ECMC reports E-bike injuries are on rise

Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - One local hospital says it's seeing an increase in injuries as a result of e-bike accidents. In fact, the number this year is expected to double last year's total.

Meg Reilly from Erie County Medical Center says there were 23 admissions to the hospital last year due to e-bike accidents. Through just June of this year, there have been 25 admissions. She anticipates the end of year number to double last year's total.

The range of injuries reported from these e-bike injuries have varied.

"The injuries range from broken arms, broken legs, broken ribs, facial fractures, all the way to head injuries, where you have cerebral leads. And we've had hospitals stayed anywhere from one day to 21 days," said Reilly with WBEN.

Reilly believes the biggest mistake people make is underestimating the power of the e-bike.

"When you look at the bike, you think it's the same bike that you had as you were growing up in your teens and your early 20s. Then you get on this motorized vehicle, you don't realize that it's going up to 20-to-28 miles an hour," Reilly explained.

Add the rider's weight and terrain, you can really get some good speed with an e-bike, causing some to lose control and crash.

Reilly reminds everyone to wear a helmet that's appropriate for an e-bike, because it is not really a bicycle, it's more like a motorcycle. She also says never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.