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What is an e bike?
E-bikes look like regular bikes. However, they include an electric motor and a rechargeable battery. Electric bikes are also faster, heavier and have two or three wheels and pedals.
Types of e bikes
- Class 1: the bike motor only works when the rider is pedaling and it can reach speeds up to 20 mph
- Class 2: includes a throttle that allows the rider to use the bike motor without pedaling or with pedaling. It can reach speeds up to 20 mph
- Class 3: may or may not have a throttle but can reach speeds up to 28 mph or more
Removing or unlocking the speed limiter on an e-bike is not recommended. It can be dangerous and cause damage to the bike.
Should your child ride an e-bike?
Just as they learn to walk and bike safely, they need to know how to safely operate an e -bike before they pedal off on their own. E-bikes require different skills and extra training. And many states and even some communities have regulations on who can or cannot ride e-bikes.
The first step is to find out whether there are laws or rules about how old a person must be to operate e-bikes. Check the vehicle code in your state and regulations in your community. Confirm whether the rules apply to all classes of e-bikes. Some areas also have stricter laws for the faster (class 3) e-bikes.
Keep in mind: The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that children age 9 through 12 years should not operate any product that travels faster than 10 mph.
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