Louisiana Outpaces Arizona, Hawaii and Florida as US States Face Rising E-Bike Road Safety Risks

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Louisiana outpaces Arizona, Hawaii and Florida as US states face rising e-bike road safety risks, according to a new H&P Law study. Louisiana leads the national ranking with a 98.4 risk score, highlighting significant cycling safety concerns for residents, tourists and travellers exploring popular American destinations by electric bicycle.

A new United States road safety ranking has identified Louisiana as the highest-risk state for electric bicycle riders, followed by Arizona and Hawaii. The findings raise important questions about cycling infrastructure, visitor safety and the growing popularity of e-bike tourism across American cities and holiday destinations.

Louisiana Tops National E-Bike Risk Ranking

Louisiana has secured the highest position in a new E-Bike Road Risk Index developed by US personal injury law firm H&P Law. The state recorded an overall risk score of 98.4 out of 100, placing it ahead of Arizona, Hawaii and Rhode Island.

The research examined road safety indicators across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., combining motorised-bicycle fatalities, wider cyclist mortality rates and the proportion of traffic deaths involving pedalcyclists.

Louisiana registered 0.870 motorised-bicycle fatalities per million residents during the 2022–2024 assessment period. This was the highest figure among the ten leading jurisdictions.

The state also recorded an average pedalcyclist fatality rate of 0.865 per 100,000 residents for 2023–2024. Cyclists accounted for 5.9% of its traffic fatalities in 2024.

These combined figures placed Louisiana 4.5 points ahead of Arizona, indicating significant concerns across several cycling safety measures.

For the travel industry, the findings are relevant to visitors exploring destinations through bicycle rentals, guided cycling excursions and independent sightseeing.

Arizona and Hawaii Follow Louisiana in National Rankings

Arizona ranked second nationally with an overall risk score of 93.9. The state recorded 0.659 motorised-bicycle fatalities per million residents and an average pedalcyclist fatality rate of 0.580 per 100,000.

Arizona’s tourism destinations attract visitors interested in outdoor recreation, desert landscapes and urban cycling. The findings highlight the importance of carefully planned routes and road safety information for travellers choosing bicycles as an alternative to conventional transport.

Hawaii followed in third position, recording an overall score of 90.9.

The Pacific island state registered 0.461 motorised-bicycle fatalities per million residents and an average pedalcyclist fatality rate of 0.520 per 100,000.

Cyclists represented 6.9% of Hawaii’s traffic fatalities in 2024, one of the highest proportions among the ten leading jurisdictions.

For tourism businesses offering coastal rides and recreational cycling experiences, the findings underline the importance of rider guidance, safe routes and appropriate protective equipment.

Rhode Island Records Highest Cyclist Share of Traffic Deaths

Rhode Island ranked fourth overall with a risk score of 87.2, but recorded the highest percentage of traffic fatalities involving pedalcyclists.

According to the study, cyclists represented 9.6% of Rhode Island’s total road deaths in 2024.

That proportion was approximately 16 times the equivalent figure reported for Maine.

However, the percentage requires careful interpretation. It represents cyclists’ share of all traffic fatalities, rather than the probability of an individual cyclist being involved in a fatal collision.

Rhode Island’s ranking demonstrates why road safety assessments must consider several indicators instead of relying exclusively on total fatalities or population-adjusted death rates.

Florida Reports Highest Pedalcyclist Fatality Rate

Florida occupied fifth position with an overall risk score of 84.4, despite recording the highest average pedalcyclist fatality rate among the ten leading states.

The Sunshine State registered 0.960 pedalcyclist deaths per 100,000 residents during 2023–2024.

According to the study, that figure was approximately 27 times Maine’s equivalent rate.

Florida also recorded 0.285 motorised-bicycle fatalities per million residents, while pedalcyclists accounted for 6.6% of traffic deaths in 2024.

These findings carry particular relevance for Florida’s tourism sector, where visitors regularly use bicycles and electric bicycles for short journeys, waterfront sightseeing and leisure activities.

Miami, Orlando, Tampa and coastal holiday destinations have cycling environments that vary considerably by location.

Visitors should therefore assess local traffic conditions, available cycle lanes and rental safety instructions before selecting routes.

Delaware, Nevada and New Jersey Highlight Wider Road Safety Challenges

Delaware ranked sixth with a risk score of 82.7, followed by Nevada at 80.1 and New Jersey at 79.9.

