Los Angeles General Medical Center launches e-bike safety initiative

Los Angeles General Medical Center on Oct. 29, 2026 launched “100 Helmets for a Safer Community,” a new e-bike safety initiative the hospital said it developed in response to a concerning increase in patients with e-bike‑related injuries. The account and the program details come from the medical center’s announcement; the hospital is using its trauma unit experience to expand prevention work into the community.

At the launch the medical center made 100 free helmets available, demonstrated proper helmet fitting, handed out bilingual safety materials and introduced an English and Spanish E‑Bike Safety Guide for children, teens and families. The guide covers the three classes of e-bikes, rider readiness, helmet selection and fit, pre-ride safety checks, protective gear, safer riding practices and warning signs that may require medical attention.

“Our commitment to the community does not begin when someone arrives at our trauma center. As a trusted partner in our community, Los Angeles General Medical Center is proud to take concrete steps to help prevent that injury from happening in the first place,” said Jorge Orozco, Chief Executive Officer of Los Angeles General Medical Center.

The hospital said trauma, orthopedic and emergency specialists prompted the outreach after seeing more e-bike injuries. “E-bike crashes can result in devastating injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, complex fractures and spinal injuries that can have life-altering consequences,” said Brad Spellberg, M.D., Chief Medical Officer; he added that some patients require multiple surgeries, months of rehabilitation or face permanent disability, creating emotional and financial burdens for families.

“As trauma surgeons, we see the devastating consequences of serious injuries firsthand. E-bike crashes can result in complex, life‑threatening injuries, particularly when higher speeds are involved,” said Kenji Inaba, M.D., Chief of Surgery and Director of Operating Rooms at Los Angeles General Medical Center.

What the program means for riders: the hospital’s materials emphasize practical, pre-ride steps; confirm rider readiness, choose and properly fit a helmet, check brakes and tires, limit speed and use protective gear; and they list signs that should prompt medical evaluation after a crash. The medical center said the bilingual guide will support ongoing patient education and future community outreach.

Los Angeles General Medical Center is a 606‑bed, Level I Trauma Center operated by Los Angeles County’s Department of Health Services; the hospital said it also houses a Burn Center, a Level III neonatal ICU and comprehensive pediatric and psychiatric emergency services and that the e-bike outreach will join its broader injury‑prevention work.

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