Should Children Have EBikes?
Posted by SymphonicFlames@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 63 comments
Hello all!
Just wanting some general input. I have seen a lot of children (early teens or under) riding ebikes all over town. And there has been so many near misses or hits with these kids. There was a repot not that long ago of a child on one of these bikes not wearing a helmet and not following the rules of the road and colliding with a vehicle and was seriously hurt. Today I was driving home from visiting family in the nursing home and I saw another young kid (this time with a helmet) on an ebike. He was going so fast. We both were coming up to a stop sign (it was a four way stop). I was slowing down and stopped at the stop sign. I kept an eye on the kid in case he wasn't going to stop. And guess what? he didn't. He rode right past the stop sign and kept going. Not even slowing down.
Now I'm not saying the ebikes themselves are dangerous. Because I myself have been thinking about getting one so I can exercise more and get to places around town close to myself without the need to drive my car. But I just think it really has to do with the person riding them. But I am just thinking maybe there should be some law changes to ebikes and children/young teens. Because I don't think a lot of them are responsible enough to ride them without causing serious injury to themselves. I know it's the parents job to teach children road safety. But clearly a lot of people on these bikes don't follow road safety. Adults included.
I know when I was a kid that young. I was dumb. I rode my bike around town all the time (it was a really small town) and did some dumb shit. One of which I was caught by my Dad coming home from work and didn't use my hand signals and got in trouble for that by him when I got home.
What is everyone else's opinion on this? Are kids and young teens just not responsible enough to have these bikes? Because I fear these incidents will only increase and get worse.
JG-at-Prime@reddit
Very young kids, mostly no. Maybe low speed kids versions. Maybe.
Teens? Sure. They can ride Class I or Class II bikes and must wear a full helmet. (preferably a full face helmet like a mountain bike helmet)
Over 18 (or 16 with a permit) can ride Class III.
Riding e-bikes is good training for kids. A lot of these kids won’t be buying cars. Rather, they’re stay with e-bikes because they are viable for commuting and cost a fraction of what owning a car costs.
E-motos? No. Those 50mph death machines are way too much liability for kids to be riding. Those things should be for adults only and registered like a moped.
Bad-Luck-Guy@reddit
Wish my state had minimum ages for e-bikes. But here, helmets aren't even required after you turn 16.
Necessary-Break5978@reddit
Definitely not, some children under 10 years old have tunnel vision, they forget to look left and right sides of the road, all they see is what's in front, to much power for some children can't control Ebikes and E scooters
SymphonicFlames@reddit (OP)
That's a good point. I remember when I was a kid in the 90s. I begged my parents to let me have a moped (since a lot of my friends had them used to get to and from school). But seeing how kids are now with ebikes. I can see why they always said no. I can definitely see myself riding one of those as a kid. And definitely would've been reckless at times for sure.
badhabitfml@reddit
My friends kid really wanted one like his friends have. It's basically an electric motorcycle and can do like 50. He said no, because duhh.
I'm not against getting a high school aged kid a level 2 ebike. But definitely not one of those crazy ones with 1500watt motors that can do a wheelie.
SymphonicFlames@reddit (OP)
I did some research a bit last night on ebikes. And I have to agree with you here. If I had a child that wanted one I definitely would only get them that doesn't go very fast. And I told my cousin if she decided to get her daughter one to check the top speed of that particular bike. Because I would HATE for something to happen my niece (it's what I call her daughter since I have no siblings). But even then I would still be slightly nervous with her daughter on one.
badhabitfml@reddit
Most bikes are limited to 20mph. Or 28 if you unlock them.
You can easily pedal your bike to 20.
SymphonicFlames@reddit (OP)
Watched a YouTube video of a bike store owner talking about these bikes just so I could be more educated on this topic. And it does sound like the reason why a lot of the ones that are going faster than 20 is because the people owning the bikes are putting in stronger batteries or modding them that way. And I think being able to do that might be dangerous just a little bit. Depending on who is riding the bike.
badhabitfml@reddit
It's a factory setting on a lot too. Like just oisha few buttons to unlock the faster speed.
