American College of Surgeons Issues Statement on the Safety and Regulation of E-Bikes

CHICAGO: More than 20,000 people are injured each year while riding an electric bicycle (e-bike), approximately 3,000 of whom require hospitalization. Amidst the surging popularity of e-bikes and the growing number of serious injuries, particularly among children and adolescents, the Board of Regents of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) has issued a position statement addressing critical safety concerns and the need for standardized regulations.

The statement outlines key recommendations to ensure rider safety, promote responsible usage, and guide policymakers in developing effective frameworks at the local, state, and national levels.

Key recommendations of the ACS statement include:

• Categorizing e-bikes based on speed and power
• Implementing age restrictions for riders
• Mandating safety equipment, such as helmets.

Additionally, the ACS calls for clearer infrastructure guidelines to accommodate e-bikes on roads and bike lanes, reducing conflicts with pedestrians and traditional cyclists.

View the full statement.

About the American College of Surgeons

The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has approximately 90,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. "FACS" designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Contact

• Dan Hamilton | 312-202-5328
• Sheila Lai | 312-202-5403
• Email: pressinquiry@facs.org