Teen critically hurt on e-bike, as LI doctors say crashes are on the rise
Doctors on Long Island say crashes like this are becoming increasingly common as more children and teens ride electric bikes.
Police say a 15-year-old was critically injured Wednesday when he was hit by a minibus while riding his e-bike at the intersection of Broadway and Little Plains Road in Huntington.
Police say the teen from East Northport is in critical condition.
Fatih Kayis, who works at a nearby Gulf gas station, says he heard the impact.
“I was working when I hear the noise. When I turn back, I’m the first one there, I couldn’t even look,” Kayis said. “When I turned back, the kid was under the bus with the bike.”
Doctors on Long Island say crashes like this are becoming increasingly common as more children and teens ride electric bikes.
Dr. Katherine McKenzie, of NYU Langone, says many riders are not wearing helmets, increasing the risk of serious harm.
“We’re seeing the minority of riders actually wearing helmets, which translates into more traumatic brain injuries,” McKenzie said.
New research from NYU Langone shows brain injuries account for one-third of all electric bike and scooter crashes.
Last month, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital reported injuries are up 900% since 2023.
McKenzie says higher speeds make crashes more dangerous.
“People can go faster on them, and when they fall or are struck while riding them, they have more serious injuries, especially if they aren’t wearing a helmet,” she said.