Frost354@reddit
My state is already 15 and over, coming from a liscensed motorcycle background, they're kind of the worst of every world. They don't do traffic great, being quiet and small while being quick is a recipe for disaster if you think gunning it across intersections on the sidewalk without considering cars turning seems to catch a lot of people even on normal bikes. Now give a 12 year something that'll hit like 40mph and think about it.
They're fun but don't fit any specific mold great, your not really a pedestrian, but don't really belong with cars either. I find myself choosing which world to "fake it" in as I get around town without drawing too much attention going from trails or side walks to the road.
SymphonicFlames@reddit (OP)
I don't think my state has any laws yet on ebikes. And I'm surprised with the recent incident that involved a minor being seriously injured on his ebike (and totally his fault) I'm surprised they haven't changed any laws or hasn't been any uproar from citizens about changed laws for ebikes.
Mrmagoo1077@reddit
40mph is already illegal.
Most of the issues would be solved with enforcement of existing laws. Unassisted top speed limits, trafic laws, speed laws, helmet laws, safe riding laws.
Frost354@reddit
Same 12 year old on a class 1 scooter here is just as illegal, just throwing the example since a lot of parents seem to think surrond are the answer to get their kid to school without a helmet
funcentric@reddit
The problem is weak parenting. Parents these days want to be cool. They want to be their kids friends rather than their actual parents. Many of them are also too lazy to be involved in their upbringing. Parents who don't parent.
Whether the kid should have an ebike or not depends on the kid of course, but mostly the parents. I wrote an article about how to train kids for ebike usage. This is an absolute must. Way too many parents just giving their kids an ebike thinking they're the hero and then releasing them into the wild to fend for themselves. Then the public has to deal with it. If you don't parent your kids, someone else will. Too many people unprepared to have kids are having kids these days which makes the situation worse. How many people are not financially or mentally prepared to have kids have kids? A bleep ton.
95k people have read my training article so far. If more people did and took it seriously, we may have fewer injuries but no one wants to be told what to do. https://www.reddit.com/r/ebikes/comments/1l9xd6d/dear_parents_getting_their_kids_ebikes/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button
SymphonicFlames@reddit (OP)
I agree with the weak parenting. I used to work retail before I switched to cleaning. And the amount of young kids and teenagers that walked into the stores I worked at through the years (Dollar Tree, Kohl's, K Mart, and a handful of local stores) and just run a muck is a clear sign of parents not parenting. I can tell the difference between a kid who is parented well and not parented well just by how they acted in the store.
InfluenceEfficient77@reddit
At 16 it's fine. Better than driving daddy's business tax write-off dildoser truck
rfie@reddit
No. Kids should have regular bikes.
MayAsWellStopLurking@reddit
Here's a few other ways to think about the situation:
You mentioned your cousin's daughter wanting a bike; you're worried about what 'might' happen.
What's on the busy street that makes it dangerous? Is it more bikes? Is it pedestrians? Is it cars?
If a child isn't allowed an ebike, how else are they able to get around their neighbourhood?
Is it public transportation? Is it acoustic bikes? Is it being driven by their parents?
My hypothesis is that the infrastructure for these kids to safely ride bikes (electric or otherwise) simply doesn't exist, and the main reason it's dangerous to them is because the only place they'd really be able to ride is where cars already take up so much space.
Shadow-Legion-1203@reddit
Should kids have cars?
SmithKenichi@reddit
Yes.
chrispark70@reddit
In a word.. NO. Exceptions and caveats for disabled children.
Children, especially younger teens have boundless energy. They do not need electric assist.
If all the children were jumping off bridges would you allow your child to do it? (thanks mom).
Also, the wall-of-text format is hard to read.
Humble_Key_4259@reddit
For kids that have had previous atv or dirtbike experience I would say it’s fine. For those withiout, it’s a mixed bag.
Some kids have a natural ability while others do not. Also some kids are more reckless and some more conservative.
If I had owned one when I was that young I likely would have been killed. We did crazy enough things with just our BMX bikes.
mobiusmaples@reddit
Nope. For sure no.
