E-Bike Safety: Janet's Fight for Rules

0:00It's March 29, I'm Corey with The Story, and this is Global News Today World News powered by AI. A 14-year-old kid riding an electric bike at 25 mph slammed into Janistaco while she walked in her Minnesota neighborhood. Last year, she ended up unconscious with severe brain injuries, a broken fascia bone, and a busted eardrum hooked to a ventilator for two days before brain. Surgery and three weeks in the hospital. Doctors were shocked she pulled through. Now fully recovered, Staco is calling for tougher e-bike rules to stop this from happening to others. E-bikes are blowing up as a green, cheap ride option, but injuries are spiking hard. Studies show rider crashes nearly doubled yearly from 20. 17-20-22, and kid injuries in one city jumped 300% from 2019 to 2023. Folks are worried, from walkers sharing paths to cops needing clear lines. Their federal rules, most e-bikes count as regular bikes, so no license, insurance,

1:00or helmet required, but states are stepping up with their own. Limits since speeds mean bigger risks. Places like New York City, capped e-bikes at 15 mph, Florida wants 10 mph near pedestrians, and Connecticut now demands. Helmets plus licenses for high-power models without pedals. Experts push knowing your bike's class. One to three based on speed and throttle sticking to pass, wearing helmets and riding smart like lights on. And no booze. Staco got a win when police cited the teen for riding under age, but no charges for her injuries, fueling her fight for real accountability as more. Cities tighten these rules to keep streets safer.