Above: Team Sutter riders took part in Rock the Ride Napa County, with Sutter Health proudly serving as title sponsor for the event.

As the 2025 Tour de France nears its finale, cycling is having a major moment. But it’s not just pro riders drawing attention — electric bikes, or e-bikes, are booming across cities, suburbs and trails. With speeds up to 28 mph and enhanced accessibility, they’re transforming how people commute, exercise and explore. But is that progress coming with a downside?

“E-bikes can make cycling more inclusive and enjoyable,” says Dr. Arthur Jey, a Sutter emergency medicine physician. “They open the door for people who might not otherwise ride — whether due to age, injury, mobility limitations or long distances. But they also come with real safety concerns. We’re seeing more riders in the ER with preventable injuries from not wearing helmets, riding too fast for the conditions, or underestimating the bike’s power.”

According to the American College of Surgeons, e-bike riders are more than three times as likely to suffer internal injuries and twice as likely to sustain concussions compared to traditional cyclists. Riders ages 10 to 13 now have the highest rate of e-bike-related ER visits.

Ride Smart: E-Bike Safety Rules and Tips

The California DMV’s 2025 Two-Wheel Vehicle Operation guide outlines key safety rules and legal requirements:

• Know your bike class. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes assist riders while pedaling up to 20 mph, and Class 2 may include a throttle. Class 3 e-bikes are pedal-assist only, up to 28 mph; riders must be 16 or older, and bikes must have a speedometer.
• Wear a helmet. Helmets are mandatory for all riders on Class 3 e-bikes and anyone under 18. They significantly reduce the risk of head injury.
• Use proper lighting. A white front light and red rear reflector are required — especially critical at night or in low-light conditions.
• Stick to factory settings. Modifying an e-bike to exceed speed or power limits can make it unsafe and illegal. E-bikes must not surpass 750 watts or their class speed limits.
• Ride aware. Obey traffic laws, avoid sidewalks where prohibited and stay alert. Keep headphones out, stay off your phone and be mindful of your surroundings.

Dress for Visibility

What you wear on your ride can do more than make a style statement — it can help keep you safe.

During the day, fluorescent colors like orange, yellow-green and hot pink are your best bet. According to Bicycling.com, drivers recognize these hues more quickly and from farther away, making them ideal for daylight visibility.

At night, the focus shifts to reflective materials. Unlike fluorescents, which rely on UV rays in sunlight to stand out, reflective gear shines under artificial light — such as headlights and streetlamps. For maximum impact, place reflective elements on moving parts of your lower body, like legs and ankles, since headlights are typically aimed low and motion catches the eye.

Lessons From the Tour

The Tour de France, one of the oldest and most prestigious men’s cycling races, has delivered both drama and reminders about cycling safety this year:

• Stage 1: Filippo Ganna withdrew after showing concussion symptoms following a crash with another rider on a turn.
• Stage 3: Top sprinter Jasper Philipsen abandoned the race after suffering a broken collarbone during a crash in a high-speed bunch sprint.
• Stage 11: Race favorite and reigning world champion Tadej Pogačar crashed just outside the safety zone — the final two miles of the stage. He was able to rejoin the race, but the incident underscored how quickly accidents can happen, even to the most experienced riders.

“Professional cyclists spend months training not just for endurance, but for safety and awareness on the road,” says Dr. Kent Sheridan, a Sutter orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist. “Everyday riders should approach e-bike safety with the same mindset — especially when riding at higher speeds, in groups or navigating busy streets.”

For more wellness and safety tips, visit Sutter Health’s Health and Wellness page at https://www.sutterhealth.org/health.

NOTE: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.