Most of us grew up riding bikes. In fact, we rode them everywhere… typically, until the streetlights came on. And, yes, we fell off, crashed a few times, scraped our knees, maybe broke an arm, and came home dirty. But mostly, we were okay. That’s why it’s easy to look at an e-bike and think, “It’s just a bike.”
But today’s e-bikes can travel up to 28 mph. They’re heavier, faster, and most often ridden by kids who aren’t wearing proper safety gear and who have never had any training in traffic safety. And that’s where the danger begins: we’re treating something with the speed and power of a motorized vehicle like the harmless bicycles we remember from our childhood.
Parents: Before You Buy Your Child an E-Bike, Read This
What looks like a simple way for your tween or teen to get around has become one of the fastest-growing causes of serious injuries among young riders.
So, before you cave in and purchase an e-bike for your child OR allow them to ride a friend’s, let’s dive in and answer a few questions:
First, What is an E-Bike?
E-bikes look like regular bikes. However, they have an electric motor and a rechargeable battery. Electric bikes are also faster, heavier, and have two or three wheels and pedals. (Due to the motor and battery, e-bikes typically weigh between 45 and 70 pounds.)
Are There Different Types of E-Bikes?
Yes. It’s important to understand that not all e-bikes are created equal. In the United States, e-bikes are generally divided into three classes:
Class 1: Pedal-Assist Only (Lower Speed)
- The motor only helps when the rider is pedaling.
- The motor stops once the bike reaches 20 mph.
- No throttle is used to propel the bike forward.
- Often considered the closest to a traditional bicycle experience.
Class 2: Throttle-Assisted E-Bikes
- The bike can be powered by a throttle without the rider pedaling.
- The bike can reach a speed up to 20 mph.
- This means a rider can accelerate quickly without having to build momentum through pedaling.
- The sudden acceleration can catch inexperienced riders off guard.
Class 3: Speed-Pedal Assist E-Bikes
- These are the fastest e-bikes.
- The bike, while pedaling, can reach a speed of up to 28 mph.
- Some states have rules about where Class 3 e-bikes can be ridden and who can ride them.
What’s the Lure of E-Bikes with Kids?
The lure for kids centers on a few things:
- It gives kids the independence to go places quickly without exerting a lot of energy.
- It’s practical–it gives families a way for their kids to get around without having to drive them everywhere.
- It’s an exciting way to explore, conquer hills, and even commute without exhausting fatigue.
- They’re trendy–kids are intrigued by the idea of freedom and speed.
What Are the Laws for Using an E-Bike?
One of the most confusing things for parents is that there isn’t one set of e-bike laws that applies across the United States. Individual states, and sometimes even local communities, set their own rules regarding minimum rider age, helmet requirements, where e-bikes can be ridden, and whether certain classes of e-bikes require additional restrictions, like needing a permit or driver’s license to operate it.
So, before your teen hops on an e-bike, take time to familiarize yourself with the laws where you live. For more detailed information about e-bike laws in your state, check out this site: (Keep in mind, state laws may have changed since this information was published. Be sure to verify the laws in your particular state.)
READ THIS: State By State Electric Bike Laws
Sure, from our kids’ perspective, there’s an obvious cool factor of owning an e-bike, but there are serious dangers every parent needs to be aware of.
E-Bike Facts Every Parent Needs to Know
1. These AREN’T the Same Bikes We Rode Growing Up
As mentioned, they’re heavier, faster, and capable of putting our children in situations that require more skill, judgment, and awareness than they’ve developed yet.
2. E-Bikes Can Reach a Speed of 20 MPH and MORE
Typical e-bikes can reach speeds of 20-28 mph. At that speed, a crash can create a force that’s much greater and far more dangerous than a typical bicycle.
3. E-Bike Injuries are Rising Rapidly
Hospital emergency rooms and trauma centers are reporting a sharp rise in e-bike-related injuries–especially during the summer months when kids have more free time. A 2026 study examining e-bike injuries found that speed matters. Researchers found that injuries involving higher-speed crashes were more likely to involve serious trauma, including head and neck injuries requiring hospital care.
Another study, published in 2025 in The Physician and Sportsmedicine, analyzed U.S. emergency department data from 2013–2022 and found that e-bike injuries increased significantly over time. Researchers estimated 45,845 e-bike-related injuries during the study period, with a 90.9% increase from 2019 to 2022 alone.
Perhaps even more concerning, the American College of Surgeons reports that several pediatric trauma centers across the United States now identify e-bikes as the leading cause of injury among school-aged children in their emergency rooms.
4. E-Bike Crashes are More Likely to Result in Serious Injuries
When you take into account the higher speeds, heavier frames, faster acceleration, and slower deceleration, e-bike crashes often result in more severe injuries than a typical bike.
