E-Bike Safety Guide for Students

While electric bicycles can give students a fast, convenient way to get to school and an early taste of independence, it’s crucial to practice e-bike safety to mitigate the potential risks associated with riding an e-bike. In addition, each student must understand their state’s e-bike laws, including licensing, registration, helmet and insurance requirements.

E-bike safety involves wearing a helmet, being alert, riding only in areas where your e-bike is allowed and following your state’s laws for equipment and rider certifications.

Keep reading for more e-bike safety tips — plus an overview of legal requirements by state and what types of insurance may help protect your electric bike.

What Are the Legal Requirements To Ride an E-Bike?

Depending on your state, there may be laws about the minimum age to ride an e-bike, whether a license or registration is necessary, whether you must wear a helmet and where each class of e-bike can be ridden. Keep in mind that legal requirements may vary based on which of the following classes your e-bike falls into:^[1]

• Class 1: Class 1 e-bikes have a top assisted speed of 20 mph. However, they don’t have a throttle, so the electric motor only propels the bike forward while you are actively pedaling.
• Class 2: The throttle on a Class 2 e-bike can empower your e-bike to move at its maximum speed of 20 mph — meaning you don’t need to pedal at all to reach your bike’s top assisted speed.
• Class 3: A Class 3 e-bike can reach the highest possible top speeds, traveling as fast as 28 mph while you pedal. Like Class 1 e-bikes, Class 3 bikes can’t reach their top assisted speeds unless you pedal.

E-Bike Rider Certifications

E-bike riders may need to meet certain minimum qualifications, such as being a certain age, having a valid registration or having a Class M motorcycle license or some other type of driver’s license. See the following table for a rundown of state-mandated rider certifications:^{[1][2][3][4][5][6]}

State/District	Minimum Age	License Required	Registration Required
Alabama	16 for Class 3 e-bikes (younger children may ride as passengers but may not operate)	No	No
Alaska	14	Yes	No
Arizona	N/A	No	No
Arkansas	16 for Class 3 e-bikes	No	No
California	16 for Class 3 e-bikes (younger children may ride as passengers but may not operate)	No	No
Colorado	16 for Class 3 e-bikes	No	No
Connecticut	16 for Class 3 e-bikes (younger children may ride as passengers but may not operate)	No	No
Delaware	16 for Class 3 e-bikes (younger children may ride as passengers but may not operate)	No	No
District of Columbia	16	No	No
Florida	N/A	No	No
Georgia	15 for Class 3 e-bikes (younger children may ride as passengers but may not operate)	No	No
Hawaii	15	No	Yes
Idaho	N/A	No	No
Illinois	16 for Class 3 e-bikes	No	No
Indiana	15 for Class 3 e-bikes (younger children may ride as passengers but may not operate)	No	No
Iowa	16 for Class 3 e-bikes (younger children may ride as passengers but may not operate)	No	No
Kansas	16 for Class 3 e-bikes (younger children may ride as passengers but may not operate)	No	No
Kentucky	N/A	No	No
Louisiana	12 for Class 3 e-bikes that can’t carry passengers	No	No
Maine	16 for Class 2 and 3 e-bikes that can’t carry passengers	No	No
Maryland	16 for Class 3 e-bikes (younger children may ride as passengers but may not operate)	No	No
Massachusetts	16	Yes	Yes
Michigan	14 for Class 3 e-bikes (younger children may ride as passengers but may not operate)	No	No
Minnesota	15	No	No
Mississippi	16 for Class 3 e-bikes (younger children may ride as passengers but may not operate)	No	No
Missouri	16 for Class 3 e-bikes (younger children may ride as passengers but may not operate)	No	No
Montana	N/A	No	No
Nebraska	N/A	No	No
Nevada	N/A	No	No
New Hampshire	16 for Class 3 e-bikes that can’t carry passengers	No	No
New Jersey	15	Yes	Yes
New Mexico	16 for Class 3 e-bikes	No	No
New York	16 (Class 3 e-bikes that travel up to 25 mph are only allowed in New York City, while Class 3 e-bikes that can exceed 25 mph are not allowed anywhere in the state)	No	No
North Carolina	16	No	No
North Dakota	N/A	No	No
Ohio	16 for Class 3 e-bikes (younger children may ride as passengers but may not operate)	No	No
Oklahoma	16 for Class 3 e-bikes (younger children may ride as passengers but may not operate)	No	No
Oregon	16	No	No
Pennsylvania	16	No	No
Rhode Island	N/A	No	No
South Carolina	N/A	No (unless your e-bike has a power output of over 750 watts)	No (unless your e-bike has a power output of over 750 watts)
South Dakota	16 for Class 3 e-bikes (younger children may ride as passengers but may not operate)	No	No
Tennessee	14 for Class 3 e-bikes	No	No
Texas	15 for Class 3 e-bikes (younger children may ride as passengers but may not operate)	No	No
Utah	16 for Class 3 e-bikes	No	No
Vermont	16 for Class 3 e-bikes (younger children may ride as passengers but may not operate)	No	No
Virginia	14 for Class 3 e-bikes	No	No
Washington	16 for Class 3 e-bikes (younger children may ride as passengers but may not operate)	No	No
West Virginia	No minimum age, though Class 3 e-bike passengers under 15 can only ride with operators who are 18 or older	No	No
Wisconsin	16 for Class 3 e-bikes	No	No
Wyoming	16 for Class 3 e-bikes (younger children may ride as passengers but may not operate)	No	No

