Simon Cowell has admitted that he failed to read the manual before his unsuccessful test drive of his new electric bike.

The Got Talent and X Factor maestro was hospitalised for a broken back on Saturday after falling off the new bike and was taken in for a five-hour surgery.

The 60-year-old is now recovering in hospital and has taken to Twitter to update followers on his condition.

"Some good advice..." he wrote. "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.

"Thank you to everyone for your kind messages. And a massive thank you to all the nurses and doctors. Some of the nicest people I have ever met.

"Stay safe everyone, Simon."

Cowell will miss this week's first live shows of America's Got Talent, although it is currently unclear when he will be fit to return to the show.