Simon Cowell is in recovery after undergoing surgery following a bike crash. The “America’s Got Talent” judge was rushed to the hospital after breaking his back in several spots.
The 60-year-old entertainment mogul injured himself while test driving a new electric bike. The wreck took place in the courtyard of his Malibu, California home, CNN reports.
A spokeswoman for Cowell addressed the incident. “He was taken to hospital where they operated overnight, he’s under observation and is doing fine,” the spokeswoman said.
Cowell took to social media to speak out for the first time since the wreck on Sunday night. “Some good advice…if you buy an electric trail bike, read the manual before you ride it for the first time,” Cowell writes. “I have broken part of my back. Thank you to everyone for you kind messages.”
In a subsequent tweet, Cowell shared his appreciation for the medical staff taking care of him at the hospital. He calls them “some of the nicest people I have ever met.”
At the time of the crash, Cowell was at home with his family. He shares a son with his partner, Lauren Silverman.
Simon Cowell Is One of Many to Sustain Injuries on An Electric Bike
According to Greg Billing, the Executive Director at the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, “crashes can happen often in the first or second ride.”
“It is a different skill than just riding a bike,” Billing told ABC News. “Which is why we encourage people when they are starting to use e-bikes to really practice and understand how to handle the power of the bike and make sure that they feel comfortable before they get out on the road or on a trail around other people or cars.”
CEO of Lectric eBikes, Levi Conlow, encourages e-bike riders to wear protective gear including helmets. “You know you’re way more safe that way,” Conlow tells ABC News. “Ride within your ability as well and definitely take the time to get comfortable with the bike and read your owner’s manual.”
[H/T CNN]