Keep in mind that New Jersey’s current e-bike regulations recently came into effect on July 19, 2026. Previously, the state considered all three classes of e-bikes to be bicycles for legal purposes. Now, all classes of e-bikes are considered to be motorized bicycles, meaning all e-bike riders are required by law to be licensed, registered and insured.^[2]

Meanwhile, some minor changes to state e-bike laws are slated to take effect in 2027, such as the following:^[2][5]

• Illinois: Starting on Jan. 1, 2027, specialized e-bikes with power outputs above 750 watts or top assisted speeds above 28 mph will be classified as “motor-driven cycles” and will require a license, registration and insurance in Illinois.
• Utah: From May 2027 onward, e-bike riders in Utah between the ages of 8 and 15 will need to obtain a safety certificate to ride a Class 1 or 2 e-bike without adult supervision.

Helmet Requirements

Some state laws aim to keep e-bike riders safe by requiring helmets, depending on their age and the type of e-bike they ride. Here are the current state-level regulations surrounding helmets for e-bike operators and passengers:^{[1][3][5][7][8][9][10][11]}

Where You Can Ride

You may only be allowed to ride your e-bike on certain types of roads, depending on where you live. Below are state requirements related to where you can ride an e-bike:^[1][8]

State/District	Where You Can (Or Can’t) Ride
Alabama	Allowed on bike paths and multi-use paths
Alaska	Not allowed on sidewalks or bike paths
Arizona	Allowed on sidewalks and bike paths
Arkansas	May not be allowed on bike paths in certain cities
California	May not be allowed on bike paths in certain cities
Colorado	May not be allowed on bike paths in certain cities
Connecticut	Class 3 e-bikes aren’t allowed on bike paths or multi-use paths
Delaware	Allowed on bike paths and multi-use paths
District of Columbia	Allowed on sidewalks, off-road paths and bike routes
Florida	Allowed on bike paths, multi-use paths and any other road where bicycles are allowed
Georgia	Class 3 e-bikes aren’t allowed on bike paths or multi-use paths unless a local government specifically allows them or the paths are situated near a highway or other major roadway
Hawaii	Allowed on bike paths and any other road where bicycles are allowed
Idaho	Allowed on bike paths and potentially singletrack mountain bike trails
Illinois	Allowed on bike paths but not on sidewalks
Indiana	Class 3 e-bikes aren’t allowed on trails, bike paths or multi-use paths unless a local government specifically allows them or the paths are situated near a highway or other major roadway
Iowa	Allowed on bike paths and multi-use paths
Kansas	Allowed on bike paths and multi-use paths
Kentucky	Allowed on sidewalks and bike paths
Louisiana	Allowed on multi-use paths, bike lanes and any other road where bicycles are allowed besides natural surface trails
Maine	Class 3 e-bikes aren’t allowed on bike paths unless a local government specifically allows them or the paths are situated near a highway or other major roadway
Maryland	Class 3 e-bikes aren’t allowed on bike paths unless a local government specifically allows them or the paths are situated near a highway or other major roadway
Massachusetts	Not allowed on sidewalks or bike paths
Michigan	Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on bike paths and linear trails, but Class 2 and 3 e-bikes aren’t allowed on these paths unless a local government specifically allows them
Minnesota	Allowed on bike paths and multi-use paths
Mississippi	Allowed on bike paths and multi-use paths
Missouri	Allowed on bike paths and multi-use paths
Montana	Allowed on sidewalks and bike paths
Nebraska	Allowed on sidewalks and bike paths
Nevada	Allowed on highways, bike paths, multi-use paths and any other road where bicycles are allowed
New Hampshire	Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on bike paths and multi-use paths, but Class 3 e-bikes are only allowed on roadways unless a local government specifically allows them to ride elsewhere
New Jersey	Always allowed on public roadways, sometimes allowed on bike paths or multi-use paths and not allowed on sidewalks unless a local government specifically allows them
New Mexico	Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on bike paths and multi-use paths, but Class 2 and 3 e-bikes are only allowed on these paths if a local government specifically allows them
New York	Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on roads with speed limits of up to 30 mph and some bike paths that are situated near major roads
North Carolina	Allowed on sidewalks where bicycles are allowed and not expressly prohibited on bike paths
North Dakota	Allowed on bike paths and multi-use paths
Ohio	Allowed on bike paths and potentially singletrack mountain bike trails
Oklahoma	Class 3 e-bikes aren’t allowed on bike paths or multi-use paths unless a local government specifically allows them or the paths are situated near a highway or other major roadway
Oregon	Allowed on bike paths but not on sidewalks
Pennsylvania	Allowed on some sidewalks and any other road where bicycles are allowed
Rhode Island	Not expressly prohibited on bike paths
South Carolina	Not expressly prohibited on bike paths
South Dakota	Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on bike paths and multi-use paths
Tennessee	Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are always allowed on bike paths, Class 3 e-bikes are generally prohibited on bike paths and all e-bikes are prohibited on sidewalks
Texas	Generally allowed on any road where bicycles are allowed
Utah	Allowed on bike paths but not on sidewalks
Vermont	Allowed on bike paths and multi-use paths
Virginia	Allowed on multi-use paths and bike lanes
Washington	Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on bike paths and developed trails, Class 3 e-bikes are only allowed on these paths if a local government specifically allows them and any e-bike may be allowed on singletrack mountain bike trails if a local government specifically allows them
West Virginia	Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on bike paths, multi-use trails and single-use trails where bicycles are allowed, but Class 3 e-bikes are only allowed on these paths if a local government specifically allows them
Wisconsin	Bike path access varies by jurisdiction
Wyoming	Allowed on bike paths

