Best Electric Bikes for Back To School

Parents and children will be investing in new bikes as the new school year approaches. Many parents will have questions about ebikes and child safety.

Can My Child Ride an Ebike To School?

Whether your child can ride an ebike to school depends on local regulations and school rules. In many states, a child must be at least 14 years old to ride an ebike. However, even if your state permits kids to ride ebikes, schools may have different opinions.

Before purchasing an ebike for your child, research local and state laws and age restrictions. Also, contact your child's school to find out if they permit ebikes on the grounds.

Benefits of Riding an Ebike To School

If your child can legally commute by ebike, the benefits are similar to those experienced by adult commuters. Reduced travel costs are often the most appealing benefits; however, your child might appreciate the speed of the bike and the pedal assist or full power options more.

Also, ebikes do not require parking passes, so your high school student will not have to park on the street. They can ride right up to the school's front doors and chain their ebike to the rack.

What Are the Best Ebikes for Elementary Schoolers?

If you choose to buy an ebike for your little one, there are specific safety measures you should consider. Only buy bikes that come equipped with torque sensors. You might also consider buying ebikes that allow for adjustable max speeds. Finally, consider bikes equipped with safety features, such as lights and mirrors.

A child's ebike should cut the motor off above a certain speed. Also, make special considerations for the disc brakes. Your child will go faster than on a traditional bicycle, so powerful brakes are necessary.

What Are the Best Ebikes for Middle Schoolers?

Middle schoolers are a little more competent than elementary school kids. They can often handle more responsibility. Regarding ebikes, a middle schooler can likely handle faster speeds with fewer restrictions. However, they are still children, so speed sensors and monitoring are still necessary.

A 13-year-old can likely handle a top speed of 12.5 mph. According to experts, older children can also handle ranges up to 13 or 14 miles. You want to be careful about how much power and capacity you give a child.

What Are the Best Ebikes for High Schoolers?

High schoolers, specifically those teenagers aged 16 or older, can handle ebikes with an output of 28 mph and longer ranges. Also, older teenagers do not have the same legal restrictions as minors. If your child is old enough to drive a vehicle, they are old enough to drive most adult ebikes.

Can You Carry a Child on an Ebike?

You can use an ebike in much the same way as a traditional bicycle. Therefore, you can place a child seat on an ebike. However, you want to take extra precautions.

You will travel at higher speeds on an ebike, so child safety is always a concern. If you choose to install a child seat or trailer, check with the manufacturer to see if the product is compatible.

Teaching Your Child Ebike Safety

Ebike safety is similar to traditional bicycle safety. When teaching your child, instill sound advice and practices, including:

• Wear safety gear
• Ride on sidewalks whenever possible
• Use hand signals
• Obey rules of the road
• Wear bright colors
• Use lights when necessary

Research local laws and school rules when looking for a new bicycle for your child. Not every state or school will permit children to ride ebikes. For more information about ebike safety and laws, contact a local retailer.