I love e bikes/e motos but under 18 should be on private land imo. Yeh it's classist and sucks (I never had fields to ride in) but the roads are deadly and full of idiots, it's no place for children on high powered machines imo
VirtualMachine0@reddit
...What about 25 horsepower ride-on lawnmowers? 17 year-olds shouldn't have access to them? They're even more dangerous, right? Like, amputate a foot, throw a rock through a windscreen dangerous.
We can't bubble-wrap kids.
mobiusmaples@reddit
That's a dumb attempt at an argument mate. Do better.
A stark has hp of like 60 iirc and it's obviously a completely different machine. If you have a mower that can beat a Tesla off the line then you're a weirdo wtf are you even talking about bro.
I'm not suggesting children get bubble wrapped, I'm saying that to allow them in the roads on highly powered machines with no training, protection or over sight is a bad thing and puts them (and others) at risk. That seems obvious to me as an experienced road user and qualified motorcyclist who also rides a variety of e bikes/e motos and cares about the welfare of children.
Kids on dirt bikes belong in fields and the woods not on highways. Arguing the opposite suggests a serious lack of understanding on your part. For real.
VirtualMachine0@reddit
Oh, in the USA, >1HP is not an eBike, it's an electric motorcycle.
I'm referring to those eBikes, NOT a 60 horsepower electric widowmaker. Those should require a drivers' license.
Mrmagoo1077@reddit
Under 18 is ridiculous.
If they can drive a car, they can drive an ebike.
Rather them be on a 50lb ebike vs a 4000lb car.
mobiusmaples@reddit
Fair point. Legal driving age in my country (UK) is 18 so I stand by my comment but accept that if someone can drive they can ride. I know in some more rural states there's school licensing for younger between certain hours with training - if that was an option for e bikes instead of cars I'd be all for it.
I'm a big fan of e bikes of all kinds, it's about safety. Bikes are deadly. I have lost pals on the roads and seen lives get changed, ruined and ended in blink of an eye because of stupid choices. Letting children ride these things on public roads with zero training and no protection etc is just plain irresponsible imo.
arky_who@reddit
The legal driving age is 17, and 16 for mopeds
mobiusmaples@reddit
Oh yeh, I thought they changed it that's my mistake. Point remains.
Wait so a 17yo could technically and legally ride a stark varg on the road!? Haha that's insane
VirtualMachine0@reddit
...I don't like having one hard and fast rule, because kids are different.
A kid on their own private property should definitely have access to 1 horsepower eBikes, because they have access to more power than that for gasoline vehicles like dirtbikes, 4-wheelers, lawnmowers, etc.
In suburbia, we have bike vs car safety, and I can certainly understand if "class 1 only" is the law for under 16 year olds...but once the kids can get an auto license, unlocking class 2 and class 3 only makes sense. Obviously for public property, class 3 is the max.
In urban cores, where kids are going to be solely riding in bike lanes or with a "sidewalk bike" (American thing), I'm hesitant to say anyone below 12 years old should be allowed to ride even a class 1, because of the car danger.
Fundamentally, kids should have rights including the right to movement and travel. Some kids learn how to operate machines at an early age; there are kids with pilots' licenses for goodness' sake. There are kids who do active mountain biking and bmx which are more dangerous than just riding a class 1 ebike for 2 miles. We can't wrap them in bubble wrap. Any legal approach should be on the lean side.
thephotoman@reddit
I’m not going to give an easy answer. Mine is more nuanced.
First, I don’t think kids under 10 belong on any kind of electric bike. Basically, an elementary school student shouldn’t need it.
Middle school is where I’m fine with kids having a European style ebike: pedal assist to 15.5mph (25 kph) and a 250W motor. I’m primarily basing this on the use of bikes to ride from my house to the local middle school. There are places where a bit of extra oomph will help the commute: my neighborhood is at the top of a modest hill, and even I will struggle to climb it without a motor.
I’m fine with giving class 2 and 3 ebikes to high schoolers. They have further to travel to get to school, and may benefit from a cargo bike sometimes.
