Background: Electric bike (e-bike) usage is growing worldwide and therefore so is e-bike related injury rate.
Objective: This study was undertaken in order to characterize e-bike related injuries.
Methods: Data of all e-bike related injuries presenting to our level 1 trauma center during the years 2014-2016 were collected and analyzed. Adult and pediatric (
Results: Forty-eight patients suffering from e-bike related injuries presented to our trauma center between 1.1.2014 and 31.12.2016. Seventeen (35%) patients were under 18 years old, 40 (85%) were male. The overall most common mechanism of injury was falling off the e-bike in 24 patients (50%), followed by collision with static objects in 9 patients (18.8%). Head (38%) and facial (33%) injuries were most common. Orthopedic trauma was predominant with extremity injuries, fractures in 35(73%) followed by significant lacerations 14 patients (29%). Severe trauma (ISS >15) was found in 17 (35%) patients. Length of hospital stay was 10.8±6 days, 12 patients (25%) required ICU and 21 patients (43.7%) required surgery. Compared to adults, children (
Conclusion: Our study suggests that E bike related trauma may involve serious injuries and have typical injury patterns that resemble those seen in motorcycle-related injuries. Children are more likely to suffer from head and face injuries due to their higher head to body ratio. We suggest that these injuries should therefore be triaged appropriately, preferably to a medical facility with proper trauma capabilities.
