Kids on E-Bikes

CPSC's NEISS injury surveillance system shows that emergency department visits for e-bike injuries in the 13-17 age group climbed from approximately 800 in 2020 to over 5,800 in 2024 — more than 600% growth. The 18-24 group grew 240% over the same period. Adult 25+ grew 180%.

Teen injuries are also more severe per incident. Head injuries, multiple fractures, and major trauma are over-represented in the teen cohort vs adults. The leading cause is unhelmeted riding at Class 3 speeds, often with a second passenger on the bike.

A few practical rules that work, drawn from interviews with parents in markets like Newport Beach and Palo Alto where teen e-bike density is highest:

Under 16: Class 1 only. No throttle, motor cuts at 20 mph. The 'training wheels' tier of e-bikes. Helmet always. No passengers ever. No riding in the dark.

16-18 with driver's license: Class 1 or Class 2 with parental discretion. Class 3 not until license + a parent-led riding session. Reflective gear required.

All teens: a parent-led talk about closing speed at intersections, distracted riding (no phones, no earbuds), and what to do after a fall.

Several Southern California school districts have banned Class 3 e-bikes from campus property. A growing number of beach cities have age-based municipal codes (under 16 = Class 1 only). Carlsbad, Encinitas, and Newport Beach have all moved in this direction in the past 18 months.

Parents should check local rules before buying. A 28 mph Class 3 bike for a 14-year-old may be a fine, ban, or impound risk depending on your zip code.