Get in Gear: E-Bike and E-Scooter safety
What Parents Needs to Know
Cook Children's Health Care System has seen an uptick in injuries due to e-bikes and e-scooters. Some electronic bikes and scooters can reach speeds of more than 10 mph. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that children under age 12 should not operate any e-bike that travels more than 10 mph. Under the Texas Transportation Code, an e-bike is a bicycle with fully operational pedals, a motor less than 750 watts, and an assisted top speed of 28 mph or less. Texas classifies e-bikes into three categories. There are no age limits for riding a Class 1 or Class 2 e-bike, but the minimum age for a Class 3 is 15 years.
Electronic scooters are often considered vehicles and must adhere to traffic regulations and local ordinances. Some cities have adopted ordinances specific to e-bikes and e-scooters.
Sharon Evans, trauma injury prevention manager, offers parents tips on how families can safely enjoy their e-bikes and e-scooters.
- Always wear a helmet: Make sure you have the right helmet. For e-bikes/e-scooters that go up to 20 mph, a bike helmet is sufficient, but parents may want to invest in a stronger helmet to protect their children better.
- Perform a safety check before each ride:
- Check the tires. Ensure they are inflated to the recommended pressure on the sidewall.
- Check brake levers. Squeeze them while rolling the bike forward and backward to ensure the brakes engage and stop the e-bike/e-scooter.
- Inspect your e-bike/e-scooter for loose nuts or anything that looks abnormal.
- Follow the rules of the road:
- Always ride on the right, in the same direction as traffic. Use the bike lane if available.
- top and look both ways before entering a street or crossing an intersection.
- Stop at all intersections.
- Obey all traffic lights and traffic signs.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Do not talk on the phone or text. Do not wear earbuds; you cannot hear what is happening around you.
- Night rides: Make sure you wear bright, reflective clothing. Ensure your e-bike/e-scooter has a light and reflectors.