Delaware recorded an average pedalcyclist fatality rate of 0.480 per 100,000 residents, compared with Nevada’s 0.450 and New Jersey’s 0.275.

Nevada’s inclusion is relevant to tourism operators in Las Vegas and other destinations offering recreational cycling and outdoor excursions.

New Jersey’s position is particularly significant as the state has introduced new electric bicycle regulations.

Under legislation enacted in January 2026, New Jersey introduced licensing and registration requirements for e-bike riders. The state’s Motor Vehicle Commission began accepting appointments in June, with new operating requirements taking effect in July.

The regulatory changes reflect growing attention to rider responsibilities, vehicle classifications and road safety.

California and New York Complete the Top Ten

California and New York shared an overall risk score of 78.2, occupying ninth and tenth positions respectively.

California recorded 0.304 motorised-bicycle fatalities per million residents and an average pedalcyclist fatality rate of 0.390 per 100,000.

New York registered a higher motorised-bicycle fatality rate of 0.772 per million residents, although its wider pedalcyclist fatality rate was lower at 0.245 per 100,000.

Their identical overall scores demonstrate how different combinations of indicators can produce comparable index results.

Both states have major tourism economies in which bicycles and e-bikes play a role in sightseeing, urban mobility and recreational travel.

National E-Bike Injuries Add Urgency to Safety Discussions

The study arrives amid wider concerns about injuries associated with electric bicycles and other micromobility vehicles.

According to figures cited in the research from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 59,200 e-bike-related emergency department injuries occurred in 2024, compared with an annual average of approximately 6,300 during 2017–2021.

The Commission’s broader research also documents the growth of injuries involving micromobility products and encourages helmet use, regular equipment inspections and improved visibility around motor vehicles.

However, increasing total injuries do not necessarily establish that individual e-bike journeys have become more dangerous, because changes in ridership and total travel exposure also influence incident numbers.

What the Findings Mean for US Tourism

E-bikes provide an increasingly accessible option for exploring American destinations, supporting sightseeing, local businesses and environmentally conscious transport choices.

Nevertheless, the ranking highlights the importance of safety education, reliable equipment, protected cycling infrastructure and clear local regulations.

Tourism authorities, hotels and rental operators can contribute through route recommendations, helmet availability, equipment maintenance and practical guidance for international visitors.

“Electric bicycles are creating exciting opportunities for travellers to explore destinations across the United States while supporting sustainable tourism and local businesses.

The latest findings from Louisiana, Arizona, Hawaii and Florida highlight an important opportunity to strengthen cycling infrastructure and promote responsible travel experiences. As more visitors embrace electric bicycles for sightseeing, coastal exploration and urban mobility, destinations must prioritise safety alongside accessibility and convenience.

Investment in protected cycling routes, improved signage, reliable rental services and practical rider education can significantly enhance visitor confidence. Tourism boards, local authorities and industry stakeholders have an opportunity to work collaboratively towards safer and more inclusive cycling environments. The future of electric bicycle tourism depends on balancing innovation with responsible infrastructure development. By adopting forward-looking safety measures, American destinations can strengthen their tourism appeal, encourage environmentally conscious travel and create memorable experiences that benefit visitors, residents and local communities alike in the years ahead.”

— Anup Kumar Keshan, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Travel And Tour World

Importantly, the H&P Law index uses motorised-bicycle and broader pedalcyclist fatality statistics as proxies because comprehensive state-level e-bike fatality figures remain limited.

Consequently, its findings should be interpreted as comparative roadway-risk indicators rather than definitive measurements of the danger associated with individual e-bike journeys.

The study reinforces an important message for American tourism: expanding cycling opportunities must be accompanied by safety planning that protects both residents and visitors.

The findings highlight growing opportunities to strengthen cycling safety across major US tourism destinations. Louisiana, Arizona, Hawaii and Florida demonstrate the importance of improved infrastructure, responsible e-bike rentals and traveller awareness. Greater collaboration between tourism authorities and transport agencies can encourage safer journeys while supporting sustainable mobility and tourism development.

The latest findings underline the importance of safer cycling infrastructure across American tourism destinations. Although Louisiana leads the overall ranking, Florida and Rhode Island reveal different road safety challenges. Greater investment in protected routes, responsible rental services and traveller education could strengthen visitor confidence while supporting sustainable tourism growth nationwide.