Ahead of new New Jersey laws taking effect for electric bikes and scooters, a South Jersey brain injury specialist is urging riders and families to take safety seriously, especially when it comes to helmets and head trauma prevention. According to a Patch report by **Nicole Rosenthal**, Dr. Nawal Roy, medical director of Jefferson Health’s concussion center, said she is seeing growing concern around crashes involving e-bikes and similar devices as their popularity rises.
Roy told Patch that e-bikes can reach higher speeds than traditional bicycles, which can increase the risk and severity of injuries, particularly traumatic brain injuries. She emphasized that many riders, including children and teens, may not fully understand how dangerous these vehicles can be without proper precautions. One of her main recommendations was simple: wear a helmet every time.
The article comes as New Jersey prepares to implement new rules tied to e-bikes and scooters. The laws are intended to clarify how these devices are regulated and to improve public safety as more people use them for recreation and transportation. Roy said the medical community is paying close attention because head injuries can have long-term consequences, even when a crash initially seems minor.
She also noted that parents should be aware of what type of vehicle their child is riding, how fast it can go, and whether the rider has the maturity and experience to operate it safely. Education, supervision, and protective gear are key, she said, especially as these vehicles become more common in neighborhoods and on local roads.
The Patch article highlights a broader concern shared by doctors and safety advocates: e-bikes may look similar to regular bicycles, but the added speed and power can create a very different injury risk. Roy’s warning is that communities should not treat them casually, particularly with younger riders.
As New Jersey’s updated e-bike laws approach, the message from health experts is to focus on prevention before more serious injuries occur. Riders should understand the rules, families should evaluate safety carefully, and helmets should be considered essential.
Source: **Nicole Rosenthal, Patch**.
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