Simon Cowell undergoes surgery to insert a metal rod into his spine after falling from his new electric bike

Simon Cowell broke his back after performing a wheelie on his powerful new $8,500 electric bike, which can reach a top speed of 60mph in just seconds.

The media mogul, 60, underwent six hours of surgery to insert a metal rod into his spine on Saturday night after falling from his new $8,500 CAB Recon electric bike, which is billed as one of the most powerful models on the market. The music boss is believed to have sustained the injury after being 'surprised by the power' of the bike while performing a wheelie, and knew immediately that he 'was in trouble'.

Cowell will miss 'America's Got Talent's first two live shows.