Are eBikes Dangerous? Safety Tips You Need to Know in 2025

While e-bikes offer a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation, it’s essential to understand their potential dangers. Factors such as increased speed, heavier weight, and battery-related issues can elevate the risk of accidents and injuries. By 2025, adhering to safety guidelines, using protective gear, and ensuring proper maintenance can greatly reduce these risks and promote safer riding experiences.

What Are the Key Statistics on eBike Accidents and Injuries in 2025?

E-bike-related injuries have been on the rise, with a 21% increase between 2021 and 2022 in the U.S. From 2017 to 2022, there were 233 deaths related to e-bikes. Children under 14 account for a disproportionate 36% of these injuries. Emergency room visits related to e-bike accidents averaged around 12,471 per year between 2017 and 2023. These statistics highlight the increasing need for awareness and safety measures.

Chart: Key e-Bike Accident Statistics (2017-2022)

What Makes eBikes More Dangerous Than Traditional Bicycles?

E-bikes are generally heavier and faster than regular bikes, which can lead to more severe accidents. The higher speeds can make it difficult for riders and drivers to react in time, increasing the risk of collisions. Additionally, the added weight contributes to greater momentum, extending stopping distances and intensifying the impact in case of a crash.

How Can Riders Minimize the Risk of Head Injuries While Riding an eBike?

Wearing a helmet is crucial to minimizing head injuries. Studies show that traumatic brain injuries are more frequent and severe in e-bike accidents compared to regular bike accidents. Always ensure the helmet fits properly and meets safety standards. Consider helmets with MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) technology for added protection.

What Are the Essential Safety Tips for Riding an eBike?

Always wear a helmet, check brakes and tire pressure, obey traffic laws, and stay visible with lights and reflectors. Ride defensively, especially in traffic, and adjust speed to conditions. Regular maintenance helps ensure eBike components remain reliable and safe.

1. Always Wear a Helmet: Protect your head with a properly fitted, certified helmet.
2. Follow Traffic Laws: Adhere to all traffic signals, signs, and lane markings.
3. Use Hand Signals: Clearly indicate turns and stops to other road users.
4. Maintain a Safe Speed: Be mindful of your speed, especially in pedestrian areas.
5. Stay Visible: Use lights and reflective gear, particularly at night.
6. Check Brakes Regularly: Ensure brakes are in good working condition for reliable stopping power.
7. Practice Defensive Riding: Be aware of your surroundings and anticipate potential hazards.
8. Avoid Distractions: Refrain from using phones or other devices while riding.

How Can I Ensure eBike Battery Safety and Prevent Fires?

Use only manufacturer-approved chargers, avoid overcharging, and never charge near flammable materials. Store batteries in a cool, dry place. Inspect for damage regularly and replace if swelling or leakage occurs. Quality brands like HOVSCO prioritize battery safety with rigorous testing standards.

E-bike battery fires are a significant concern, with approximately 1 in 15,000 e-bikes experiencing a fire. Most fires are due to lithium-ion batteries. To prevent fires:

1. Buy UL-Certified Batteries: Ensure batteries have UL 2272 certification.
2. Use Manufacturer-Supplied Chargers: Always use the charger that came with the e-bike.
3. Charge Responsibly: Charge when you're awake and can monitor the process; avoid charging near exits.
4. Inspect Batteries Regularly: Look for physical damage, swelling, or leaks.
5. Store Safely: Keep e-bikes and batteries away from heat sources and direct sunlight.

Chart: E-Bike Battery Safety Guidelines

Purchasing Advice

When purchasing an e-bike, prioritize safety by choosing models from reputable brands like HOVSCO, known for their quality and adherence to safety standards. Always check for UL certification on batteries. Invest in high-quality safety gear, including a well-fitted helmet, reflective clothing, and reliable lights. Consider e-bikes with advanced braking systems and robust frames. Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial for long-term safety. Factor in insurance options to protect against potential accidents or damages.

HOVSCO Expert Views

“At HOVSCO, safety is at the core of our e-bike design and manufacturing. We rigorously test our e-bikes to meet the highest safety standards and use only UL-certified batteries. We encourage all riders to prioritize safety by wearing helmets, following traffic laws, and regularly maintaining their e-bikes. Our commitment is to provide innovative and safe e-bikes that enhance the riding experience while minimizing risks.” — HOVSCO Safety Engineering Team

FAQ

Q: Are e-bikes legal everywhere?
A: E-bike laws vary by state and locality, so check local regulations before riding.

Q: Do I need a license to ride an e-bike?
A: In most places, you do not need a license for Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, but Class 3 e-bikes may require one.

