A Parent’s Guide to E-Bike and E-Scooter Safety for Kids and Teens

Whether your child is riding an e-bike to school, using an e-scooter to meet friends or riding around the neighborhood, micromobility devices can provide a convenient way to get around. They can also reach speeds that make a fall or crash more serious.

Helping kids and teens understand their vehicle, follow the rules and make safe choices can help them enjoy the freedom of riding while reducing their risk of injury.

Know What Your Child Is Riding

Not all e-bikes are the same. Texas law recognizes three classes of electric bicycles based on how the motor works and how fast it can assist the rider. Under Texas law, an e-bike must have fully operable pedals, an electric motor of less than 750 watts and a top assisted speed of 28 mph or less.

Class 1: Pedal Assist

The motor assists the rider only while pedaling and stops providing assistance when the bike reaches 20 mph.

Class 2: Throttle Assist

The motor can propel the bicycle without the rider pedaling, and stops assisting when the bike reaches 20 mph.

Class 3: Higher-Speed Pedal Assist

The motor assists the rider only while pedaling and stops providing assistance when the bike reaches 28 mph. Texas law also requires the rider to be at least 15 years old.

If a vehicle doesn’t meet Texas' definition of an electric bicycle, don’t assume it has the same legal status as an e-bike. Some high-powered or pedal-less electric bikes may fall into a different vehicle category.

Make Sure Your E-Bike Is Allowed Where You’re Riding

Before your child rides, make sure the e-bike is allowed where they plan to ride.

Rules can vary by city, trail, park, campus and roadway. Local governments may have additional restrictions on where e-bikes and other micromobility devices can be operated.

Before riding, check:

• The class of e-bike your child has
• If e-bikes are allowed on the route, trail or property
• Whether sidewalk riding is allowed
• If there are speed limits
• If there are age restrictions
• If there are signs or local rules that prohibit certain types of devices

Being able to buy or own an e-bike does not necessarily mean it can be ridden everywhere.

Wear a Helmet Every Ride

A properly fitted helmet can help protect against serious head injuries. The Texas Department of Transportation recommends wearing a helmet on every trip when riding an electric bike or scooter.

When selecting a helmet, consider the type and speed of the vehicle.

Helmet Standards for Class 1 and 2 E-Bikes

For Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes operating at bicycle speeds, look for a helmet that complies with the applicable U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) bicycle helmet safety standard. CPSC’s federal standard establishes requirements for bicycle helmets, including impact protection, retention and labeling.

Helmet Standards for Class 3 E-Bikes

For higher-speed Class 3 riding, families may want to consider a helmet specifically designed and tested for high-speed use, such as a certified NTA 8776 helmet, a standard developed for speed-pedelec helmets.

NTA 8776 is a voluntary helmet standard and is not a Texas legal requirement. ASTM International is also developing an e-bike helmet standard.

Do not rely on the words “e-bike helmet” alone. Check the helmet’s safety certification and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Make Sure the Helmet Fits Properly

A helmet works properly only when it fits and is worn correctly. Take these steps to make sure your child’s helmet fits properly:

• Choose the correct helmet size
• Position the helmet level on the head, not tilted backward
• Adjust the straps for a snug fit
• Fasten the chin strap securely
• Make sure the helmet does not move excessively when your child shakes their head
• Replace a helmet after a crash or if it is damaged

Check the Ride Before You Go

Before every ride, make sure everything is in working order. Taking a few extra seconds can make the difference between arriving safely and suffering a life-changing injury.

Check:

• Brakes
• Tires and tire pressure
• Handlebars
• Seat
• Throttle and controls
• Motor and controller
• Lights and reflectors
• Frame and other components for damage

If something is damaged or not working properly, don’t ride until it has been repaired.

Ride Smart

E-bikes and e-scooters are small, but riders still need to follow traffic laws and watch for other road users.

Teach your child to:

• Follow traffic signs and signals
• Ride in the same direction as traffic
• Use hand signals when turning
• Stay alert and keep phones put away while riding
• Slow down around intersections, driveways, pedestrians and crowded areas
• Watch for vehicles that are turning or backing up
• Yield to pedestrians
• Keep both hands available to control the vehicle whenever possible
• Don’t carry passengers unless the vehicle is specifically designed for more than one rider
• Avoid sudden or unpredictable movements

Make Sure Drivers Can See Your Child

E-bikes and e-scooters can be difficult for drivers and pedestrians to see because they are small and relatively quiet.

