Safety First – E Bikes

What Parents should Know

Top 5 Safety Tips for Parents and Children

• Helmet on, every ride.

• Check brakes, tires, and battery before leaving.

• Use lights and reflectors, especially at night.

• No extra passengers. (Unless bike is designed for it.)

• Ride predictably. Stay visible and follow traffic rules.

• Parent tip: Practice together in a safe place (like a parking lot)  before letting your child ride alone.

Supervisions Matters

• Children may underestimate speed and distance.

• At 25 mph, a collision between an e-bike and a pedestrian or
vehicle can cause severe injury or death.

What You Can Do

• Know your state’s e-bike laws.

• Set family riding rules.

• Require helmets.

• Teach traffic safety early.

What is Considered an E-Bike?

An electric bicycle (e-bike) features functional pedals and a small electric motor.

Speeds vary: Reaching 20 – 28 mph, depending on class of e-bike.

Resembles a traditional bicycle but can reach significantly higher speeds.

E-Bike Class

Class 1: The electric motor provides assistance solely while pedaling and is limited to a maximum speed of 20 mph.

Class 2: The electric motor offers assistance whether you are pedaling or not, also capped at 20 mph.

Class 3: The electric motor assists only while pedaling and can reach speeds of up to 28 mph.

Modification of speed capabilities on an e-bike is a violation of TCA 55-8-304 (Class 3 misdemeanor).

Why This Matters for Children

Higher speeds increase the risk of crashes and injuries.

E-bikes are typically heavier than a conventional bicycle, making it harder to control, slower to stop and more likely to cause severe injury if it tips or crashes.

What Isn’t Considered an E-Bike?

A motor assisted bike that exceeds 28 mph.

Does not have functional pedals.

Equipped with a motor exceeding 750 watts.

Equipped with a gas motor.

Not allowed on streets, bike lanes, or sidewalks.

Who Can Ride an E-Bike?

According TCA 55-8-307

It is a delinquent act for a person under 14 years of age to operate a class 3 electric bicycle upon any street or highway; provided, that the person may ride as a passenger on a class 3 electric bicycle that is designed to accommodate passengers. Punishable by a fine of no more than $50.

Where Can Children Ride?

Class 1 and  2:

Classes 1 and 2 e-bikes are permitted on streets where bicycles are allowed as well as any path or trail designated for cyclists.

Classes 1 and 2 are not allowed on sidewalks.

Class 3:

Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited on bike paths or sidewalks.

Class 3 e-bikes can only be on the street if they are equipped with pedals and a speedometer that displays showing miles per hour.

Note: When riding on the street, an e-bike must have pedals and a motor that disengages when the brakes are applied or when the throttle is released.

Helmet Laws

Required for all ages operating a Class 3 e-bike.

Required for a person under 16 years of age to wear a helmet on any street or sidewalk.

Children weighing less than 40 lbs. must wear a helmet and be safely seated and secured in a child seat or trailer.

Violation of the above restrictions is a Class C misdemeanor.

KEEPING YOUR CHILD SAFE, LEGAL, AND PROTECTED ON THE ROAD