5. Broken Bones are the Most Common Injuries
When teens fall, they often instinctively try to catch themselves, which can lead to fractures of the wrists, arms, shoulders, and collarbones. Collisions with cars or obstacles can result in even more serious trauma.
6. Face and Neck Injuries and Concussions Are Also a Major Concern
Far too many kids are riding e-bikes without ANY safety gear. Physicians are warning parents… safety gear should be non-negotiable if your teen rides an e-bike–serious face, neck, and head injuries are far too commonly seen.
Dr. Beachgem, a pediatric emergency doctor and mother of four, explains why parents need to be aware of the dangers of e-bikes:
(Click video below)
7. Kids on E-Bikes are Sharing the Road with Vehicles–Oftentimes, without Formal Training
Young tweens and teens are navigating intersections, cars, pedestrians, and traffic patterns where just one mistake can have serious consequences.
8. Passengers, Speed, and Distractions Increase Risk
Many tweens and teens ride with friends, travel faster than they should, use headphones, or assume they can handle situations they’re not prepared for. The combination of speed, inexperience, and distraction can quickly become a recipe for disaster.
9. Safety Gear Matters!
According to the CDC, helmets reduce the risk of serious head injury and traumatic brain injury for cyclists. Yet many tweens and teens riding e-bikes either don’t wear helmets consistently or wear them incorrectly.
“Here’s what parents should remember: A tween or teen traveling 20–28 mph on a 50+ pound machine is not the same as riding the bike you rode as a kid around your neighborhood.”
Should I Allow My Child to Ride an E-Bike?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, although more and more parents are putting a strong “thumbs down” to their child’s request for an e-bike. The risks are simply too high, and many parents feel it’s just too much responsibility too soon.
One mom told me, “My son has been begging me to buy him an e-bike since two of his friends already own one. My husband and I talked about it at length, and it’s just not a risk we’re willing to take. It’s not just about my son’s ability to drive it safely; it’s about everyone else on the road.”
On the flip side, for those parents who are allowing their child to own an e-bike (and whose kids are legally allowed), an e-bike can be a practical way to get to school, work, or sports practice. For others, it may simply be too much responsibility too soon.
Before saying yes, ask yourself:
- Does my child consistently make good decisions, even when friends are around?
- Can they resist the temptation to show off or take unnecessary risks?
- Do they follow the rules without constant reminders?
- Do they wear a helmet every time they ride a bike, skateboard, or scooter?
- Do they understand traffic laws and know how to ride defensively around cars?
- Are they mature enough to handle a machine capable of traveling 20 to 28 mph?
- Would I trust them driving a golf cart or other motorized vehicle?
- Have they demonstrated responsibility in other areas of their life?
If you answered “no” to several of these questions, it may be worth waiting another year. Remember, maturity isn’t measured by birthdays.
8 Non-Negotiable Rules to Implement BEFORE Your Child Gets on an E-Bike
If your child meets your state’s legal requirements and you’ve decided they’re ready for an e-bike, don’t hand over the handlebars without first setting clear expectations. These rules aren’t about limiting your teen’s freedom—they’re about helping them get home safely.
1. Wear a Helmet. Every. Single. Ride.
No exceptions. A properly fitted helmet is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of serious head and brain injuries.
2. Practice Before Riding on Roads
Let them get a feel for the bike in a safe area, such as a parking lot. They need to practice turning, signaling, accelerating, decelerating, braking, and scanning for traffic before they hit the open road.
3. No Passengers.
Most e-bikes are designed for one rider only. Carrying a friend can affect balance, braking, and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
4. Talk About Speed Expectations/Boundaries
Just because an e-bike is capable of hitting speeds of up to 28 mph doesn’t mean your child should hit those speeds in neighborhoods and crowded areas.
5. No Cellphone OR Headphones When Driving
No texting, scrolling, taking videos, or wearing headphones while riding. Full attention should always be on the road.
6. ALWAYS Follow the Rules of the Road.
Stop at stop signs, obey traffic signals, ride predictably, and always assume drivers don’t always see you.
7. Stick to Approved Riding Areas.
Know where e-bikes are allowed in your community, and set clear boundaries about where your teen can and cannot ride.
8. Ride Responsibly—Never Recklessly.
No racing, showing off, weaving through traffic, or pushing the bike beyond safe speeds. Remind your teen that arriving safely is always more important than arriving quickly.
Closing Thoughts
As parents, we can’t remove every risk from our kids’ lives. But we can make sure we’re making informed decisions. An e-bike isn’t just a toy; it’s a child’s first experience managing speed, power, and responsibility—and that deserves a lot of thought before saying yes.