E-Bike Safety

Electric bicycles (e-bikes) may be fun ways to travel, but with extra speed comes extra danger. They are only for children age 12 and up. It’s important to always wear a high-quality helmet made for higher speeds. This protects the head from injury when riding an e-bike. There are different classes of e-bikes including:

Choosing a Helmet

• Faster speeds mean your child needs more protection. If you ride any class of e-bike, wear a high-quality helmet made for higher speeds. Look for one with an NTA 8776, ASTM F1952, or DOT label.
• After finding out what type of helmet you need, let your teen pick out the one they like. It will make them more likely to wear it.
• Make a rule that if your teen doesn’t have or won’t wear their helmet, they can’t ride their e-bike – even if it’s just in the driveway or neighborhood.

Readiness Checks:

Age

• Under 12 – no e-bikes
• 12 to 15 years – class 1 e-bike only
• 16 and older – class 1, 2, or 3; recommend starting with class 1

Helmet

Your child needs the right kind of helmet. They must wear it each time they ride.

• If they ride any class of e-bike, they need a high-quality helmet made for higher speeds.
• Look for one with an ASTM F1952, NTA 8776, or DOT label.
• Parents, model safe behavior by always wearing a helmet.

Skill

Your child needs to be able to ride a regular bike confidently and brake smoothly.

Judgement

• They must follow the rules of the road/trail.
• Avoid risky choices like speeding, using the phone (texting/calling/scrolling), or friends that push limits.

Bike

Make sure the e-bike fits them. They need to be able to:

• Reach the brakes.
• Have their feet touch the ground.
• Control the bike easily.

Check the environment

• Traffic – They need to always follow road rules and watch for cars. If younger than 16, you may need to teach them the rules of the road.
• Route – Use routes with low traffic with safe crossings and bike lanes.
• Policy – Check riding age in your community. Some have age limits by e-bike class. There may also be rules for e-bikes on sidewalks, bike paths, or roads.

Check your household

• Rules – Set clear family safety rules before the first ride.
• Charging – Your child needs to know where they can safely charge their e-bike battery. Not in their bedroom or overnight.
• Insurance – Check your policy if your child is covered in case of a crash. Many homeowners’ policies require a special e-bike policy to cover injuries to others and property damage.

Safe Riding Tips

• Only one person rides the e-bike at a time.
• Ride in a single line. Don’t ride beside other bikers.
• Look in all directions before crossing the road.
• Follow all traffic signs and lights.
• Keep both hands on the handlebars.
• Ride in the same direction as traffic.
• Don’t ride at night or in the rain.
• If the e-bike does not have turn signals, use hand signals to show which way you are turning.
  • Left: Hold your left arm out straight.
  • Right: Bend your left elbow and hold your arm up in an "L" shape. You can also put your right arm out straight.
  • Stop: Bend your left elbow and point your arm down to make an upside-down "L."

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