Steep climb in e-bike injuries at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney

01 Oct 2026

New figures from St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney show a 22 per cent increase in e-bike injuries, with almost half being serious enough to trigger a trauma response.

There were 361 patients who presented to the hospital for e-bike injuries between January and the end of July 2026 compared to 296 presentations during the same seven-month period last year.

For the first time St Vincent’s has collated data for all e-bike presentations, not just those needing specialist trauma care.

Of the 361 presentations, 153 – or 42 per cent – were serious enough to warrant a trauma activation. In the same period in 2025, 47 per cent triggered a trauma response.

Dr Edward Lewis, Acting Head of Rehabilitation Medicine, said some patients had injuries that could take months or even years to recover from.

“We see a range of injuries, from mild scrapes and strains to bone fractures, internal bleeding and deep tissue wounds,” he said.

“The most concerning are traumatic brain injuries, which can require emergency surgery and result in life-long disabilities.”

Dr Lewis said a multi-disciplinary team of doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and social workers work with these patients, who often need intensive rehabilitation to address both physical and cognitive impairments.

St Vincent’s Hospital recognises e-bikes, when used safely, are a key part of our transport network.

However, the majority of patients who end up in hospital are riding under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, riding too fast, or riding without a helmet.

"Our message is one of safety: take your time on the bike, wear a helmet, don’t ride while impaired and be extra cautious at night,” Dr Lewis said.

“You don't want to end up in rehabilitation medicine receiving months and months of care – such as learning to walk again – because of a foolish decision you made while intoxicated."