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E-bike Safety Tips Every Parent and Child Should Know

E-bikes have become increasingly popular among children and teenagers, offering a convenient mode of transportation that is better for the environment than motor vehicles and quicker than walking. However, even with their many advantages, e-bikes can pose risks to their riders. This article will discuss e-bike safety tips that every parent and child should know. We will take a closer look at how to use these innovative bikes safely and minimize the risk of harm.

General Safety Tips Before You Ride

Safety begins before you even step foot on an e-bike. As a parent, you can take precautions to ensure your child is ready for a safe ride. To begin, always ensure your child is wearing a properly fitting helmet. Keep up-to-date with maintenance as well, including checking each part of the bike, like the brakes, tires, and handlebars.

Safe Navigation on the Road

Whether you are reading this article for yourself or to inform a loved one, one of the most important guidelines for e-bike safety is following the rules of the road. E-bikers are subject to many of the same traffic laws as motorized vehicle drivers, including obeying speed limits, traffic signals, and right-of-way rules.

To foster a safer environment, always ride in the same direction as traffic, use bike lanes when available, and signal your turns clearly. You can take added measures when driving in low-light conditions by wearing bright or reflective clothing and gear. White front lights and red rear lights are also essential when driving at night.

How To Teach Safe Riding to Your Children

As the rise of e-bikes continues, one of the most popular groups using this technology is children and teenagers. This leaves many parents in a tough spot of wanting to give their children the freedom of greater mobility while stressing over the risks that come with it. Fortunately, you can take steps to educate yourself on the safety habits to teach your children, alleviating much of this stress.

A common question among parents is, “At what age is it appropriate to introduce your child to e-bikes?” Of course, the answer to this question is not absolute and will depend on factors beyond a child’s age. First and foremost, always follow local age requirements and manufacturer recommendations. However, you must also consider whether your child has the coordination, judgment, and road awareness needed to operate an e-bike safely. Teaching your child how to ride a traditional bicycle can make the transition to an electric bike easier.

Establish clear rules and boundaries with your child, reminding them that access to an e-bike is a privilege, not a right, and that disobeying these rules can eliminate that privilege. Some examples of boundaries you can communicate to your child include designated riding paths, such as on low-traffic roads, speed limits, and curfews to reduce the risks of night riding. Consistent boundaries help reduce danger and encourage responsible riding habits.

Safe Riding in Poor Weather Conditions

Even if your child is prohibited from riding their e-bike during storms and rainfall, these weather conditions can hit unexpectedly, and preparing for the worst is key to minimizing harm. Slippery roads and heavy rain can impair visibility, reduce traction, and influence braking distance.

Teach your child to slow down when navigating their e-bike in a storm significantly. After rainy weather, puddles and slick surfaces can pose a hazard to riders. Remind your child that speeding and quick turns can lead to accidental collisions with other objects or vehicles and skidding. Decreasing speed and increasing following distance help avoid these issues.

How To Stay Safe While Riding at Night

E-bikes are much smaller than passenger vehicles and other automobiles, making them more likely to fall into blind spots. Other drivers may not see an e-bike coming around the corner or suddenly entering an intersection. These hazards increase exponentially when you factor in night riding. Suddenly, the benefits of daylight disappear, and an e-bike can be almost invisible without the proper gear.

All bikes should be equipped with a white front light and a red rear light. Riders can wear reflective clothing to make themselves visible to drivers around them. Along with these precautions, you should also ride your bike predictably, following traffic laws and signaling your turns.

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E-bike Classifications Under Federal Law

Under U.S. federal law, a “low-speed electric bicycle” is a bicycle that has:

  • Fully operable pedals
  • An electric motor of 750 watts (1 horsepower) or less
  • A top speed of 20 mph when powered solely by the motor on level ground

While some states also include weight limits (such as 100 pounds or less) when defining e-bikes, those requirements are not part of the federal definition. Many states use a three-class system (Class 1–3) to categorize e-bikes based on how they provide assistance and their maximum assisted speed.

Class One E-bikes

Class 1 e-bikes have pedal assistance and no throttle. However, assistance stops once the bike reaches 20 miles per hour. These types of e-bikes can typically travel on bicycle paths and trails.

Class Two E-bikes

Class two e-bikes are equipped with a throttle that allows pedaling-free propulsion. Like the class 1 e-bike, assistance stops at 20 miles per hour. Accessibility for these types of e-bikes differs depending on local regulations.

Class Three E-bikes

Lastly, class 3 e-bikes are pedal-assist only and have a maximum speed of 28 miles per hour. These bikes may be restricted from certain shared-use paths and typically require riders to be older and wear helmets, depending on state or local law.

E-bike Laws in Pennsylvania

The specific laws governing e-bikes in a region can vary depending on local and state regulations. Based on the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, e-bikes must adhere to the following to operate on traditional bicycle trails:

  • Weigh no more than 100 pounds
  • Do not exceed 20 miles per hour using the motor
  • Have motors that do not exceed 750 watts
  • Have fully functional, operable pedals

E-bikes are not allowed in any natural areas, on designated hiking trails, or on roads marked explicitly as closed to biking. Similarly, under Pennsylvania’s Vehicle Code, no person under 16 may operate an e-bike on state or local highways.

State and local laws can differ, so it is always important to check your specific city and county regulations. For instance, in Peters Township, Pennsylvania, riders under 21 must wear helmets, and the maximum speed limit on park pathways is 15 miles per hour.

Nationwide and State-Level Statistics on E-bike Accidents

As the use of e-bikes rises, so do accidents involving them. One 2025 study revealed that between 2013 and 2022, an estimated 45,800 people in the U.S. were treated in emergency rooms for e-bike injuries. These numbers have increased by more than 90% from 2019 to 2022. Around 10% of these cases required hospitalization, typically due to broken bones or concussions. It is estimated that 30% of these e-bike collisions involved a motor vehicle.

Penn State Health Children’s Hospital has documented more adolescents injured on e-bikes in 2025 than the prior three years combined. Several cities across Pennsylvania have recently come out with reports on e-bike accidents:

Clearly, these incidents are not far between, and data indicate they are increasing as e-bikes become more popular.

Prioritize Safety and Stay Educated To Prevent E-bike Injuries

If you, like many other parents, have a child who currently uses an e-bike or has shown interest in e-bikes, it is normal to have safety concerns. Thankfully, as an informed and proactive member of your community, you can prevent e-bike collisions before they occur. Teach your children about local laws and regulations and how to stay safe when riding their bikes.

If you or your loved one has been injured in an accident, know that compassionate, professional help exists. Contact a seasoned e-bike injury attorney today to learn more.