E-Bike Equipment Certifications

E-bike certifications evaluate how well an electric bike and its components — especially the battery — meet established safety standards. Various organizations issue e-bike equipment certifications, and their criteria may differ.

When shopping for an e-bike, checking for safety certifications can help ensure the bike is less likely to malfunction — particularly in extreme conditions, such as heavy rain or off-road environments. Some common certifications used in the United States include:^[12]

• IP ratings: Ingress protection ratings indicate an e-bike’s ability to keep contaminants out of its electrical components. They measure dust protection on a scale from zero to six and water protection on a scale from zero to nine. For example, an e-bicycle with an IP 61 rating would provide extensive protection against intrusive dust particles but minimal protection against water damage.
• UL ratings: UL has established two different types of ratings for electric bikes. The UL 2271 rating indicates that an e-bike has an approved lithium-ion battery that meets minimum safety standards, while the more comprehensive UL 2849 rating shows that all of the e-bike’s electrical components — including its battery, motor, charger, controller, wiring, sensor and display — work together to make the bike function safely.
• ISO rating: The International Organization for Standardization uses the ISO 4210 certification to evaluate various aspects of the manufacturing and performance of e-bikes. This includes factors like the strength of the materials used to make the e-bike, the performance of its brakes and the effectiveness of its electrical system.

Another type of e-bike certification indicates how the product was tested, using the following categories:^[12]

• Tested: The “tested” category merely indicates that the manufacturer of an e-bike conducted internal testing on the product. It does not, however, indicate whether the e-bike passed its safety tests.
• Compliant: “Compliant” e-bikes have not been vetted by a third-party organization, but they have at least passed the internal tests conducted by the manufacturer and meet minimum safety standards.
• Certified: E-bikes in the “certified” category have been evaluated and approved by an external organization — such as UL — and may also undergo periodic auditing to maintain their official safety certification.

What Are the Legal Requirements To Ride an E-Scooter?

E-scooters are also becoming increasingly popular, but they may be subject to different laws and regulations than e-bikes. In the following sections, you’ll learn about some of the laws surrounding e-scooters to help you avoid unnecessary fines or penalties.

