It’s fantastic you’re thinking ahead about electric bikes for your teen. Deciding if an ebike is the right choice really depends on your child. Is your 16-year-old responsible and considerate? Are they likely to respect traffic laws and ride safely around others? Do they have good common sense, especially when it comes to understanding how bikes work, like momentum and grip? Are they aware of what’s going on around them, and do they already have some experience riding bikes?
Where I live, I see a lot of teenagers riding electric bikes, and honestly, you can’t assume any of these things. It’s clear that many of these kids are simply given ebikes without much guidance.
A lot also depends on the adults in your teen’s life. Will you take the time to explain the traffic laws and why they matter? Will you go over basic bike safety with them? Will you ride with them at first to make sure they understand how to ride safely and responsibly?
Unfortunately, it seems like many teens on ebikes don’t get this kind of preparation. Many are just turned loose, which can be dangerous for them and everyone around them.
Think about your teen’s friends who have ebikes. Do they encourage each other to take risks when adults aren’t around? This is a common issue, especially among boys.
Finally, consider where your teen will be riding. Are there good bike paths and lanes? Safe infrastructure is crucial for teen ebike riders.
It might be a good idea to test things out by renting ebikes and helmets for both of you. Don’t tell your teen what you’re evaluating, and see how they handle the ride and how suitable the local bike infrastructure is.
The most important thing is that no electric bike is safe if the person riding it and the environment they’re riding in aren’t safe.
When it comes to the bike itself, choose a quality ebike that’s legally classified as an ebike, not something closer to an electric motorcycle. Pay close attention to the brakes – they’re essential. Buy from a local bike shop that can provide servicing; a poorly maintained bike is unsafe, no matter who is riding it.
Legally, Class 1 and 2 ebikes stop assisting at 20 mph, and Class 3 at 28 mph. While you can go faster, especially downhill, the motor won’t help you beyond these speeds. Considering the weight of an ebike and the momentum, 20 mph is plenty fast for a teenager.
