Colorado, known for its stunning mountain scenery and booming outdoor recreation industry, now plans to offer new incentives for electric bikes. Colorado began offering electric bike rebates earlier this month, allowing residents to receive up to $450 in in-store discounts when purchasing a new electric bike. While this may seem like an exciting opportunity for green transportation, individuals have expressed concerns about the potential dangers of this incentive.
Electric bikes are a great alternative to cars, especially in urban areas. Electric bikes have a zero carbon footprint. A standard passenger car emits 6 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, but larger vehicles, especially those with diesel engines, significantly increase emissions. However, some cities, including Denver, aren’t as “e-bike friendly” as they should be. Riding an electric bike can do more harm than good if proper safety measures are not taken for the rider.
One important fact that you should not overlook is the speed at which an electric bike runs. Electric bikes can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour without pedal assistance. While this may seem like a great way to get around town faster, it also increases your chances of sustaining a more severe traumatic brain injury in the event of an accident.
Unlike traditional bicycles, electric bicycles are not regulated as motor vehicles under U.S. law. Instead, they are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and must meet bicycle safety standards. However, these standards do not require e-bike riders to wear helmets, and Colorado does not have a universal helmet law for all age groups. Studies have shown that compared to children who ride pedal bikes or mopeds, children who ride e-bikes use helmets less frequently and have higher hospitalization rates. With rebates potentially making e-bikes more accessible to residents, the safety of cyclists, especially children, is a major concern.
The potential dangers of e-bikes are not limited to Colorado. A national survey of injuries related to e-bikes and e-scooters across all age groups demonstrated that e-bike accidents are more likely to result in hospitalization, internal injuries, and concussions compared to pedal bike accidents. I did. Concussions and internal injuries were also more common in e-bike injuries compared to bicycle injuries.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), such as concussions, can have long-term effects on individuals. Symptoms include memory and concentration problems, mood swings, personality changes, and headaches. These symptoms can make it difficult or nearly impossible for some people to manage daily life, work, go to school, drive, and other activities.
Before offering rebates on electric bikes, Colorado must take serious action toward enforcing a universal helmet law to protect the public from serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries. Although e-bikes are a convenient and environmentally friendly means of transportation, the potential risks cannot be ignored.
Known for its outdoor activities and active lifestyle, Colorado must prioritize the safety of its residents. States will take a more active role in educating about traumatic brain injuries and the benefits of helmets, improve safe access to roads for riders, and consider universal helmet laws for all age groups There is a need to.
Colorado’s plan to offer rebates on electric bikes is a big incentive to promote greener travel and recreation, but the state is failing to protect its riders. Additional bike lanes are needed, especially in areas where electric bikes are heavily used. There is a lack of public education in the state about the importance of wearing a helmet when pedaling or riding an e-bike to reduce the severity of traumatic brain injuries. It’s reasonable to assume that some people would oppose a universal helmet law for all ages, but these types of laws are proof that states care about the welfare of their residents.
With increased speeds and a lack of helmet laws, there is a real risk of increased traumatic brain injuries. It is time for the country to take action and prioritize the safety of its citizens before encouraging potentially dangerous forms of transportation.
Tracy Bearden lives in Denver and is a speech therapist and certified brain injury trainer.she is the founder of Traumatic Brain Injury MedSLPThis will help educate healthcare professionals who treat traumatic brain injuries.
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