Rider Certifications

Here’s a state-by-state overview of the minimum age, driver’s license and registration requirements for electric scooter riders:^[13][14]

State/District	Minimum Age	License Required	Registration Required
Alabama	14	Yes	No
Alaska	N/A	Yes	No
Arizona	N/A	No	No
Arkansas	16	Yes	No
California	N/A	Yes	No
Colorado	N/A	No	No
Connecticut	N/A	No	No
Delaware	12	No	No
District of Columbia	18	No	No
Florida	16	No	No
Georgia	N/A	No	No
Hawaii	15	No	Yes
Idaho	N/A	No	No
Illinois	16	Yes	No
Indiana	N/A	No	No
Iowa	N/A	No	No
Kansas	N/A	Yes	No
Kentucky	16	No	No
Louisiana	N/A	No	No
Maine	16	Yes	No
Maryland	N/A	No	No
Massachusetts	16	Yes	No
Michigan	12	No	No
Minnesota	12	No	No
Mississippi	N/A	No	No
Missouri	16	Yes	No
Montana	N/A	No	No
Nebraska	18	No	No
Nevada	16	No	No
New Hampshire	N/A	No	No
New Jersey	N/A	No	No
New Mexico	N/A	No	No
New York	16	No	No
North Carolina	16	No	No
North Dakota	18	No	No
Ohio	16	No	No
Oklahoma	14	No	No
Oregon	16	No	No
Pennsylvania	18	No	No
Rhode Island	18	No	No
South Carolina	N/A	No	No
South Dakota	N/A	No	No
Tennessee	16	Yes	No
Texas	16	No	No
Utah	16	No	No
Vermont	N/A	No	No
Virginia	14	No	No
Washington	16	No	No
West Virginia	N/A	No	No
Wisconsin	N/A	No	No
Wyoming	18	No	No

Helmet Requirements

Students who ride e-scooters must keep the following statewide stipulations surrounding helmet use in mind:^{[13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]}

State/District	Helmet Requirement
Alabama	Required for all e-scooter riders
Alaska	Optional
Arizona	Required for riders under the age of 18
Arkansas	Required for riders under the age of 18
California	Required for riders under the age of 18
Colorado	Required for riders under the age of 18
Connecticut	Required for riders under the age of 16
Delaware	Required for riders under the age of 16
District of Columbia	Optional
Florida	Required for riders under the age of 16
Georgia	Required for riders under the age of 16
Hawaii	Required for riders under the age of 16
Idaho	Optional
Illinois	Optional
Indiana	Optional
Iowa	Optional
Kansas	Optional
Kentucky	Optional
Louisiana	Required for riders under the age of 17
Maine	Required for riders under the age of 16
Maryland	Required for riders under the age of 16
Massachusetts	Required for all e-scooter riders
Michigan	Required for riders under the age of 19
Minnesota	Required for riders under the age of 18
Mississippi	Optional
Missouri	Optional
Montana	Required for riders under the age of 18
Nebraska	Optional
Nevada	Optional
New Hampshire	Optional
New Jersey	Required for riders under the age of 17
New Mexico	Required for riders under the age of 18
New York	Required for riders under the age of 18
North Carolina	Optional
North Dakota	Optional
Ohio	Required for all e-scooter riders
Oklahoma	Required for riders under the age of 18
Oregon	Required for all e-scooter riders
Pennsylvania	Optional
Rhode Island	Required for riders under the age of 16
South Carolina	Required for all e-scooter riders
South Dakota	Required for riders under the age of 18
Tennessee	Required for all e-scooter riders
Texas	Optional
Utah	Required for riders under the age of 21
Vermont	Optional
Virginia	Optional
Washington	Optional
West Virginia	Optional
Wisconsin	Optional
Wyoming	Optional

Where You Can Ride

E-scooters are usually allowed on bike paths, but you may need to consider the following rules when deciding whether you are allowed to ride your electric scooter in a certain area:^[13][14]

