Such discrepancies exist because U.S. states are free to pass their own laws regarding e-bikes. In addition, states also have the power to amend these laws according to their needs. The motor of an electric bike must not exceed 750 watts. As stated above, it is difficult to determine the right bike size for your children. While the bike should suit them, it should also give them plenty of space to grow, so you don`t have to spend extra money on a new bike every six months. Riding an electric bike in Canada is not as easy as cycling on the streets of Australia. That`s because most provinces in Canada have different age restrictions for riding e-bikes on public infrastructure. Electric bikes are excellent machines that help cyclists get around in an environmentally friendly way. Electric bikes are just as good for adults as they help save money that could have been spent on gas or car maintenance. States may vary the minimum age they allow teens to ride an electric bike. California and Florida, for example, set a minimum age of 16, while Minnesota sets the age at 15.
We recommend doing a quick Google search before you buy to make sure your teen can enjoy the electric bike as soon as they get to your door. Class 3 electric bikes are not permitted on a bicycle path, bicycle path, footbridge or hiking or recreational trail unless they are located in or near a road or unless the local authority or governing body of a public authority responsible for the trail or trail allows it by regulation. Some parts of the world allow the use of electric bikes by 12-year-olds. With the exception of countries and states where there is no legal age limit for riding an electric bike, Belgium and Alberta (in Canada) allow 12-year-olds to ride e-bikes in public. In the UK, the minimum age to ride an electric bike with a power of 250 W or less is 14 years. How old do I have to be to ride an electric bike? The minimum age for riding an electric bike in most countries of the world is between 14 and 16 years old. The minimum age is a direct function of the power of the motor and the maximum speed of the electric bike. visforvoltage.org/book-page/ev-collaborative-hand-books/1080-electric-bicycle-laws According to a 2018 analysis of the bike industry, e-bike sales increased by 83% between May 2017 and May 2018, and e-bikes accounted for 10% of total bike sales in the U.S. during that period. (Source) The best way to teach your kids how to ride electric bikes is to get them to do it without electric assistance.
Before switching to electric bikes, they must be able to ride an ordinary bike. If you live in America, you may want to read PeopleForBikes` resource on the topic: E-Bike Laws – State by State. They list each state with the specific requirements that are mandatory for riding electric bikes in public spaces. In Japan, you also don`t need a license for your electric bike, as it is considered a normal bike, so you just have to choose from the safety equipment you want. It is not a constraint otherwise. The truth is that electric bikes are just as safe as regular bikes, as long as your child wears proper safety equipment and complies with traffic rules. Knowing the class of your electric bike will tell you where and how to ride. In California, for example, an electric Class 3 requires the cyclist to wear a helmet. Users of Class 2 and below electric bikes can be of any age and have access to trails for cyclists. If you are considering buying an electric bike for your child, there are a number of factors that you should consider before buying the electric bike. Below are a number of guiding principles that you can use, but to be sure, you need to learn about your specific local laws in order to be safe.
Wikipedia has a good list here. As a general rule, you should check with the local authorities in your area before buying an electric bike. The reason I keep hammering about it is that some parts of the world allow people of all ages to ride e-bikes in public, while others have strict restrictions on the use of e-bikes in public spaces. Unfortunately, some states recognize e-bikes as mopeds, motorcycles or motor vehicles. These states require their citizens to get a license before riding an electric bike. Pedal-assisted bikes are similar to traditional bikes, making them a better option for kids. The age restrictions for these electric bikes are between 10 and 16 years old. In most countries of the world, the tax on licenses, registration and vehicles for these electric bikes are exempt, but for safety reasons, it will really not hurt anyone to wear a helmet because „helmets save lives”. E-bike drivers do not need to be licensed. Electric bikes can only be used by people aged 16 and over. E-bikes do not need to hold a permit or registration.
If this is the case, you should choose a bike where the child can touch the ground on both sides with his toes and the balls from his feet, but not with his heels. If they can touch the ground with their heels, then it`s probably too small for them and in a year it will be even worse. Different countries have different laws because traffic conditions are not the same everywhere. The different laws relating to e-bikes in a sample of countries are discussed here. Of course, you will take more precautions for your 10-year-old, unlike a 17-year-old. It`s your job to make them aware of the importance of following safety rules and wearing safety equipment when riding an electric bike.