Palm Beach County is experiencing a surge in e-bike and e-scooter injuries, with 207 reported in 2025, a 155% increase from 2024. According to Dr. Faris Azar, trauma medical director at St. Mary’s Medical Center, "There’s not a day we don’t have a patient on our service with an e-bike injury." The trend is not unique to Palm Beach County, as emergency room visits tied to e-bikes and scooters have quadrupled nationwide in recent years.

E-bike Safety Concerns

Azar explained that injuries from e-bike crashes can range from traumatic brain injuries to facial fractures. He noted that part of the issue is that people don’t realize how different e-bikes are from regular bicycles, with some models reaching speeds of up to 28 mph. Both Azar and Palm Beach County Fire Rescue stress that wearing a helmet is the most effective way to prevent traumatic injuries or worse.

Local regulations for e-bike use vary by community. In Vero Beach, riders must be at least 16 years old to operate a Class-3 e-bike and are required to stay in bike lanes. In Palm Beach, riders must be at least 15 years old, carry a valid ID, and are prohibited from using sidewalks and trails. Azar urged the public to understand the responsibilities that come with e-bikes, saying, "We’re not against e-bikes, but we are for public awareness that they do go faster than regular bicycles, that they do require more attention, and helmets definitely should be worn."

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue also emphasized the importance of battery safety, warning against charging e-bike batteries inside the home due to the risk of overheating. Instead, they recommended charging them in a well-ventilated space, preferably outdoors, and using chargers provided by the manufacturer rather than generic ones.

Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.