E-Ride Ready: Keeping Kids Safe on Electric Bikes and Scooters

Electric bikes and scooters are transforming how we move by offering fun, flexible, and eco-friendly transportation options. However, as these devices become more popular, injuries and fatalities are rising, especially among children and teens.

The statistics are alarming: between 2017 and 2022, injuries linked to micromobility devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters increased by an average of 23 percent annually, leading to over 360,000 emergency room visits and 233 fatalities, according to a review by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

AAA - The Auto Club Group (ACG) is addressing this growing safety concern with its E-Ride Ready campaign and complete E-Ride Safety Guide to educate parents, drivers and communities about the risks associated with e-rides and how to prevent serious injuries. 

The rise of e-ride injuries: A growing concern

E-bikes and e-scooters are no longer niche gadgets; they’re everywhere. U.S. e-bike sales nearly quadrupled between 2019 and 2022, according to the CPSC, putting more riders, including children, on faster and more powerful devices. Unfortunately, safety measures have not kept pace with this rapid adoption.

Children are particularly vulnerable. Limited experience navigating traffic combined with the high speeds of these devices increases the likelihood of crashes. Many incidents occur on roadways and involve passenger vehicles, highlighting the dangers of mixing micromobility with complex traffic environments. The CPSC’s data underscores this risk, showing that many of the emergency room visits and fatalities from 2017 to 2022 involved children and teens.

The lack of consistent safety regulations and infrastructure only adds to the problem. Rules governing e-bikes and e-scooters vary widely by state and city, creating confusion about where these devices can operate and who can ride them. The vastly different policies create a new level of safety challenges, especially for parents of young riders.

How parents can keep their kids e-ride ready

The good news is that parents can play a pivotal role in reducing risks. By understanding the dangers and teaching safe riding habits, parents can help their kids enjoy their e-rides responsibly.

1. Know the risks

E-rides may look like toys, but they are not. Many can reach speeds of up to 28 mph, and trauma centers report severe injuries, particularly head injuries, from crashes. The CPSC’s data highlights the sharp increase in injuries, with a 23% annual rise in reported micromobility-related incidents over five years. Talk to your kids about the risks and emphasize the importance of riding responsibly.

2. Choose the right e-ride

Not all e-bikes and e-scooters are created equal. Some are pedal-assist, while others are throttle-operated, offering vastly different speed capabilities. Look for models with parental controls, such as speed limits and geo-fencing, to ensure your child’s safety.

3. Pick the proper helmet

Helmets are non‑negotiable, but protection must match the device and its speed. Standard bicycle helmets are not designed for the higher speeds many e‑rides reach. On devices capable of traveling up to 28 mph, riders should consider helmets designed for higher‑speed impacts, such as those meeting the NTA 8776 standard. At speeds above 28 mph, medical experts often recommend a motorcycle helmet, which offers full head and face coverage. According to trauma specialists, head injuries are among the most common and severe outcomes of e-ride crashes, making helmets a critical safety measure.

4. Ride carefully and know the rules

Local regulations vary, so familiarize yourself with the rules in your area. Teach your kids to avoid distractions, stick to bike lanes when possible, and always yield to pedestrians. Reinforce the importance of staying alert around vehicles and other road users.

5. Share the road

Drivers and riders must work together to ensure everyone’s safety. Encourage your kids to make themselves visible, use bike lanes, and avoid riding on busy roadways. For drivers, it is crucial to stay vigilant and give e-riders plenty of space.

Additional tips for drivers sharing the road

As e-rides become more common, drivers play a critical role in keeping everyone safe. Here are some tips for drivers who share the road with e-bikes and e-scooters:

• Stay Alert: E-riders can be harder to spot than cars, especially at intersections or in low-light conditions. Always check your blind spots and be extra cautious when turning.
• Give Space: Treat e-riders like you would cyclists. Leave at least three feet of space when passing them and never tailgate.
• Anticipate Sudden Moves: Many e-riders, especially children, may not signal their intentions or follow traffic rules consistently. Be prepared for sudden stops or turns.
• Slow Down in Neighborhoods: Kids often ride e-bikes and e-scooters in residential areas. Reduce your speed and stay vigilant for young riders who may dart into the road.
• Avoid Distractions: Put your phone away and focus on the road. A moment of distraction can have serious consequences when sharing the road with vulnerable riders.
  
  

Why this matters

Micromobility is here to stay, and its benefits are undeniable. But as adoption grows, so do the risks. This moment presents a critical opportunity to close the safety gap and protect our most vulnerable riders, our kids. By raising awareness and teaching safe habits, parents and drivers can work together to ensure that e-rides remain a fun and safe way to get around.

Parents, equip your kids with the knowledge and tools they need to ride safely. Drivers, stay alert and share the road responsibly. Together, we can make a difference and keep our communities safe.