In August 2020, Simon Cowell was involved in a similar e-bike accident in which he severely broke his back. In that instance, he was riding around his own property in Malibu, via TMZ.
As Cowell told the “TODAY” show months later, “When I saw the X-ray, I really nearly smashed my spine to pieces, so I literally wouldn’t [have] been able to walk.” It didn’t help that instead of lying at the crash site and waiting for professional help to arrive, Cowell let himself “kind of get carried into my bedroom” until help arrived, by which time he was virtually immobilized. It took a 6-hour surgery and intensive physical therapy for four weeks before he was mobile again and able to return to work.
With characteristic dry humor, Cowell shared a message to his fans on social media: “Some good advice…If you buy an electric trail bike, read the manual before you ride it for the first time. i have broken part of my back. Thanks to everyone for your kind messages.”
The talent expert will be following another bit of important advice going forward. The anonymous source told The Sun that “Simon insists he’s not ditching the bike — but he will start wearing a helmet.” Let’s hope he does. According to Bicycles.org, in New York City alone, 74% of fatal bike crashes involved head injuries, and an overwhelming 97% of those fatalities were riders without helmets.
