The judge “America’s Got Talent” broke his back in several places.
Simon Cowell’s electric bike accident over the weekend has renewed concerns about e-bike safety as sales around the country increase during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The judge of “America’s Got Talent” was recovering in hospital Sunday after breaking his back in several places, according to his representative.
The crash happened on Saturday while Cowell was testing his new e-bike in the courtyard of his home in Malibu with his family, the spokesman told ABC News.
“If you are buying an electric trail bike, read the manual before riding it for the first time,” Cowell tweeted Sunday night, shares “a massive thank you” to all the nurses and doctors who sought him out.
Cowell’s accident comes as e-bike sales skyrocketed. One Phoenix-based company had to increase production after seeing a growth of more than 140% in sales since quarantine measures were announced.
“People want to get outside,” said Lectric eBikes CEO Levi Conlow. “They’re locked up inside and they want to get out and they want to explore their communities. And that’s just one layer of it – another layer is that people do not desperately want to use public transportation at all times.”
Many of these sales represent new, first-time e-bike riders.
“Crashes can often happen in the first or second ride,” said Greg Billing, Executive Director at the Washington Area Bicyclist Association.
E-bikes have a motor and often have more power than a normal bike.
One recent study reported that e-bikes carry a higher risk of serious injuries compared to traditional bikes like scooters.
Researchers analyzed hospital data from 2000 to 2017 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission National Electronic Injury Surveillance System and found that people who ride powered bikes are more likely to suffer more internal injuries and be admitted to the hospital.
Billing, who teaches a class for first-time e-bike riders in Washington, DC, recommends having a checklist before getting on a powered bike – check the air pressure, the brakes and the chains.
“It’s a different skill than just riding a bike,” Billing told ABC News. “That’s why we encourage people when they start using e-bikes to really exercise and understand how to handle the power of the bike and make sure they feel comfortable before riding.” on the road or on a track around people other than cars. ”
Conlow emphasizes the importance of riders wearing a helmet.
“You know you’re safer that way,” he said. “Also ride within your means and definitely take the time to get comfortable with the bike and read your owner’s manual.”
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