Q: How often should I service my e-bike?
A: Service your e-bike at least every six months or as recommended by the manufacturer.

Q: Can I ride e-bikes on bike paths?
A: It depends on local regulations; some areas restrict e-bikes from certain bike paths.

Q: What should I do if my e-bike battery catches fire?
A: Evacuate the area immediately and call emergency services. Do not attempt to extinguish the fire yourself.

eBikes are impacting how people get around either for work, play, exercise, or simply being used as “to and fro” style transportation. But are eBikes dangerous, or at least, are they any more dangerous than regular pedal bikes?

Unsurprisingly, the answer to such questions is different when you look into who’s riding them. Older, more mature riders will have a natural tendency to handle vehicles safer than, say, a kid having fun with his bike. It’s the same no matter what mode of transportation you talk about. Generally speaking, there are more thrill seekers between the teen years to the mid-20s than there are from the mid-20s and up.

The more an eBike is used to fulfill one’s thrill-seeking behavior, the more often you’ll hear about people getting hurt. eBikes fall into a strange zone all their own. They’re not nearly as dangerous as things like dirt bikes or motorscooters, but they’re in a slightly different range of potential danger than normal pedal bikes.

Though operator error (or negligence) is a danger that can befall anyone who’s driving anything, the following will be a breakdown of how much more or less dangerous eBikes are in and of themselves, and also dig into the question, “dangerous to who?”

How is an eBike Dangerous?

eBikes can be dangerous due to higher speeds, increased weight, and silent operation, which can surprise pedestrians or vehicles. Poor maintenance, rider inexperience, and traffic interactions also contribute to risks, especially on crowded roads or unfamiliar terrain.

Though eBikes are often found on the cutting edge of biking technology, there isn’t too much to deal with regarding additional parts that you wouldn’t find on a normal pedal bike. There’s the addition of a motor, battery pack, and just a few other things that aren’t particularly threatening.

However, one could argue that batteries can be dangerous due to being a fire hazard if damaged, or a motor can malfunction and lose its mind, getting stuck accelerating rather than allowing for safe braking. Are these things common? No, not by a long shot, but one could make the argument as aforementioned.

The addition of motors and batteries introduces speed, which is often where accidents begin to happen, and more responsibility needs to be applied by the driver. More often than not, an eBike becomes dangerous only when the driver is using it dangerously.

Injuries that have been documented that have resulted in either misusing an eBike, driving it erratically, or other accidents that are outside of the driver’s control (auto collisions where the other driver is at fault, etc.) are severe, but not what could be considered outside of the norm when compared to pedal bikes.

Are eBikes More Dangerous than Regular Bikes?

eBikes can be more dangerous than regular bikes because they reach higher speeds and weigh more, increasing the risk of severe injury in a crash. However, with proper safety practices, eBikes can be just as safe as traditional bikes.

When talking about which one is more dangerous, it can’t be ignored that eBikes are generally faster and also accelerate faster to get to speed. So, if there’s a bad choice about to be made up ahead, the driver will have less time to rethink their options than someone on a pedal bike.

There are other things to consider like the frames are generally beefier than those on a pedal bike, weigh more, and the tires are often wider (which makes them heavier than regular tires of a comparable pedal bike). The additional weight or bulk might be more challenging until you get used to it, especially if it’s someone’s first time swapping from a regular pedal bike to an eBike.

For example, if you check out Hovsco eBikes, the first thing you’ll notice is that their frames are built to last- they’re much stronger than a regular mountain bike or other comparable-sized bikes. The tires are wider (not always bigger in circumference though, just the width), with each design meant to handle specific challenges, and some being able to be more universal terrain-wise.

I bring that up because differences can be dangerous when a new rider is not prepared for it. More weight or a difference in handling can cause an inexperienced rider to try and do things that a lighter bike can do that may not work so well with a heavier bike.

Is an eBike more dangerous than a regular pedal bike? Slightly, but we’re not exactly comparing apples to apples.

Safety Tips for eBike Owners

Always wear a helmet, check your brakes and tires regularly, and obey traffic rules. Use lights and reflectors for visibility, avoid distractions, and ride at safe speeds. Practice riding in low-traffic areas before navigating busy streets.

The following are going to be some common-sense tips directed toward eBike owners, that will help to keep them safe and better able to have a pain-free experience while using their bikes. However, it must be said, that if you’re familiar with safety tips for regular pedal bikes, some of these tips won’t exactly be groundbreaking. If that’s the case, everyone needs a good refresher no matter how skilled or well-versed they may be in terms of safety and biking.

Here are 6 tips to help your eBiking experience positive:

• Wear protective gear.
• Maintain your eBike regularly.
• Follow traffic laws.
• Ride predictably.
• Be visible with lights and bright clothing.
• Practice braking and handling at different speeds.

