Emergency room veteran Dr. John Draus is not easily shaken.
The renowned pediatric surgeon has seen all manner of injuries and trauma over the course of his decorated medical career.
But the bloodied procession of children being rushed into his workplace after violent e-bike crashes has compelled him to speak out.
“Honestly, it’s scary,” he said.
In 2022, the First Coast’s premier pediatric medical center saw only three patients who came in after motorized device accidents.
The following year, that figure jumped to 23. By 2024, 74 children were wheeled into Wolfson’s corridors after e-bike wrecks.
Now, in the first half of 2025, that figure is already at 67, a dramatic rise that shows no signs of slowing. A spokesperson for the hospital said they’re on track to double last year’s total.
“We’re seeing a sharp rise in serious e-bike and e-scooter injuries, including broken bones, skull fractures and even brain bleeds,” Draus said. “Many of these happen because kids aren’t wearing helmets or don’t know how to ride safely. These aren’t toys; they’re fast-moving, powerful vehicles.”
Most patients who arrive after an e-bike crash are between 10 and 16 years old. The hospital stressed that only a fraction of e-bike accidents result in injuries severe enough to warrant a Wolfson visit.
Draus emphasized that lack of protective gear remains a major concern.
“While we’re here to care for injured children, we’d much rather help families avoid the need for a visit to the ER by encouraging both parents and children to make safety a priority from the start,” Draus said.
St. Johns County has hosted several serious e-bike and e-scooter crashes in recent months, prompting Sheriff Robert Hardwick to urge parents to priotize safety.
While he has stressed parental responsibility, the department last week announced spot safety checks on e-bikes throughout the county.
Wolfson beseeched parents to monitor their kids:
- Always wear a helmet. Not just any helmet, but one specifically designed to withstand the higher speeds of e-bikes and e-scooters. Elbow and knee pads, along with wrist guards, can also help prevent broken bones or cuts.
- Follow the rules of the road. That means signaling when turning and adhering to stop signs, traffic patterns and speed limits.
- Assume cars can’t see you. According to Dr. Draus, many accidents between cars and e-bikes occur because the driver didn’t see the rider. While lights and reflectors on your bike and bright or reflective clothing can boost visibility, riding cautiously around cars will have big impact.
