E-bikes and e-scooters: A guide for parents of teens
Help your teen ride safely and legally. The rules and safety basics every parent should know.
E-bikes and e-scooters give teens an easy way to get to school, practice, and friends' houses. But they're fast and heavy, and crashes can cause serious injuries. Here's what you need to know if your teen rides one, or if you're thinking about buying one.
Top 5 things every parent should know
1. Not everything sold as an "e-bike" is an e-bike.
Some bikes sold online are really electric motorcycles. They can go well over 20 mph and are not legal for teens to ride without a motorcycle license.
2. Helmets are required by law.
Anyone under 18 must wear a helmet on an e-bike or e-scooter. Make sure it fits and the strap is buckled.
3. Age rules depend on the type.
Class 3 e-bikes are for riders 16 and older. E-scooter riders need a driver's license or learner's permit.
4. E-bikes need a red rear light or reflector at all times.
State law requires this day and night, not just after dark.
5. One bike, one rider.
No passengers unless the bike has a second seat built for one.
Know what your teen is riding
California has 3 classes of e-bikes. The class is printed on a label on the bike's frame.
| Type |
Top speed with motor |
Minimum age |
Helmet required |
| Class 1 e-bike (pedal assist only) |
20 mph |
None |
Under 18 |
| Class 2 e-bike (pedal assist and throttle) |
20 mph |
None |
Under 18 |
| Class 3 e-bike (pedal assist only) |
28 mph |
16 |
All ages |
| E-scooter |
15 mph |
Must have a driver's license or permit |
Under 18 |
If a bike has no class label, goes faster than 28 mph, or has a motor over 750 watts, it's not an e-bike under California law. It's a motor vehicle. Riders need a motorcycle license, registration, and insurance.
Before you buy
- Check for a class label. Legal e-bikes have a label showing the class, top speed, and motor wattage.
- Be wary of bikes that look like dirt bikes. If it has pedals that are hard to use or no pedals at all, it's likely an electric motorcycle.
- Skip bikes that can be "unlocked." It's illegal to change an e-bike's speed settings. Avoid bikes or apps that promise a faster "off-road mode."
- Buy a certified battery and charger. Look for a mark from a testing lab like UL. Uncertified batteries can catch fire.
- Match the bike to your teen. A Class 1 bike is a good first e-bike. Make sure your teen can reach the ground and handle the bike's weight.
Make a family riding agreement
Sit down with your teen and agree on these basics. Some families write them down and sign them together.
- I will wear a buckled helmet every time I ride.
- I will only ride the type of e-bike or e-scooter I'm legally allowed to ride.
- I will not change the speed settings.
- I will follow traffic laws, including stop signs and speed limits.
- I will ride alone unless the bike has a seat for a passenger.
- I will give people walking, driving, and biking plenty of space.
- I will stay alert: no phone, no earbuds.
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