Micromobility Injuries Rise as Safety Rules Expand

Consumer Reports said it no longer recommends any of the 13 electric scooters it tested, citing common top speeds of 20 mph, rising injuries and crashes during testing, and urged riders to use protective gear, slow down and stay alert. New research and data indicate sharp increases in e-bike and other micromobility injuries, particularly among children, teenagers and young men; pediatric cases surged in greater Boston, and New Jersey e-bike-related emergency visits more than tripled from 2023 to 2025. Experts say older adults are more likely than young riders to require hospitalization. Illinois is set to introduce statewide micromobility legislation in January, while municipalities in New Jersey and Florida are adopting or considering use restrictions. Industry groups are urging federal rules to distinguish conventional e-bikes from powerful electric dirt bikes and e-motos, which they say are often mislabeled and complicate consumer understanding and safety regulation. Officials and medical experts are emphasizing education and caution, especially for parents considering motorized devices for children.