E-bike and e-scooter crashes injured 198 people in Harris County last year, up from a single case in 2019, and most of the victims were children between 5 and 17 years old.

Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare and Harris County Public Health released those findings Wednesday, Aug. 5, just one week before Clear Creek ISD classes begin Aug. 12 and less than two weeks before Friendswood ISD starts Aug. 18. The agencies called the six-year trend a 17,000% increase and said the real number is likely higher because some injuries are treated at home and never reported.

The warning lands in a community already dealing with the problem. Friendswood Police noted earlier this year that residents had complained about reckless riding, including two scooter incidents that caused serious injuries to children, the Houston Chronicle reported. The Webster Police Department posted a public reminder in March about the differences between e-bikes and electric dirt bikes ahead of spring break.

Friendswood Police, Webster Police and Seabrook Police had not issued statements responding to the county advisory as of Aug. 7.

What doctors are seeing

Dr. Jay Kovar, medical director for Harris County ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare, said the injuries include traumatic brain injuries, facial fractures requiring surgery, broken arms and legs, and rib and chest trauma. He said faster devices produce more severe injuries, especially concerning for children whose bodies and brains are still developing.

Most weren't wearing helmets.

The county data showed 93% of injured riders had no helmet at the time of their crash, and 82% were male, according to the Fox 26 report.

Part of the danger is that many retailers advertise motor-assisted bikes as e-bikes when Texas law actually classifies them as dirt bikes or mini motorcycles, according to Community Impact reporting on League City's e-bike safety push. Those vehicles are not legal on public roads, sidewalks or bike paths and may only be operated on private property.

Under Texas law, a legal e-bike must have fully operable pedals, a motor under 750 watts and a top assisted speed of no more than 28 mph. Class 3 e-bikes (up to 28 mph) require riders to be at least 15. Classes 1 and 2 (up to 20 mph) have no minimum age. Texas does not require helmets for e-bike riders.

Wayne Arrington, president of Arride Bikes, said some electric motorcycles reach 37 mph and should only be ridden on private property. He said parents often walk into his store looking for something their child can ride to school without understanding the device's speed or power.

"Parents need to understand what their children are asking them to buy, while children need to understand the power and limitations of what they are riding," Arrington said.

What officials recommend

Harris County officials said they are not trying to discourage e-bike purchases but urged parents to:

  • Choose a device appropriate for the child's age and development
  • Understand the difference between e-bikes and electric motorcycles
  • Check the device's maximum speed and confirm it is legal on public streets
  • Require a properly fitted helmet
  • Teach children traffic laws and safe riding habits

Nancy Delafuente, active transportation and Safe Routes coordinator for Harris County Public Health, said this was the first time the department reviewed hospital-level data on e-bike and e-scooter injuries. She said parents should consider a child's age, developmental level and ability before buying.

Residents who want to report reckless riding in Friendswood, Webster or Seabrook can contact their local police department's non-emergency line.