E-bike safety starts at home: Why parents must regularly check their child’s e-bike

E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular among BVSD middle and high school students. While they can be a fun, efficient, and eco-friendly way to get to school, they also bring serious responsibilities. Parents play a critical role in making sure these bikes remain safe, legal, and reliable.

Last year, we highlighted the confusing ways e-bikes are marketed to youth and stressed the importance of purchasing a bike that meets safety and legal standards. But the job doesn’t stop after purchase. Just like cars, e-bikes require regular adult oversight to keep them functioning properly and safely.

Speed matters: Check the governor

Do you know how fast your child’s e-bike is actually going?

One of the most important safety features on an e-bike is the speed governor, which limits how fast the motor will assist. Unfortunately, it’s shockingly easy to override these limits. A quick online search can show teens how to:

• Disable or remove the governor
• Shift the bike into “out-of-class” modes
• Alter the bike’s top speed far beyond legal limits

To qualify as an e-bike, the bike must also have working pedals and no more than 750 watts of power. Bikes without operable pedals or with higher wattage are considered e-motorcycles. These are not street-legal, cannot use bike lanes/paths, and require very different safety equipment. A standard bicycle helmet is not adequate.

E-bike classifications:

• Class 1: Pedal-assist only, motor cuts off at 20 mph
• Class 2: Throttle-assisted, motor cuts off at 20 mph
• Class 3: Pedal-assist only, motor cuts off at 28 mph (for riders 16+ only)

What parents should do:
Check the speed limiter regularly. An e-bike that travels beyond its intended limit is both illegal and much harder to control, dramatically increasing the risk of serious crashes.

How to test:

• Rear-drive motors: Lift the rear wheel, engage the throttle fully, and confirm the motor cuts off at the correct speed.
• Mid-drive motors: Test ride and observe the top assisted speed. Anything faster than its class allows means the bike has been tampered with or is malfunctioning.

Don’t overlook brakes and tires

E-bikes are heavier and faster than traditional bikes, so braking power and tire condition matter even more. Worn brake pads or under-inflated tires significantly increase stopping distance. Check the brakes and tire pressure at least monthly to ensure reliable stopping and control.

Professional maintenance matters

E-bikes demand more maintenance than standard bikes. Depending on mileage, they may need shop service several times a year.

Keep in mind:

• Many bike shops will not service e-bikes purchased online due to safety concerns due to poor component quality.
• Direct-to-consumer e-bikes sometimes come with brakes or parts that are inadequate for their speed and weight.

Whenever possible, purchase from a local dealer who can also provide ongoing service. It’s an investment in both safety and peace of mind.

Talk about social media stunts

From “power wheelies” to other risky tricks, social media is full of videos glamorizing unsafe riding. These stunts are often attempted in traffic or crowded spaces, where a mistake can have devastating consequences.

Make sure your child knows where it is appropriate to try tricks and where to absolutely avoid them. Help your child understand the difference between being “sendy” on a mountain bike trail versus riding defensively in traffic for transportation

Practice safe riding together

E-bikes require strong riding skills, situational awareness, and good judgment. All of these skills can be developed by practicing often with an adult. Make sure your child knows the following skills so they are competent riding in traffic, not just on paths:

• Stays alert and scans traffic, can think ahead
• Understands the flow of traffic and avoids weaving, rides predictably
• Knows how to stop quickly and safely
• Uses hand signals for turns and stops
• Knows which lane to use and how to change lanes safely
• Keeps at least 3 feet from parked cars, rides out of the door zone
• Makes full stops and yields appropriately at intersections
• Maintains safe speeds. For example, multi-use paths are limited to 15 mph
• Can avoid obstacles without swerving into traffic
• Always wears a helmet that is buckled
• Uses front and rear lights in low-light conditions

Pro tip: Start with low-traffic areas and gradually build up to busier streets. Modeling safe behavior alongside your child is one of the most powerful teaching tools.

Parents make the difference

Your involvement is the single most important factor in your child’s e-bike safety. Regular bike checks, conversations about safe behavior, and time spent riding together all help reduce risks.

As a resource, Marin County, CA, has developed an e-bike safety contract for parents and teens to set clear expectations together.

Learn the rules of the road in English and Spanish from our partners at Bicycle Colorado and Mobility for All.

For more tips on general e-bike safety, along with national and local resources from our partners, visit the BVSD E-Bike safety webpage.