Stay safe on two wheels: essential bike and e-scooter safety tips.

Common bike and e-scooter accidents.

You might be surprised how often bike and scooter accidents actually happen. Car doors swing open without warning.

Intersections have blind spots where drivers can't see you. Potholes and debris in the road can send you flying.

E-scooters have some extra problems. They go faster than regular bikes, but they're less stable because of those tiny wheels. Some people think it's okay to ride them on sidewalks, which puts walkers at risk.

Most accidents are preventable, though. Understanding traffic rules and taking proper precautions dramatically reduces your risk of injury.

Important bike safety gear and protective equipment.

• Helmets save lives. A properly fitted helmet reduces head injury risk by up to 85%. For e-scooter riders, this protection becomes even more crucial given the higher speeds involved. Choose helmets meeting ANSI or Snell safety standards that fit snugly without being uncomfortable.

• Bike visibility gear and lighting requirements. Visibility gear isn't just smart; it's legally required in most areas. White headlights and red taillights are typically mandated from dusk to dawn, but using lights during daylight hours in heavy traffic isn't a bad idea either.
  Bright clothing, reflective tape, and additional lighting help drivers spot you sooner. Remember: being visible means being alive.
  Basic traffic rules for bike and scooter riders.
  Bikes and e-scooters are basically treated like cars in most places. That means stopping at red lights, following traffic signals, and going with the flow of traffic. The exact rules change depending on where you're riding, though.
  But the specific rules can vary depending on where you're riding.

   

Do you need a helmet?

It depends on where you live. 

• In New Jersey, anyone under 17 has to wear one.
• New York only requires helmets for kids under 14 and people riding for work. 

Regardless, it’s a smart idea to always wear a helmet.

Where can you actually ride? 

Regular city streets are usually fine, but stay off highways and expressways. 

Most places don't let adults ride on sidewalks, though little kids on small bikes sometimes get a pass. 

E-scooters have tighter rules. In New York, they can only go on roads with speed limits of 30 mph or less, and the scooters themselves can't go faster than 15 mph.

E-bike speed limits and classifications.

New York and New Jersey use a three-class system. 

Classes 1 and 2 top out at 20 mph, while Class 3 bikes can hit 25-28 mph, depending on where you are. 

All e-bikes need real pedals and motors under 750 watts. They're supposed to have stickers showing what class they are, too.

Local bike and scooter laws matter.

Cities and towns can add their own rules on top of state laws. 

Some ban e-bikes from certain trails or boardwalks, especially during summer when tourists show up. If you're not sure, check for signs or ask around before you ride somewhere new.

Electric scooter safety tips and best practices.

E-scooters are everywhere now, but they need some special safety thinking.

Those small wheels make them wobbly, especially on bumpy pavement or cracked sidewalks. If you're new to riding one, find an empty parking lot or quiet street to get the hang of it first. Don't jump straight into busy traffic.

Keep an eye on your battery. Running out of juice in the middle of a ride can leave you stuck or tempt you to do something risky to get home. A quick battery check before you head out saves headaches later.

Using a shared scooter? Give it a once-over before you ride. Squeeze the brakes to make sure they work. Check that the handlebars aren't loose. If something seems off, find a different scooter and let the company know about the problem.

How to avoid common cycling hazards and accidents.

The "door zone" next to parked cars poses one of the biggest dangers for cyclists. Always ride at least three feet away from parked vehicles and stay extra alert in areas with high parking turnover.

Intersections account for most bike accidents. Assume drivers don't see you, especially when turning. Position yourself visibly, signal early, and never assume someone will yield right of way.

Weather conditions multiply risks. Rain, snow, and ice require reduced speeds, increased following distances, and extra caution around painted lines and metal surfaces that become slippery when wet.

When to seek medical care after bike accidents.

Not all bike accidents produce immediate symptoms. Some injuries develop hours or days later.

Seek emergency care immediately for loss of consciousness, severe bleeding, suspected fractures, neck or back pain, or head injury signs like confusion or vomiting.

Visit urgent care for cuts needing stitches, persistent headaches after falls, joint pain or swelling, deep abrasions, or any injury that's worsening rather than improving.

Even if you feel fine after an accident, consider getting checked if you hit your head or experienced significant impact. Concussions can have delayed symptoms that are easy to miss.

Urgent care for bike and scooter injuries.

Bike and e-scooter accidents can happen to anyone, regardless of experience level. If you've been in an accident or are experiencing pain after a fall, don't wait to see if symptoms improve on their own.

If you're dealing with injuries from a cycling accident, stop by your nearest CityMD. Our providers can assess your condition, provide treatment, and help you recover safely. No appointment needed. We're here when you need us most.