Anything outside the ebike class system is NOT FOR KIDS (well, okay, 16 year olds can get class M licenses and motorcycle insurance). This is especially true for electric dirt bikes, which are very much off-road vehicles, not meant for streets, paths, or sidewalks.
Danube11424@reddit
https://thecyclistchoice.com/resources/electric-bike-laws-by-state/
https://youtube.com/shorts/6CpliTM3_DY?si=BYzIaXDhSM8_sxmT
Salonimo@reddit
They shouldn't.
Manateekid@reddit
And they may be the reason there are so many laws many of us just say screw it, real soon.
Salonimo@reddit
Agreed, dangerous for them which raises valid concerns that also would be expanded upon the entire category
The_walking_man_@reddit
Dangerous for everyone. I’ve had kids fly through stop signs on e-bikes and I have nearly hit them with my car.
I don’t want to have “killing a child” on my conscience. Even if technically it’s on the fault of others. I don’t need that.
Parents need to start doing their job and actually parenting. It’s getting worse and worse with the “iPad generation” and just not being involved at all with their kids or wanting to hold accountability.
zeizkal@reddit
Depends on the class. 1 maybe 2 is ok. Class 3 and above no. These kids on emotos is gonna end up getting them regulated to hell. Thanks to boomers loving Ebikes we've been given some grace from regulation but the more kids out there doing stupid shit getting themselves and others hurt or killed will eventually change that. Its like a recent video I saw posted with a kid on a emoto interacting with a cop, lying that its broken so they dont need to take out the key. It ends with them rolling off as soon as the cop takes a step back and yelling "I lied!". That bullshit hurts the whole community.
BXRunner@reddit
If it's over 12v, it's too fast for a kid. I don't mind kids using the power wheels electric powered ridables but a 36 or 48v ebike is too much.
Don't think much would like this but for 48v+, you should have a license because those should be on the side of roads, not the sidewalk, at high speeds anyways.
electricbikerider1@reddit
In England the law says 14 and over. My personal opinion though is complicated as with most early teens not having the kind of exercise I got as a child I'd say no, they should use analogue bikes but on the other hand if it gets the child outside in fresh air then how can you say no to that. But I think definitely not E-motos just pedelecs
Seeking_Balance101@reddit
I am optimistic about the future of ebikes as alternative transportation for adults. I think they can fill a need efficiently.
To most kids an ebike is a toy to be used to run around having fun, not as transportation. Kids are always going to test boundaries and break rules. It's dangerous for them to have an ebike, both for the rider and for everyone around them. So I'm generally against young kids having ebikes.
Acsteffy@reddit
E-bikes, sure.
E-motos, definitely not.
And we should be specific about this.
theragelazer@reddit
This thread is about children. There are 0 children older than 18 years old, by definition.
Acsteffy@reddit
Cool, God forbid I add distinctions. Not sure why you cared so much about that one thing. You must love arguing for the sake of arguing.
Hungry_Freaks_Daddy@reddit
Kids in general are pretty stupid so no, they shouldn’t just be handed powerful e-bikes. They should need like a moped license for ANY motorized vehicle.
Ranccor@reddit
Not only should they not, it is possible it is already illegal in your town. Many places require drivers license for class 2+ and class 1 is restricted to 16+ because these are fast machines that can hurt people.
Check the laws in your town.
If your niece does get a bike, encourage her to wear a full face helm, sneakers, and riding gloves at a minimum. I see kids all the time on e-bikes with no helmet and a pair of sandals.
CraziFuzzy@reddit
Depends on the definition of ebike, and the definition of children. Many states are working on laws to reign this in a little, but it has historically been very difficult to enforce any cycling laws, so that will be the hard part.
BodSmith54321@reddit
Class 1 for 13-15. Maybe class 2. I think what is most important is to get them road awareness. You don't let your 16 year old drive without experience so why let your 13 year old ride an ebike without any. Teach them how to be safe and mane sir good habits are ingrained or get them instruction.
10leej@reddit
Laws need changed? No, existing laws need to be enforced.
Bikes must stop at stop signs just like cars. At least in my state.
Acsteffy@reddit
Idaho stop is safer.
