Biking can be a great way for children and teens to get to school, visit friends and stay active. As electric bikes (e-bikes) have become more popular, more kids are riding them on streets, bike paths and sidewalks. Unfortunately, we are also seeing a rise in e-bike-related injuries among children and teens.
In fact, e-bike crashes have become the leading cause of injury for school-aged children seen in our emergency rooms. Some of these injuries are severe and similar to those seen in motorcycle crashes, including traumatic brain injuries, facial injuries, broken bones, and internal chest or abdominal injuries.
Because e-bikes are faster, heavier and more powerful than traditional bicycles, children and teens need additional skills, maturity and safety training before riding one.
What parents need to know about e-bike safety
If you're thinking about buying an e-bike for your child or teen, it's important to understand the risks, age recommendations, safety features and training requirements that can help prevent serious injuries.
Read on to learn how e-bikes differ from traditional bicycles, what age kids may be ready to ride, and how to help your child ride safely.
E-bike safety checklist & family riding agreement
Thinking about buying an e-bike for your teen? Use these downloadable resources to help guide your decision and promote safe riding habits from the start.
What is an e-bike?
E-bikes look like regular bicycles, but they are different. E-bikes have an electric motor and a rechargeable battery that help power the bike. They may have two or three wheels. E-bikes are faster, heavier and more difficult to manage than regular bikes.
Understanding the different types of e-bikes
Not all e-bikes are the same. They are usually grouped into three classes:
Class 1: the bike motor only works when the rider is pedaling, and it can reach speeds up to 20 mph
Class 2: includes a throttle that allows the rider to use the bike motor without pedaling or with pedaling. It can reach speeds up to 20 mph
Class 3: may or may not have a throttle but can reach top speeds up to 28 mph or more
Why it's risky to remove an e-bike speed limiter
Removing or unlocking the speed limiter on an e-bike is hazardous and may be against the law. Higher speeds can increase the risk of serious injuries for riders who crash and pedestrians who may be hit, as well as damage the bike.
Should your child ride an e-bike?
Not every child who can ride a bicycle is ready to ride an e-bike. If you are considering an e-bike for your child, be aware that they operate and handle differently than regular bikes.
Just as kids learn to cross the street and ride a regular bike safely, they will also need special training and instructions before riding an e-bike. It is also important to know that many states and even some communities have regulations for who can or cannot ride e-bikes and which types are allowed.
E-bikes were reported as the reason for about 155,200 emergency department visits and 301 deaths from 2017-2024, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission's latest "Micromobility Products-Related Deaths, Injuries and Hazard Patterns." Motor vehicle crashes and loss-of-control issues were the top hazards associated with e-bike fatalities.
Considering the sharp rise we are seeing in injuries among kids involving e-bikes, we encourage families to use extreme caution and follow the guidelines below.
Consider your child's age
The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that children age 9 through 12 years should not operate any product that travels faster than 10 mph. That means no e-bikes under 12 years.
If your child is 12-15 years old and you determine that they are ready, only choose a Class 1 bike. If your child already has an e-bike, you may want to reassess, seek more training and be aware of some of the tips below.
If your child is 16 years old, start with a Class 1 or 2.
Check your state and local e-bike laws
Also find out whether there are laws or rules where you live about how old a person must be to operate e-bikes. Check the vehicle code in your state and regulations in your community. Confirm whether the rules apply to all classes of e-bikes. Some areas also have stricter laws for the faster (class 3) e-bikes.
E-bike training and safety education for teens
Although e-bikes are motorized, they are not currently classified as motor vehicles.
Even so, if your teen is 16 years of age or older and has a learning permit or driver's license, they will benefit from instruction to help them ride an e-bike safely. Check with your city and school district to see if there are training courses. Some school districts require training for the e-biker to have a school parking permit.
Learn more about e-bike safety in this video from Dr. Ben Hoffman:
More e-bike safety tips for families
Battery safety
E-bike batteries can cause fires. The e-bike battery powers the motor but it must be charged often. Parents should keep in mind that a rechargeable e-bike battery presents a higher risk of fire and explosion. Always be present when charging the e-bike battery. Never charge any battery while you are sleeping, and only use the charger that is recommended. (Find more battery safety tips
here.)
Maintenance matters
E-bikes require more maintenance than regular bikes. Make sure you and your child know what is required to keep the e-bike operating properly. This includes reading the owner's manual, learning about warnings and instructions and performing recommended safety checks.
Choose the best helmet for e-bike riders
Wear a bicycle helmet that fits properly and is approved by the CPSC. (Find details about which helmet to choose for which activity here.) Be aware that if your child rides any class of e-bike, they should wear a high quality helmet made for higher speeds than a regular bicycle helmet. And remember: No helmet no ride!
Follow the rules of the road on an e-bike
Remember, all bikers of all ages whether using an e-bike or not should follow the basic rules of the road:
Ride on the right, in the same direction as traffic using bike lanes when available.
Stop and look both ways before entering the street.
Stop at all intersections, whether marked or unmarked.
Respect traffic lights and stop signs.
Pay attention to your surroundings. Do not talk on the cell phone, text or wear ear buds or headphones while riding.
Discourage kids from taking passengers on the back of the e-bike.
Do not operate the e bike if you are drinking or using substances or taking medications that can interfere with your ability to be a safe biker.
Alert others such as pedestrians that you are approaching. They may not hear you.
Follow
safety rules when towing bicycle trailers.
Remember
Before children ride an e-bike, they must first understand how to be safe pedestrians and then learn to be safe bicycle riders so they do not injure themselves or others.
Safe e-bike riding requires training, good judgment and mature decision-making. Being able to ride a regular bicycle does not automatically mean a child is ready for an e-bike.
Parents should carefully consider their child's age, maturity and riding skills before allowing them to ride. With the right training, supervision and safety equipment, families can help reduce the risk of serious injury.
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