Marin E-Bike Crashes Spur Safety Alert

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Medical calls involving electric bicycles are on the rise in Marin County, especially among younger groups, according to newly available data.

According to county officials, Marin County EMS started independently classifying emergency calls involving e-bikes last month. After just a few weeks of monitoring the data, officials found the rate of e-bike crashes among youth was nine times higher than for residents over 20 years old.

The news prompted Marin County Public Health to issue a public health advisory Tuesday as officials launched a new online dashboard to chart bicycle accidents across the county.

In the first month of monitoring, officials said more than 20 percent of 911 calls related to bicycle crashes were related to e-bikes. The majority of bike accidents among people 10 to 19 years old were related to e-bikes, compared to just 12 percent among older groups.

"We fully support getting kids and adults on bikes, including e-bikes, as a healthy and fun way to get around independently," said Dr. Matt Willis, Marin's public health officer. "The message is really about doing it more safely."

For families considering e-bikes as a holiday gift, officials recommend doing some research and considering "Class 1" e-bikes, which are pedal-assisted and easier for new users to get their bearings.

Here is more guidance from Marin County Public Health:

• Helmet Use: Serious head injuries have occurred to riders who were not wearing a helmet. All bicycle and e-bike riders 17 and under in California must wear a helmet. However, helmets are a vital safety measure for riders of all ages.
• Passenger Safety: Many e-bike accidents happen when passengers, especially young riders, do not sit properly or when there are too many people on the bike. Passengers should use seats meant for them, follow the manufacturer’s passenger limit, and wear helmets for safety.
• Rules of the Road: Serious e-bike accidents in Marin have involved collisions with cars or pedestrians. E-bike riders need to obey the rules of the road or path, exercise good judgment, and ride in a way that others can predict.
• Class 1 (Pedal Assist) Bikes: Class 1 e-bikes aid only when the rider is pedaling and are generally more appropriate for newer riders. Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes are heavier and more challenging to maneuver. Class 2 e-bikes can be propelled with a throttle and reach speed of 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes use a pedal-assisted motor, reach speeds of 28 mph, and have additional age, helmet and bikeway access restrictions. This is important for families considering e-bike purchases as the holidays approach.