Electric Scooter and E-Bike Safety

As electric scooters and e-bike rentals become more popular, teens and young adults are turning to them as a primary mode of transportation. Did you know some of these can reach speeds of up to 25 mph? If your teenager is asking for one as a gift or begging for a membership to one of the community e-bike/e-scooter sharing services, keep these tips in mind.

Before you ride:

• Follow age guidelines. Many rental companies have a minimum age to rent or ride but trust your gut. Just because a company says your teen is old enough to ride doesn’t mean you have to allow it. Driving a motorized vehicle, no matter the size or speed, requires a certain amount of maturity and responsibility.
• Check local laws. Every city and some townships or neighborhoods have their own laws governing where and when scooters and e-bikes can be ridden and parked. Sometimes the rental companies have additional rules. Make sure everyone riding is clear on what they can and cannot do. If riding in the road, teach your teen to follow traffic lights and signs as if they were driving a car. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that riders of e-bikes and e-scooters be at least 16 years old.
• Read before you ride. Follow all manufacturer directions, review the safety information, and follow weight and age limits for the e-bike or e-scooter.

While you ride:

• Always wear a helmet. You only have one brain. Protect it from getting hurt in a fall. You never know when you may hit a bump in the sidewalk, or a car won’t see you in the street. Wear a well-fitted bike helmet every ride – depending on your age and where you’re riding, it may even be the law.
• Be visible. Most deaths with electric scooters and e-bikes involve motor vehicles. Cars and pedestrians may not be used to seeing people riding electric scooters or e-bikes, so slow down, be aware of your surroundings, ride predictably, and wear light/bright colors. Consider using a bell or horn to alert others.
• Ride smart. Only one person can ride an e-scooter or e-bike at a time. Always keep both hands on the handlebars. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs – call a trusted adult or rideshare service instead.

It’s great to give teens an outlet to be independent – just make sure they know and follow the rules to ride more safely.

Report safety incidents or concerns with consumer products to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.