pedestrian?

According to the study, pedestrians struck by electric vehicles suffer brain injuries at nearly double the rate of the riders.

What is the most common cause of e-bike and scooter injuries?

Collisions with cars or trucks are the most common cause, accounting for about 50% of the cases analyzed.

Does wearing a helmet actually reduce the risk of severe injury?

Yes. The research linked the lack of helmet use—which affected more than two-thirds of riders—to significantly higher rates of brain and facial injuries.