Fast Wheels, Safe Skills: E-bike Safety

Riding a bicycle is a popular way for children and adults to exercise. Bicycles are also a more easily accessible mode of transportation. E-bikes (electric bikes) are quickly gaining popularity among people of all ages. E-bikes have a similar build to traditional (pedal) bikes but include an electric motor with rechargeable batteries. This means e-bikes are faster and heavier than traditional bikes.

There are three different classifications of bikes: Class 1 (pedal-assisted), Class 2 (throttle-capable), and Class 3 (speed pedal electric cycle), the last of which can reach speeds up to 28 mph! A growing number of families have purchased e-bikes for their children and teens or have allowed them to use bike-sharing programs.

E-bikes are considered micromobility devices – lightweight vehicles that operate at lower speeds than cars for urban travel. Operating these devices safely requires advanced skills and additional training that many kids and teens may not have. Recent research shows that the number of e-bike injuries from 2017 to 2022 has increased by 30 times, including a 49 times higher incidence of head injuries, highlighting the importance of safe riding with a properly fitted helmet.

While some states have laws specific to e-bike use, there is no federal e-bike law, which contributes to confusion about safety recommendations. As the number of children using e-bikes continues to rise, so do the injuries associated with them. Here are some important safety tips to talk about with your teen before getting an e-bike or hitting the road:

1. Ensure that your child is mature and skilled enough to ride an e-bike. Many organizations recommend that children and teens age 12-15 years who are ready for an e-bike stick to a class 1 e-bike and save the class 2 and class 3 e-bikes for teens age 16 and older. State-specific e-bike laws can be found here.
2. Always wear a properly fitted helmet. Helmets are required by law for riders of all ages on class 3 e-bikes in many states, but it is important to use a helmet when riding any type of bike (motorized and traditional). Check out this handy guide from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission here for different types of helmets recommended for various activities.
3. Dress appropriately. You may want to wear protective gear such as elbow and knee pads. Wear close-toed shoes and avoid sandals. Wear light/bright clothing when riding at dawn, dusk, or night so others can see you more easily.
4. Avoid distractions. Put phones away, never text while riding, and keep earbuds and headphones off to stay focused on the road.
5. Know the rules of the road. Ride on the right side of the road with the flow of traffic and use bike lanes when possible. Obey traffic lights, stop signs, and other rules of the road. If your e-bike rider is not yet licensed to drive a car, you’ll need to teach them the rules of the road before allowing them to ride an e-bike. Look both ways before crossing streets. Never carry passengers on the back of an e-bike.

If you choose to allow your teen to ride an e-bike, be sure to consider their skill level, readiness, and the type of device you choose. By setting clear expectations, reinforcing safe habits, and ensuring your teen has the proper protective gear, you can help them enjoy the benefits of riding while reducing the risk of serious injury. Taking time to prepare and stay alert can help ensure each ride is safe!

To learn more about e-bike safety, join Trainees for Child Injury Prevention (T4CIP) for a Day of Action on May 20, 2026, by following #EBikeParentCheck on social media and participating in a webinar with child injury experts from 2-3 p.m. Register for the webinar here (http://bit.ly/T4CIP-EBikeWebinar) and find more e-bike safety information, including a readiness checklist and parent-teen e-bike contract here.