The
Bluffton Blufft n Sun July 7, 2026 • Volume 29, Issue 13 • Complimentary • BlufftonSun.com
Safety concerns grow as e-bike use rises
By Sasha Sweeney Editor
As electric bicycles and scooters become increasingly common throughout the Lowcountry, safety concerns are growing among parents, residents and law enforcement, especially as more children and teenagers ride them on roads, bike paths and sidewalks. Social media posts and neighborhood forums across the Lowcountry have increasingly reflected concerns about riders speeding through neighborhoods, weaving through traffic, ignoring stop signs and riding without helmets. While public concern appears widespread, local crash data specific to e-bikes and electric scooters remains limited. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said it has not seen a significant increase in crashes involving e-bikes or scooters. “We’ve had calls in reference to it, but not a rise in the actual collisions.” said Master Sgt. Robert Herlong of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. The biggest concern, officials and safety experts say, is speed. Unlike traditional bicycles, many electric bikes and scooters can travel much
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faster with far less effort. Casual cyclists often travel between 8 and 15 mph. By comparison, many e-bikes and scooters can reach 20 mph, while some higher-powered models can travel even faster. South Carolina generally recognizes three classes of e-bikes. Class 1 e-bikes provide pedal assistance up to 20 mph. Class 2 e-bikes use either pedal assist or throttle power and also max out at 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes provide pedal assistance up to 28 mph and are considered the fastest street-legal e-bike category. Safety experts warn that crashes at those speeds can cause serious injuries, including head trauma, broken bones and severe road rash. “Broken bones or fractures in the ankles, legs and hands are common injuries we see in patients hurt while using e-scooters,” said Dr. Cory Messerschmidt, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist with Beaufort Memorial Orthopaedic Specialists. “These injuries often result from high-impact collisions or falls.” Messerschmidt said recovery from fractures can take months and, in more serious cases, may require surgery and physical therapy.
He emphasized that protective gear can significantly reduce injury risk. “At a minimum, riders should wear a helmet,” Messerschmidt said. “Hands and wrists are also especially vulnerable during falls, so wrist guards and gloves can help reduce injuries.” Weight is another safety factor. Traditional bicycles often weigh between 20 and 35 pounds. Many e-bikes weigh 45 to 80 pounds or more. That added weight increases stopping distance and makes bikes harder to control, especially for younger or inexperienced riders.
SAFETY CONT. ON PAGE 3
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