It seems like electric bicycles (e-bikes) are everywhere these days. On bike paths, rolling along in bike lanes, and parked at your local schools. They are a growing part of the daily lives of millions of Americans, providing an affordable transportation option, a great opportunity for exercise, and wonderful experiences exploring the outdoors. For kids not yet old enough to drive a car, e-bikes also offer a degree of independence and the freedom to ride with friends. As a parent heading into the holiday season, you may be hearing about how great it would be if your kid had an e-bike of their own, perhaps coupled with the timeless plea, “All my friends have one...”

You may have also heard about community concerns around safety and e-bikes.  Young riders are often more inclined to take risks and may be less familiar with the rules of the road. Whether your child should join their ranks is a question that requires some serious parental consideration and a bit of investigation. To help you on that journey, PeopleForBikes pulled together some helpful facts about e-bikes, what they are, and how they are regulated.  

First, and most importantly, you should know that not all things called “e-bikes” are suitable for young riders. Unfortunately, “e-bike” is often used as a generic term referring to any vehicle with two wheels powered by an electric motor. This includes some fast, powerful devices that are actually electric mopeds or motorcycles. In most places, these faster “e-motos” are considered motor vehicles, just like cars, and require a valid driver’s license, registration, and insurance to operate on public streets.  Definitely not something you want to give to your young non-driver. 

The only electric vehicle you should consider allowing your child to operate is an electric bicycle, also called an electric-assisted bicycle. In most places, an electric bicycle is a legally defined type of vehicle with specific limitations on its motor power and speed. Under federal law, electric bicycles must have working pedals, motors of less than 750 watts, and can go no faster than 20 mph on motor power alone (without pedaling). Almost all states now have similar laws, and 43 states further define electric bicycles into three distinct classes according to their capabilities:

"Class 1 electric-assisted bicycle" means an electric-assisted bicycle equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.

"Class 2 electric-assisted bicycle" means an electric-assisted bicycle equipped with an electric motor that is capable of propelling the bicycle without the rider pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.

"Class 3 electric-assisted bicycle" means an electric-assisted bicycle equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour.

These legal distinctions are important. Because true electric bicycles are slower and less powerful, they are regulated like bicycles, while those other, faster “e-bikes” are considered motor vehicles and should not be operated by kids who are not licensed drivers. 

Your state may also have other requirements for electric bicycles. They are usually subject to bicycle-specific equipment and operation laws (like needing reflectors or lights at night) as well as the rules of the road that apply to all vehicles used on public streets. States may also have minimum age requirements for operators of electric bicycles, or require that riders under a certain age wear helmets (which is always a good idea!).

State-by-State Electric Bicycle Laws

Electric bicycle laws are different in every state and can be confusing for riders. PeopleForBikes works to make riding an electric bicycle easy and accessible for all. Find your state's specific rules.

So, if lots of things are called “e-bikes,” how do you know the one you’re buying is an electric bicycle? That can be a bit complicated. Some of the “e-bike” products are hard to distinguish from true electric bicycles and could even be labeled or advertised as one of the three classes of electric bicycles. Some can easily be modified to exceed the motor power and speed limits of an electric bicycle by selecting an “unlimited” mode setting on the controls, by cutting a wire that limits power and speed, or by changing the setting in a smartphone app used to control the device. As with other big ticket items, there is just no substitute for fully researching a product before you buy. Here are some tips to help you separate the electric bicycles from the ‘e-bikes’ you don’t want:

• If it looks like a motorcycle or mini-moto, it just might be. Many products have motorcycle or “moto inspired” styling or look like gas powered minibikes or dirt bikes in order to appeal to younger riders. That’s a possible red flag, so dig deeper.

• Virtually all of these products are advertised online. What does the manufacturer’s website say about their products? Are the motors claimed to be more powerful than 750 watts? Is the top speed stated as exceeding 28 mph or “28 mph+”?  Is there an “unlimited” or “unlocked” mode? Does the vehicle lack pedals or require that they be added as an option? Again, any of these signs can indicate that the product is not an electric bicycle.

• Some products have lengthy legal disclaimers on their websites in an effort to make it your responsibility that their product isn’t an electric bicycle. Sometimes this language is used when describing “unlocking” the device’s power and speed capability (you assume all risks). If it can be easily unlocked, it’s probably not an electric bicycle. Beware of statements like “sold as a Class 2 e-bike.” Is it, or isn’t it?

• What does social media have to say about the product and how it is being used? Do reviews or posts by users talk about the product being excessively fast, easily and frequently modified, or used unsafely? That product might not be right for your family.

• Buy your electric bicycle at a local bicycle shop in your community. Major U.S. manufacturers of electric bicycles that are sold at local bike shops follow federal regulations on electric bicycle motor power and speed. Plus, they’ll let you test ride the product so you can verify its capabilities and ask questions before you buy.

• Is the product certified to applicable safety standards like UL 2849 or EN 15194? These standards ensure that the electrical system and battery are safely designed and of high quality. Avoid products that do not claim these safety certifications.

• It should go without saying, but don’t be pressured into buying a particular product because it’s cool and “all the other kids have them.” You’ve probably heard that one before.

If you do buy an electric bicycle for your child, that’s not the end of your journey.  Make sure they understand the rules of the road, know how to safely charge and operate their new electric bicycle, and always wear a helmet. In addition to the Owner’s Manual provided by the manufacturer, PeopleForBikes and our partners offer a free online safety training course for new riders called E-Bike Smart. When purchased wisely and used appropriately, electric bicycles can be an amazing form of transportation, recreation, freedom, and fun for youth and adults.