As Micromobility Evolves, Injury Prevention Must Keep Pace

New research highlights the importance of consistent safety policies, education, and appropriate helmet use for young riders.

Guest blog by Josephine Peterson, MPH, Injury Prevention Specialist, Division of Trauma & Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, NYU Langone Hospital – Long Island

Electric bicycles and scooters have become increasingly popular across Long Island, offering convenient and enjoyable ways to get around. But as these devices become more common, concerns about rider safety, particularly among children and adolescents, are growing.

A new research letter published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) on November 2, 2026, highlights this emerging public health concern. Researchers examining pediatric injuries across six U.S. pediatric health systems found that injuries involving electric bicycles (e-bikes) and electric scooters (e-scooters) increased between 2023 and 2026. Compared with nonmotorized devices, injuries involving electric devices were more likely to be severe, with e-bikes showing the highest observed proportions of hospitalization and brain injury. These findings reinforce an important message: As transportation technology evolves, our approaches to injury prevention must evolve alongside it.

A Patchwork of Policies

Here on Long Island, micromobility safety presents a particular challenge. Regulations governing e-bikes and e-scooters can vary depending on the type of device and where it is being used. State laws, local restrictions, and differences in enforcement can make it difficult for families to understand what is permitted and what is safe. A young rider may travel between neighboring communities without realizing that the rules have changed. Clearer, more consistent policies, combined with accessible public education, can help families make informed decisions while supporting safer streets for everyone.

Not All Helmets Are Created Equal

Helmet use is another important piece of the prevention puzzle. While wearing a helmet is an essential safety measure, choosing the right helmet for the type of vehicle matters just as much.

Traditional bicycle helmets are designed and tested for certain types of impacts. Higher-speed electric devices may require helmets with additional protection or different safety certifications.

Parents and caregivers should consider the device's speed and classification, select a helmet appropriate for its intended use, and ensure that it fits properly. A helpful reminder: The right helmet should match the ride.

Moving Prevention Forward

Preventing micromobility injuries requires more than reminding young riders to be careful. It calls for collaboration among public health professionals, policymakers, schools, healthcare providers, families, and community organizations.

Efforts should focus on:

• Clear and consistent policies that address age requirements, device classifications, and safe operation.

• Education for families and young riders about device capabilities, traffic laws, and appropriate protective equipment.

• Safer infrastructure that considers the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, and micromobility users.

• Improved injury surveillance to better understand emerging trends and inform prevention strategies.

Micromobility offers exciting opportunities for transportation, recreation, and independence. Our goal should not be to discourage its use, but to ensure that safety keeps pace with innovation.

Safer streets begin with informed communities, thoughtful policies, and a shared commitment to prevention.

*Source: Schroeder AR, et al. Injuries From Electric Bicycles and Scooters Managed in Pediatric Health Systems. JAMA. Published online November 2, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2026.2