What Young E-Bike Riders Should Know

Recently, I read an article about the actress Nina Dobrev and her e-bike accident. It made me realize yet again how dangerous e-bikes can be, especially when they reach speeds comparable to those of a regular passenger vehicle. Thinking about young kids riding these powerful bikes makes me even more nervous.?

Too many accidents have happened where children and teens suffer severe and fatal injuries, either due to their inexperience or the reckless driving behavior of another motorist. The number of e-bike riders with head trauma has surged by 49% over the course of five years.?

This is a growing problem, especially in California. As a personal injury lawyer in Orange County, I see far too many serious cases involving bicyclists and motorists on the news and at my law firm.?

I give my children the same advice I would give anyone considering purchasing an e-bike. First of all, everyone should wear a helmet. Even though California law mandates that only those under 18 wear one, everyone should wear a helmet. A bicycle helmet is the most important safety feature when riding a bike. Without one, you are much more likely to sustain a serious head injury.?

Secondly, know the rules of the road. Riding a bike is akin to driving a vehicle; you are bound by essentially the same traffic laws. I teach my kids to always stop at red lights and stop signs, yield when they don’t have the right of way, and use their rear and front lights at night. Visibility is key when cycling.?

E-bikes have far more capabilities than regular bicycles. Every child should take an e-bike safety class to learn how to ride safely, especially if they plan on sharing the road with vehicles. The power and speed of e-bikes make them much more tricky to handle. The California Highway Patrol has an online program that instructs people on how to ride e-bikes safely.

Even if your child does not own an e-bike, they may be given the opportunity to hitch a ride with a friend. This is especially dangerous because passengers rarely wear helmets, and few e-bikes are designed for two riders. In fact, unless your bike has an extra permanent seat, carrying a passenger is against the law. While it may be tempting to hop on, it's not worth the risk.?

Lastly, I advise anyone with an e-bike to practice in a residential area or on bike paths away from vehicles. There are plenty of beautiful bike trails and paths in Orange County. Get comfortable on your bike before you head out onto the road.?