Rising Speeds, Rising ER Visits: 7 Investigates Massachusetts’ E-Bike Problem

E-bikes are speeding around the state and their surging popularity is fueling trips to the ER It would be my peaceful time commented Lynne Forester Walks on the Cape are part of Lynne and Gerry Forester s daily routine In September their hike on the Cape Cod Rail Trail turned hazardous I was perhaps on this side like this I got knocked down either straight or whatever and I was right at the edge explained Forester The -year-old was knocked down by someone riding an e-bike The impact sent her face first into the pavement I couldn t move I couldn t move my legs I couldn t move anything commented Forester I was like somebody help me The bike s handlebars slammed into her eye She was flown to Mass General for emergency surgery I knew I had tremendous head pain every time I woke up It was just horrible she revealed Forester isn t the only victim of an e-bike accident Just a limited weeks earlier Minh Dang was struck by an e-bike near Copley Square The -year-old had just got off the phone with his wife when he was struck near the intersection of Dartmouth Street and Huntington Avenue Dang hit his head on the ground His family tells Investigates that his injuries were so severe they thought he was struck by a car Dang died in the hospital the next day According to Mass General in the last five years people have gone to ERs nationwide with e-bike injuries Head trauma and broken limbs are the the greater part common The e-bikes go really fast declared Mass General Hospital Pediatric Urgency Physician Dr Eric Fleegler The actual force on the patients themselves is much greater which leads to of curriculum trauma The average rider on a traditional bicycle travels miles per hour E-bikes which give riders a motor assist can reach speeds of more than miles per hour At to mph you re basically on a motorized scooter or a motorcycle at that point commented Paramedic Captain Justin White of the Harwich Fire Department Juveniles are getting these e-bikes They re modifying them Basically overriding the safety features of the e-bike thus causing aserious issue but it s also causing serious injury disclosed Milford Police Chief Robert Tusino Forester is still working to regain sight in her eye by taking things one step at a time It s sitting in that this might be my life now disclosed Forester It s just sad State Leaders are considering changes to by requiring helmets license and registration to ride e-bikes They also want to set a minimum age for e-bike riders