Help your child stay visible by:

• Using required lights and reflectors
• Wearing bright or reflective clothing, especially at night
• Watching for vehicles at intersections and driveways
• Avoiding drivers’ blind spots
• Making eye contact with drivers when possible
• Slowing down when visibility is limited

Texas law requires e-bikes operated at night to have a white light visible from at least 500 feet in front and either a red reflector or red light visible from at least 500 feet behind.

Parents Can Help Kids Learn to Ride Safely

Kids and teens may be excited about the independence that comes with riding an e-bike or e-scooter, but they may not recognize all potential hazards.

Before your child rides independently:

• Review the rules for their specific vehicle
• Practice braking, turning and controlling speed
• Practice riding around intersections and parked vehicles
• Choose routes appropriate for their experience and skill level
• Make sure they know where they can legally ride
• Check the vehicle and helmet regularly
• Set clear expectations about phones, passengers and riding at night
• Make sure younger riders are supervised as appropriate for their age and ability

The goal isn’t just to teach kids how to operate a device. It’s to help them recognize hazards, make good decisions and understand their responsibility to other people using the road.

E-Scooter Safety

Electric scooters have additional considerations because of their small wheels and standing riding position. E-scooter wheels can stop suddenly when they encounter obstacles or uneven surfaces, potentially throwing the rider off the scooter.

Teach your child to:

• Keep both hands on the handlebars
• Watch for potholes, cracks, uneven surfaces and other obstacles
• Slow down before bumps or uneven surfaces
• Never carry another person on a scooter
• Stay away from pedestrians
• Follow local rules about where scooters can be ridden
• Park scooters where they will not block sidewalks, ramps, driveways or other pedestrian paths

If your child owns or uses a personal e-scooter, check applicable Texas laws, city ordinances and rules for the location where the scooter will be used before riding.

Preventing E-Bike and E-Scooter Fires

Micromobility safety isn’t just about preventing crashes. E-bike and e-scooter batteries can create a serious fire hazard when they are damaged, modified or improperly charged.

Help protect your family by:

• Using the charger supplied with the device or one specifically approved by the manufacturer
• Never using a “universal” charger unless it has been tested and approved for that specific device
• Never charging the device while sleeping or when no one is home
• Following the manufacturer’s charging instructions
• Unplugging the charger when charging is complete
• Using only approved replacement batteries
• Never using a battery that has been modified or repaired by an unqualified person

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends using micromobility products and batteries that comply with applicable safety standards, including UL 2849 for e-bike electrical systems and UL 2272 for e-scooter and other personal e-mobility electrical systems.

San Antonio Rental Rules for E-Bikes and E-Scooters

San Antonio has additional rules for shared rental e-bikes and e-scooters. These rules may differ from the requirements for personally owned devices.

San Antonio’s dockless-vehicle ordinance applies to motor-assisted scooters and bikes that are available for use for a fee. Riders of these devices must:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Yield to pedestrians
• Use a bike lane when available
• Ride on streets with a speed limit of 35 mph or less when a bike lane is not available
• Not ride on sidewalks
• Not carry passengers
• Not use a portable wireless communication device while riding

These laws apply in San Antonio, but micromobility rules vary by location. Always check local ordinances and rules before letting your child ride.

Everyone Has a Role in E-Bike and E-Scooter Safety

Safe micromobility use requires riders, drivers and pedestrians to watch out for one another. Riders should follow the rules, control their speed and stay visible. Drivers should watch carefully for smaller vehicles, especially at intersections and when turning or backing up.

Pedestrians should remain alert around bike lanes and other areas where micromobility devices are permitted. Taking a few extra seconds to slow down, look and account for everyone can help prevent a serious crash.

Injury Prevention at University Health

As the only Level I trauma center in South Texas providing care for both adults and children, University Health partners with community organizations to help prevent traumatic injuries before they happen. Our Injury Prevention Department offers educational programs, practical resources and workshops that give parents and caregivers tools to protect the people they love. You can visit our website for more injury prevention tips and resources.