LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A California surgeon is recommending motorcycle helmets for children riding Class 3 e-bikes after hospitals report a surge in serious injuries that resemble motorcycle accidents.
Sunrise Hospital told FOX5 it has treated more than 150 patients from e-bike and e-scooter accidents so far in 2025, including two deaths involving minors.
Dr. John Maa, a staff surgeon at Marin Health Medical Center in San Francisco, said his facility has led research into e-bike injuries in Marin County. Doctor Maa, who is also a member of the American College of Surgeons, says he recommends motorcycle helmets specifically for Class 3 e-bikes, which can reach speeds up to 28 mph.
“In California, where I’m based, anyone using a Class 3 e-bike must use a helmet, and I personally, my recommendation would be to use a motorcycle helmet that protects not just the head, but also the neck, given the types of injuries that we are seeing,” Maa said.
Injuries resemble motorcycle accidents
Maa discussed the injury patterns he says his hospital has witnessed after e-bike accidents.
“What we’ve witnessed in Marin is a very serious pattern of injury after e-bike accidents that more closely resembles motorcycle accidents. We’ve come to the conclusion that it’s due to the higher rate of speed,” he said.
The doctor noted that some motorcycle helmets include face shields and other safety features that provide additional protection beyond standard bike helmets.
Maa advised parents to ensure children can safely operate traditional pedal bicycles before allowing them to use e-bikes.
“My advice to parents is to make sure that your child can operate a traditional pedal bicycle first, that they’re able to maneuver it and to ride it safely before you graduate them to the use of an e-bike,” he said.
Local helmet requirements
One local motorcycle helmet retailer reported seeing more parents purchasing motorcycle helmets for children using e-devices.
New ordinances in Clark County and Las Vegas require minors to wear helmets on e-bikes and e-scooters. Fines range from $500 to $600 for repeat offenses.
For Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, which operate at lower speeds, Maa recommended properly-fitted Department of Transportation helmets.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission classifies e-bikes into three categories based on speed and motor assistance. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes provide assistance up to 20 mph, while Class 3 e-bikes offer pedal-assist up to 28 mph.
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