March 17, 2026 - 3:27 pm

Physicians at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center’s trauma center are raising concerns about a sharp rise in serious injuries linked to e-bikes and e-scooters — many involving riders who were not wearing helmets.

In 2025, Sunrise treated 254 patients injured while riding e-bikes or e-scooters, an average of about 21 injuries every month, the hospital said in a release Tuesday. Early data from 2026 shows an alarming trend. From Jan. 1 through mid-March, trauma teams have already treated 140 patients injured on these devices — more than half of last year’s total in less than three months.

Many of these crashes involve teenagers and young adults, and trauma officials say lack of helmet use is a major factor in the severity of injuries, including traumatic brain injuries. Sunrise reports approximately 30 percent of injuries are children under the age of 18 with documented helmet use in only 21 percent of the patients treated.

“These devices may seem like convenient and fun transportation, but they can become extremely dangerous when riders are unprotected,” John Pope, vice president of trauma services, said in the release. “We are seeing more young people coming into the trauma center with serious head injuries that could have been prevented with a helmet.”

Pope adds that through Sunrise’s partnership with Safe Kids Clark County, Sunrise Children’s Hospital gives bicycle helmets to any pediatric patient presenting with a bicycle/scooter-related injury through its Children’s Emergency Department.

Sunrise also encourages families to follow these important safety tips:

— Always wear a certified helmet — no exceptions.

— Follow local traffic laws and avoid riding on busy roadways.

— Use lights and reflective gear, especially at dusk and dawn.

— Ensure devices are age-appropriate and riders have proper training.

— Avoid distractions such as headphones or mobile phones while riding.

— Drivers should stay vigilant, watch for riders, and avoid distracted driving.

Contact Tony Garcia at tgarcia@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0307. Follow @TonyGLVNews on X.