Thinking about an e-bike for your kids? As a parent who’s mountain biked with my three kids since they were young, I’ve learned a few things about e-bikes for kids firsthand.
Why Heavy E-Bikes Can Hinder Young Riders
We introduced a full-power e-MTB (23 kg) to our kids (now 13, 15, and 17) when they were younger. The initial uphill boost was fun, but as their mountain biking skills improved, the e-bike’s weight became a problem. My 13-year-old lost interest around 12, preferring the agility of his 15 kg regular bike for jumps. Even light e-bikes like the 18 kg Levo SL weren’t as appealing for playful riding.
My 15-year-old stopped riding the e-bike at 11, favoring her lighter 12 kg regular bike. And my 17-year-old always found the bulky e-MTB sluggish downhill, even at 13.
Light E-Bikes: Better, But Still Not Always Best
At 14, my 17-year-old tested a lighter 19 kg e-MTB. She enjoyed a long ride, but still preferred her regular bike afterwards. Even with my Levo SL, while she appreciates the improved handling from the carbon frame, her regular Scott bike remains her choice for rides under 3 hours. The electric assist wasn’t the main draw, but the handling was.
Recommendation: Consider Regular Bikes First
For kids developing mountain bike skills, investing in good regular bikes is often wiser. If you consider an e-bike for kids, go as light as possible and ensure they have a good regular bike too. Try hiring first to see what suits them best.
