Why Age Matters

Why You Should Consider Waiting just a little longer …

As a fellow parent, I understand. Kids sometimes want what they want despite the dangers involved. If my older son had been given the go-ahead, he would have driven the family van at age three. But I do understand why you looked at your 12-year-old and wondered, Why isn’t my son ready … when he wants an e-bike so much? All his friends are riding them!

 I feel your parental pain, but here’s the thing. As parents, ensuring the safety and well-being of our children is our top responsibility and priority. The growing trend of e-bike usage among younger children may seem appealing, but there are critical reasons to consider waiting until your teen is at least 14 before allowing them to ride an e-bike.

 Here are five essential reasons to wait:

1. Higher Risk of Accidents and Serious Injury

E-bikes can reach higher speeds than traditional bikes, significantly increasing the risk of accidents and serious injuries. Younger children may not have the necessary motor skills and coordination to handle an e-bike safely, especially in busy or unpredictable environments. They simply haven't had enough time on standard bicycles to be ready for the differences that e-bikes present.

  2. Cognitive Development and Decision Making

At younger ages, children's brains are still developing, particularly in areas related to judgment and decision-making. E-biking often requires split-second decisions to avoid obstacles, navigate traffic, or respond to unexpected situations. Teens aged 14 and older are more likely to have developed the cognitive abilities needed for these quick reactions, reducing their risk of accidents.

 3. Understanding of Personal Responsibility

Older teens are typically more mature and better understand the responsibilities that come with operating a fast-moving vehicle like an e-bike. They are more likely to follow safety guidelines, wear protective gear, and make decisions that prioritize their safety and that of others around them. They are also more ready to develop skills that enable them to avoid peer pressure — like when a group of friends invite your child to join them for a fun ride ... on a busy highway.

 4. Peer Pressure is Not a Good Reason

Maybe your son is right, and all the kids are actually doing it. Whether or not that statement is true, there is indeed an increase in e-bike ridership among minors. And that’s why Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) put out an infographic on the number of serious accidents that are severely hurting our kids. Be aware that the younger “tweens” are suffering at almost the same rate as their older siblings. Following in older kids’ bike paths, they often forget to wear helmets, ride recklessly (or even aggressively), and believe that they will never get hurt. It’s your job to keep them safe, even from their own dangerous impulses.

 The Motor Won’t Teach Cycling Skills

A couple of times, adults wandered into my e-bike shop and told me that they never learned how to ride a bicycle, and they thought it would be best to learn on an e-bike. They could not have been more wrong. I sent them all to a colleague in the cycling profession who specialized in teaching adults how to ride bicycles. It’s crucial to have the balance and muscle memory that comes with practice before you launch into riding at higher speeds while trying to adjust the electronics. Even 20 mph is faster than most kids ride regular bikes, especially on hills.

And I do have an even better reason for them to wait. For those who dream of performing power wheelies and other stunts, they truly need to learn how to pop a wheelie on a regular bicycle first. There will probably come a day when they’ll have a safe space to perform and compete on e-bikes. At that time, training facilities and coaches will likely insist that the junior high kids learn on something like a BMX bike first. Once they’ve truly mastered those skills, they’ll be ready at age 14 to take off and fly.

By waiting until your teen is at least 14, you help ensure that they are better prepared to enjoy the benefits of e-biking safely and responsibly. When we send them rolling out into the world, it’s important that they can pedal home at the end of the day. I hope you’ll consider these reasons to delay a year or two. The life you save could be your own child's.