An eight-year-old boy in Sydney suffered serious injuries while riding a modified e-bike, raising concerns about the safety of young riders. Kai Host was riding ahead of his father on a shared footpath when he lost control after hitting a rock. The impact caused him to crash into a traffic bollard, resulting in a broken femur and a lacerated stomach. Kai recalled the moment, saying, "I felt like my leg was disconnected," before losing consciousness. Medical staff informed his mother, Elizabeth Milton, that he was fortunate to survive the accident, especially since he was wearing a helmet.

In recent years, e-bike injuries among children have surged in Sydney. Data from the Sydney Children's Hospital Network indicates that 94 children have been treated for e-bike-related injuries this year, a significant increase from 60 last year. The injuries range from minor scrapes to severe head injuries. Trauma surgeon Dr. SV Soundappan noted that while most injuries are minor, there is a concerning number of head injuries that could have long-term effects on children.

E-bikes have gained popularity in areas like Sutherland Shire and Northern Beaches, but their rise has also led to increased complaints from pedestrians. Des Docker, 70, shared his experience of being knocked over twice by e-bike and e-scooter riders who did not stop. He suggested that registration could help identify riders and hold them accountable for their actions.

Schools in the region are responding to the growing concerns about e-bike safety. Cronulla High School principal Tony Ibrahim reported a significant drop in complaints after implementing a safety program that issues license plates to students riding e-bikes. He stated, "Having that ID tag is really important because when they do complain, they're telling me who the rider is and then I can take appropriate action."

Students have expressed that the license plates have made them more accountable for their riding behavior. Jessica Beehag, a year 10 student, noted that the program encourages responsible riding, especially when in school uniform. Fellow student Ashton Taylor mentioned that the program has deterred risky behavior among his peers.

Other schools in the area, including Kirrawee High School, are beginning to adopt similar safety measures. Principal Christine Campbell acknowledged community concerns and emphasized the need for a proactive approach as e-bike usage continues to rise.

The safety course, developed by E-bike Safety Australia, aims to educate young riders while promoting accountability through ID tags. Co-founder Matthew Rog highlighted the importance of deterrence, stating, "It's not necessarily about catching children doing the wrong thing, it's deterrence."

As the popularity of e-bikes grows, experts advise parents to consider safety before purchasing one for their children. Kai, who spent eight weeks in a wheelchair during his recovery, has made it clear that he would not ride an e-bike again. He urged others, "Please don't buy an e-bike. If you already have an e-bike, make sure to wear safety gear and a helmet."