Either_Basil_6960@reddit
no
CaregiverNo9058@reddit
I’ve been noticing this trend in my area too. My first thought was “it’s great to finally see so many kids outside again”.
giganticsquid@reddit
In the city no, in the country yes
Rav4Prime2022_WI@reddit
Children that grow up in a "bike" family know the rules of the road and respect those rules and those around them on the road. They also know they must wear a helmet every time they ride and understand that there will be severe consequences if they don't follow the rules or don't wear their helmet, not only legally, bodily, but also at home with their parents.
The kids on the road causing issues are those that were never taught how to ride safely and respectfully while following the rules/laws of the road and trails and don't understand that there are consequences if they don't.
My 13 yr old has asthma, we just got them an eMTB to use when the two of us go to single track trails or go on bike rides as a family. It's an actual level 1 eMTB, it's not a Surron or some other eMotorcycle that can reach speeds of 40+ mph pretending to be an eBike.
Teenagers have verifying levels of maturity and respect for rules and others around them, plus I don't agree with stereotypes and believe while some, maybe most teenagers aren't mature enough for eBikes, some are when they've been parented and taught correctly and their eBike is usage is monitored and/or supervised at the appropriate level to keep them accountable.
Mindless-Concept8010@reddit
No.
Melodic-Matter4685@reddit
It’s like anything else. If you train kids on proper use, go out with them for first few weeks, talk with neighbors thereafter to ensure compliance? No problem.
Unbox and unleash? Problems.
squiffyflounder@reddit
For the typical e-bike I see kids riding, no they shouldn’t. Same with those electric scooters, I see a few neighborhood kids ripping around on them, no helmet, hauling a sibling/friend on them. Adults on them rarely follow the traffic rules, kids are even less likely to follow any at all.
But, something like a stacyc my son uses to rip around our yard I can’t hate on. All of our kids use analog bikes on the road, I’m on high alert the way it is with normal bikes. No helmet - no riding bike for my kids.
TopRepulsive4766@reddit
Of course this depends on the maturity of the kid. But parental influence is also necessary. I have grounded my boys from riding on several occasions for riding without a helmet or stunting on public roads while riding their dirt bikes. My older sons didn't have ebikes.
In my town, I see kids on ebikes all the time. Some are technically illegal (like Sur Rons), but no one pays any attention. There haven't been any disastrous incidents, but I do occasionally see some behaviour that should be nipped in the bud.
I really don't think any law changes will do much. More emphasis on parental responsibility would be a better avenue to get decent results in my opinion. Young kids and teens are going to ride these things regardless of laws. It's really no different than with dirt bikes we had growing up. Sure, some kids will get caught. But all that really does is teach the others to be more sneaky.
ArmchairPancakeChef@reddit
I see kids on eBikes all the time.
I very rarely actually see one of them pedaling.
IM_The_Liquor@reddit
I mean… Before taking it out on e-bikes or kids, you should look around at the average cyclists riding around on the streets these days… these are the role models for all those children cycling around. Cyclists are breaking traffic rules and defying common sense all the time out there. Not stopping for signs or lights, lane filtering to get around traffic that just worked so hard to pass them, switching from vehicle on the road to pedestrian on the sidewalk as it suits them, passing right Turing vehicles on the right, ignoring cycling paths in favour of ridding in busy traffic….
WayInevitable2491@reddit
Without reading the post I was thinking about kids and e-bikes the other day as I seen one on a scooter and another on a bike and thought to myself why the hell do they need electric bikes and scooters to go around the street?
It’s so silly why would parents pay a grand for this when we just had manual bikes and scooters
Electric ones make sense for a person who is travelling a few miles but for a kid cycling around the street what is the point it is a waste of money and frankly doesn’t encourage the kid to exercise
Neenknits@reddit
Kids are too impulsive to be relatable on a ebike. They are simply too powerful for their lack of maturity.
Immaturity and impulsiveness are age appropriate for the under 16 crowd. That mean e-bikes are not appropriate.
HG1998@reddit
Well, there are probably an equal or higher number of kids who do follow rules so it's probably the parents' fault for the most part.