Spencer, Iowa (NorthwestIowaNow.com) — Electric bikes and motorized scooters are everywhere this summer, especially with kids and teens looking for a fun way to get around town.

Ashley Sonius, a nursing administrator at the Spencer Hospital Emergency Department joined the Clay County Health Update this weekend and says they are seeing a distinct rise in accidents involving these newer devices, and the biggest concern right now is that riders simply aren’t protecting themselves.

Sonius says keeping your kids safe includes consistent helmet use, get rid of distractions like ear buds or cell phones, and stay off busy roads whenever possible.

The Spencer Hospital Emergency Room was recently re-certified as a Level 4 Trauma Center, meaning the facility is fully equipped with the training and protocols to handle critical injuries right here in Spencer.

Listen to the full Clay County health Update under the podcast tab at NorthwestiowaNow.com