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How Old Do Kids Need to Be to Ride an Electric Bike?
Electric bikes have become the most common and popular choice for bike riders worldwide. They are equipped with a power motor, a rechargeable battery, and many other riding assistance. The power system assists the pedaling and also helps to travel up to 25 to 45 km/h.
Since electric bikes offer several power functions, it requires special attention when purchasing an e-bike for kids. A question may arise in your mind How Old Do Kids Need to Be to Ride an Electric Bike. Well, the minimum age required to ride an e-bike is 14 to 16 years, and the age restriction may vary depending on the country. Throughout this article, you can learn about what e-bike you should pick based on your kid’s age.
What Makes Electric Bikes So Popular?
If you compare the electric bike or bicycle to a non-electric bicycle, you’ll barely find a lot of differences. A rechargeable battery and electric motor make the electric bike stand out and a popular choice for riders. Its battery boosts usability and allows traveling up to 25 to 45 km/h.
Another core reason behind e-bikes’ popularity is low-cost, emission-free transportation and energy efficiency. Most of the electric bike’s accompanied by multiple gears and many other riding assistance functions.
In short, the e-bike brings a revolutionary change in the bike industry, and from kids to adults, this bike is available for all ages. You can easily find an electric bike for 10-year old kids to adults of any age.
How Old Do Kids Need to Be to Ride an Electric Bike
You may be curious about How Old Do Kids Need to Be to Ride an Electric Bike. While purchasing an e-bike for a kid, it’s the common curiosity of most parents. Well, e-bike riding age limitations can be different based on country. AAP or American Academy of Pediatrics says that children under 16 shouldn’t operate an e-bike.
Well, the good news is many types of e-bikes are available based on age. So if you’re wondering what electric bike will be suitable for your kids, you must know the bike types. Electric bikes come with a myriad of types or classifications. If you don’t know about them, no worries, we’re here to assist you to make your job easy. Here we’ll discuss the bike types along with all other related aspects.
– Types of Electric Bike
Electric bikes are also separated into three types, including Type – 1, 2, 3, and all of them offer different functionality. Here we’ve talked about all the types in detail, have a look-
➢ Type 1 –
Type 1 electric bike is a pedal-assist bike that is equipped with an electric motor. The powerful motor is to aid pedaling effort and only works when pedaling at a speed of 20 miles per hour. This pedal-assist electric bike is also considered low-speed electric bicycles as well.
Type 1 bikes may or may not have had a throttle, and it doesn’t have any age limits. Pedal-assist electric bikes should be suitable for kids between 0-16 years old. Since this bike doesn’t have any age limits and requires a driving license, it can be a good option for kids.
➢ Type 2 –
If you look at type 2 electric bikes, you’ll indeed find a throttle on them. Along with an electric motor, you’ll find a throttle to ride the bike without pedaling. Unlike type 1 bikes, you’ll not have to pedal to benefit the bike’s motor. All you have to do is turn the throttle to ride the bike without pedaling.
Type 2 bikes come with a speed limit of 20 miles per hour. Although many claims that this type of bike has no age limits, actually this is not true. Since a type 2 bike is comparable to a scooter, it’ll not be a good idea to buy it for a kid under 16.
➢ Type 3 –
Type 3 electric bikes are also considered high-speed electric bikes with a maximum speed limit of 28mph. This bike is equipped with a motor, speedometer and provides assistance during pedaling. It only works when the pedaling speed reaches a speed of around 28 miles per hour.
Interestingly, a type 3 electric bike is still considered a bicycle, and it must require a helmet during riding. Among all e-bike types, a type 3 or pedal-assist bike would be the best option for commuting. Most importantly, this bike has an age restriction, and your kid must need to be 17 or older to ride this bike.
Since we’ve discussed all types of electric bikes with function and age limitations, you can quickly determine the best one for your kid. If you want a suggestion, we’ll suggest getting a type 1 bike for your kid. Allow your kid to ride a power-assisted bike under your or an adult’s supervision.
What Safety Prequalification Do Kids Need to Follow?
Since electric bikes are much more effective and user-friendly than regular bikes, they come with handy advanced functions. It’s enjoyable to ride an e-bike, but not following proper safety practices can cause consequences. So what safety practices require top attention? Follow the below section to know.
- Wear a Helmet : Whether you are riding a regular bicycle or a motorized bicycle, wearing a bicycle helmet can save your life. Helmets are designed and made with additional layers to provide safety.
- Use Warning Devices: As an electric bike rider, you should always use all the warning devices to keep him or herself safe from evil events. Warning devices like lights, warning signals, straps, you can also install a bell along with a horn.
- Take the Lane: Always use the bike paths or lanes while riding an electric bike. Here you can ride the bike in the posted speed limit without worrying about matching the speed of other motor or electric vehicles.
- Inflate Your Tires: You always need to keep your tires inflated properly. You or your kid can enjoy riding an e-bike without any collision by keeping the bike tires topped off.
- Watch Out the Charge: Before starting riding, always ensure or check the charge level. It is also important to know about the charging points, so you can charge the bike when needed.
- Do Not Speed: Most of the time, many e-bike users fall into accidents because of the speed. Therefore, riding an electric bike with decent speed can work as a life savior.
Final Thought
Now you know How Old Do Kids Need to Be to Ride an Electric Bike and all other aspects. When it’s about our kids, we always need to be careful about everything related to them. So, if you’re about to purchase an-bike for your kid, don’t forget to consider the bike types.
Select the bike based on the age of your children and make them aware of the bike law. Also, teach your kids to take safety equipment before pedaling and always to ride the bike on a bicycle path to avoid consequences.
