E-bike rider suffers head injuries in Ballina

A man was taken to hospital after coming off an e-bike in East Ballina, as hospital reports highlight rising e-bike injuries.

A man in his 50s suffered serious head and hip injuries after coming off an e-bike in East Ballina on Thursday afternoon, as hospital reports highlight an increase in e-bike injuries.

NSW Ambulance said crews were called to Brighton Street at about 2.30pm.

The injured male was assessed at the scene and taken by ambulance to Lismore Base Hospital in a stable condition.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter also attended but was not required and returned to base.

“E-bike injuries: hospital presentations climb”

E-bikes are a familiar sight around Ballina, part of a national surge in popularity with the industry expected about 300,000 Australian e-bike sales in 2026.

They are presenting unique safety challenges due to the higher speeds and heavier weights of electric bicycles compared to traditional bikes.

Data highlights a dramatic influx of riders—especially youth and delivery workers—requiring emergency room visits and intensive trauma care.

St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney recorded a 22 per cent increase in e-bike injury presentations between January and July 2026 compared with the same period last year.

More than two in five presentations were serious enough to trigger a specialist trauma response.

The hospital’s director of trauma, Dr Tony Grabs, described the growing injury problem as an “epidemic”.

On the Gold Coast, hospital presentations involving e-bike or e-scooter accidents rose from 288 in 2021–22 to 747 in 2024–25—a jump of about 159 per cent.

Figures revealed during Queensland’s e-mobility inquiry showed that Gold Coast University Hospital treats at least one person injured in an e-bike or e-scooter accident a day.

Recovery can take years

St Vincent’s Hospital’s acting head of rehabilitation medicine, Dr Edward Lewis, said injuries ranged from scrapes and strains to fractures, internal bleeding and deep tissue wounds.

Some patients faced months or years of recovery.

Traumatic brain injuries could require emergency surgery and result in lifelong disabilities.

For riders generally, NSW rules require electrically power-assisted cycles to stop providing motor assistance at 25km/h.

This is a motor-assistance cut-off, rather than an absolute riding speed limit.

Riders must also obey posted road speed limits and wear an approved helmet securely fitted and fastened.

From March 1, 2029, e-bikes used on NSW roads must have a maximum continuous rated motor power of 250W.

Currently compliant models up to 500W have a transition period until then.