Electric bikes (e-bikes) are bikes with an electric motor. When a rider pedals an e-bike, the motor provides additional power, making it easier to ride. Some e-bikes also have a "throttle" that lets the bike move without the rider pedaling. The level of help can be adjusted by the rider. E-bikes can reach speeds of about 20–30 mph.

E-bikes are NOT considered safe for kids. Research shows that e-bikes can be more dangerous than regular bikes. They cause a higher number of injuries (and more severe ones) and deaths than regular bikes.

Most health experts don't recommend that kids ride e-bikes. But if kids do, they should be at least 16 years old.

Here's some information to help you decide if riding an e-bike is a good idea for your teen and some ways to help keep them safe if they do.

While deciding if your child should ride an e-bike, consider your child's age, skill level, maturity, attention span, and ability to control a fast-moving vehicle, along with:

• Whether your child will be willing to learn and follow the rules for how to operate an e-bike safely.
• Any rules or laws in your area about who can ride an e-bike. Some states have a minimum age or require a license, registration, or insurance. Some communities don't allow e-bikes at all (such as retirement communities).
• Whether your school district or town offers training courses to help people learn how to handle an e-bike, and what safety guidelines to follow.
• If there is a safe location for your child to ride where there's no car or foot traffic.

If you decide your child can ride an e-bike, be sure they:

• Wear a helmet on every ride.
• Learn how to use the e-bike and control the speed.
• Learn and obey the safety laws and only ride where permitted.
• Signal to others on the road. Kids should learn how to make their presence known to others by using hand signals or giving a shout-out to those who might not see them coming.
• Never ride and text or make phone calls. Teach kids to keep their phone in their pocket until they are off the road in a safe location.
• Do not use earbuds or earphones.
• Be a defensive rider. This means being aware of pedestrians, road debris, potholes, opened car doors, or anything else that could pose a safety risk.
• Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing that could catch on the bike's moving parts.
• Only ride at night if absolutely necessary. If they do ride at night, put a light on the e-bike and have them wear light-reflective clothing or tape.
• Know to never drink alcohol or use drugs while riding or driving a moving vehicle.