Get Into the Habit of Wearing a Helmet

Yes, you’ve heard this before, but it’s only good common sense. Wearing a helmet helps to keep that gray matter between your ears in top condition when an accident or wipe-out happens.

Don’t forget, you’re likely to be going faster than you would on a normal bike, so whatever you hit will make all that much harder of an impact. A helmet doesn’t keep people free from injuries, but they do help to protect things that will not heal back to the way it once was like bones or abrasions can.

Keep Aware of Your Surroundings when Driving Your eBike

An oblivious biker is typically soon to become an injured or deceased one. It doesn’t matter if you’re driving a big wheel, a pedal bike, eBike, a scooter, a moped, or a motorcycle. People will often disappoint you, particularly if you’re depending on them for your safety while on the road.

Driving defensively, remaining aware of your surroundings, and paying attention to anticipate what others in front of you are doing, are sure ways to keep you upright, safe, and out of the hospital.

Make Sure your eBike is in Good Working Order

Just like anything, an eBike can have problems when warning signs are avoided. Giving your ride a thorough once over before taking off for any real amount of time is a great habit to get into. Is the battery secured properly? Are the tires in good shape? Has anything come loose at all?

You’ll especially want to be sure that the battery is fully charged or at least holding enough charge to survive what you’re about to put it through. Don’t forget to ensure that your brakes are in tip-top shape as well.

Learn and Obey the Rules of the Road

Different places have different rules for different vehicles. Do you know the local ordinances about bike traffic? If not, it’s a good idea to get familiar with them to keep yourself safe and out of trouble with local law enforcement.

Keep in mind that due to the motor, some places may have a specific category that your eBike might fall in. Aside from those kinds of legalities, use common sense. If your bike can exceed a posted speed limit, don’t. Go with the flow of traffic, stop where you’re supposed to, and wait when you’re supposed to; simple, common rules for the road.

Where Applicable- Try a Safety Course

If you are intimidated by your eBike due to the extra power that it has available, try to find a course nearby that will help you with techniques to handle it as easily as you would a normal bike. You might need to do some digging to find such a course, as they aren’t as routine as say, a driver safety course for a car or motorcycle.

If you can’t find one close enough to you that makes sense, find someone who is an experienced eBike user and reach out. Every little bit of info you can get to help you become more comfortable can make a long-term difference and assist you to remain safe on the road.

Get an eBike that Suits Your Purposes

Like pedal bikes, there are a variety of eBikes available to suit different purposes. Some for fun, some for work, and some for long-distance exercise. For example, if you head over to Hovsco.com, you will see a variety of different eBikes, with each style catering to certain riding styles or tastes. 

For a couple of suggestions, if you’re looking to cruise around city streets leisurely, the HovCity Step Thru Cruiser would be a great choice. If you’re looking to use an eBike for work-related purposes or to carry any kind of cargo, you’d want to get a bike like the Hovsco HovCart, which is designed to carry a decent load with a 750w motor to handle the weight. Then again, what if you’re more interested in off-road biking? In that case, you’d be better off with the HovAlpha than with either of the other selections.

Having an eBike that suits your needs more directly will help you to remain safe, or will at least keep you from damaging your bike or potentially resulting in an accident. It’s like regular bikes when you think about it. For example, if you try to climb a tall hill on a one-speed BMX bike, you’re not going to have a good time. Or, if you intend on flying through rugged off-road terrain, you’re not going to want to take a 12-speed with slim street tires. Same idea.

What are the Most Common Causes of eBike Accidents?

Common causes include rider inexperience, speeding, distracted riding, mechanical failure, and poor road conditions. Collisions with cars or obstacles often occur due to lack of visibility or failure to yield. Proper training and equipment maintenance can help reduce accidents.

By far, operator error is the leading cause of eBike accidents. This can be defined by riders driving too fast when approaching a turn or a corner, and also driving too fast upon someplace they need to make a stop, making them unable to make a stop in time to avoid disaster.

Accidents that occur while remaining under the “operator error” distinction also include those that happen when a driver doesn’t follow the rules of the road. When an eBike driver disobeys the rules of the road, they can either wind up being slammed into by a car or truck (which typically doesn’t end well for the person on the eBike), or, the eBike rider slams into someone either on foot or another person on a bike.

Not following the law of the land on an eBike isn’t just a danger to the driver, but also creates dangerous circumstances for innocent passerbys.

Final Thoughts

eBikes are generally as dangerous as the driver decides to make them. An aware, responsible driver will wind up not having any issues at all under normal circumstances, or at least no more than they would with a pedal bike.