Are electric bikes (e-bikes) safe for children?

Published on August 02, 2023

E-bike basics:

An e-bike is an electrically powered bicycle that uses rechargeable batteries to assist with pedaling. There are three classes of e-bikes:

Class 1: the motor assists as you pedal and stops at 20 mph.
Class 2: the motor assists up to 20 mph but also has a throttle-powered mode (no pedaling required).
Class 3: the motor assists as you pedal and stops at 28 mph.

There are currently no age restrictions for Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, but riders must be at least 16 years old to ride Class 3 e-bikes.

Are e-bikes safe for younger riders?

Though Class 1 and 2 e-bikes don’t have age restrictions, they aren’t necessarily appropriate for children of all ages. However, with precautions in place, your child can learn to safely ride an e-bike just as they would a normal bike. Here are some safety tips to follow:

• Wear a securely fastened helmet: As you would with a conventional bike, always wear a securely fastened helmet when you are on an e-bike.
• Take care when mounting and dismounting: E-bikes tend to be heavier than conventional bikes, so younger riders may face difficulty mounting and dismounting from their bike saddle. Some e-bikes have a step-through frame to help make this process easier.
• Be aware of your speed: E-bikes tend to reach speeds higher than those of conventional bikes. Children tend to travel about 8-10 mph on conventional bikes while e-bikes can reach 20 mph. Consider limiting your child’s e-bike speed to the lowest setting, especially if it’s their first time on an e-bike. With greater speeds, you’ll also want to brake sooner than you would on a conventional bike ahead of intersections and crossings.
• Stay visible: The behavior of faster-traveling e-bikes can be difficult for pedestrians and drivers to predict. Outfitting your e-bike with bike lights, reflectors and bells will help keep you seen by other users of the road.
• Pay attention to traffic: It is even more important for e-bike riders to pay attention to the traffic around them. Drivers not expecting fast-approaching bicycles may inadvertently make unsafe lane changes or turning maneuvers ahead of them. Accordingly, e-bike riders should especially bike defensively and consider how others may (or may not) perceive their presence.

E-bike safety classes

For additional peace of mind, consider enrolling yourself or your child in an e-bike safety class. Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition, for example, offers a one-hour e-bike course focused on e-bike basics, choosing the right e-bike, and e-bike safety and security. Click here to learn more.

E-bikes and physical activity

With the assistance of a motor, e-bike riders tend to exert less energy when bicycling compared to those on standard bikes. However, e-bike users tend to travel longer distances and bike more frequently and are more likely to meet the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Thus, e-bikes can still be a great way for you and your child to enhance your physical activity!