State/District	Where You Can (Or Can’t) Ride
Alabama	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 20 mph but not on sidewalks
Alaska	Street access may vary by jurisdiction
Arizona	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 20 mph but not on sidewalks
Arkansas	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 15 mph
California	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 15 mph but not on sidewalks
Colorado	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 20 mph and on sidewalks
Connecticut	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 20 mph
Delaware	Not allowed on streets or sidewalks
District of Columbia	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 10 mph and sometimes on sidewalks
Florida	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 20 mph
Georgia	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 20 mph
Hawaii	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 15 mph
Idaho	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 20 mph but not on sidewalks
Illinois	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 20 mph
Indiana	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 20 mph but not on sidewalks
Iowa	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 25 mph but not on sidewalks
Kansas	Not allowed on sidewalks
Kentucky	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 20 mph but not on sidewalks
Louisiana	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 20 mph but not on sidewalks
Maine	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 20 mph
Maryland	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 20 mph
Massachusetts	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 20 mph
Michigan	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 25 mph
Minnesota	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 15 mph
Mississippi	Street access may vary by jurisdiction
Missouri	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 30 mph but not on sidewalks
Montana	Not allowed on sidewalks
Nebraska	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 35 mph but not on sidewalks
Nevada	Allowed on streets with speed limits below 15 mph but not on sidewalks
New Hampshire	Street access may vary by jurisdiction
New Jersey	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 19 mph but not on sidewalks
New Mexico	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 20 mph
New York	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 15 mph but not on sidewalks
North Carolina	Street access may vary by jurisdiction
North Dakota	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 15 mph but not on sidewalks
Ohio	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 20 mph
Oklahoma	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 25 mph but not on sidewalks
Oregon	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 15 mph but not on sidewalks
Pennsylvania	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 15 mph but not on sidewalks
Rhode Island	Allowed on sidewalks
South Carolina	Street access may vary by jurisdiction
South Dakota	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 15 mph but not on sidewalks
Tennessee	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 15 mph but not on sidewalks
Texas	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 35 mph and on sidewalks
Utah	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 15 mph and on sidewalks
Vermont	Not allowed on sidewalks
Virginia	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 20 mph but not on sidewalks
Washington	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 15 mph and on sidewalks
West Virginia	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 25 mph
Wisconsin	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 15 mph but not on sidewalks
Wyoming	Allowed on streets with speed limits of up to 15 mph

Do Students Need Insurance To Ride an E-Bike?

Liability insurance is only broadly required by law for e-bike riders in New Jersey.^[2] However, requirements may vary, depending on your location and circumstances. For example, if you have a high-powered electric bicycle that doesn’t fall into one of the main three e-bike classes, it may be counted as a moped or some other type of motor vehicle, and it may be subject to insurance requirements as a result.

Even if you aren’t legally required to get insurance, e-bike coverage can be a smart choice. If your bike is stolen from a rack while you’re in class, damaged in a collision or otherwise lost or destroyed, you’d be responsible for the repair or replacement cost without insurance protection. Considering e-bikes cost around $2,000 on average, insurance can offer peace of mind in case something goes wrong.^[21]

What Type of Insurance Covers E-Bikes?

Your homeowners, renters or condo insurance may provide some coverage for e-bikes, depending on your insurance carrier. However, this coverage may be subject to certain restrictions, such as sublimits that aren’t high enough to cover the full replacement cost of your e-bike or exclusions for incidents that occur away from your property.^[22]

For more comprehensive liability and physical damage insurance protection, you may need to purchase a separate e-bike insurance policy. For example, Velosurance offers specialized bike insurance policies that meet the minimum insurance requirements for e-bikes in New Jersey by offering up to $50,000 worth of liability coverage.^[23] On average, standalone bicycle insurance costs around $250 to $300 per year.^[24]

Do Students Need Insurance To Ride an E-Scooter?

For the most part, state laws don’t require electric scooter operators to carry liability insurance. However, requirements may vary on a city-by-city basis, so it’s important to review local laws before riding an e-scooter uninsured. For example, even though the state of Missouri doesn’t require e-scooter insurance, the city of Springfield does require riders to maintain coverage.^[13]

Are There Fines or Penalties for Riding an E-Bike Without Insurance?

Though electric bicycle insurance is rarely required, you could face legal penalties if you break the law by riding an e-bike without sufficient coverage in New Jersey. Specifically, an e-bike rider in New Jersey could be fined as much as $50 if they are pulled over and are unable to produce a valid operator’s license, a registration certificate or proof of liability insurance coverage.^[8]

What Are the Risks Associated With Riding E-Bikes?

E-bikes may pose a greater risk of severe bodily injury or death in the event of an accident because they have heavier frames and can move at higher speeds than traditional bicycles. From 2017 to 2022, there were an estimated 53,200 emergency room visits and 104 deaths resulting from e-bike accidents — equating to nearly 9,000 injuries and 20 fatalities per year.^[25]

The bodily injury risks inherent in riding an e-bike may be exacerbated in states without helmet requirements, where riders who forgo critical safety gear are especially vulnerable. Additionally, electric bikes may have a higher exposure to theft because they are generally more valuable than traditional bicycles — and traditional bikes are already commonly stolen, with about 2.4 million adult-owned bikes being taken on average each year.^[26]

E-Bike Safety at a Glance

• Definition: E-bike safety refers to the precautionary measures taken to mitigate the chances of collisions or other losses while riding an electric bicycle. Crucial safety practices to remember as you prepare to go back to school include wearing a helmet, following your state’s laws, riding at an appropriate speed and being aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Classes: Your electric bike may fall into one of three classes. Class 1 bikes can reach up to 20 mph while you pedal, Class 2 bikes can reach up to 20 mph without you pedaling and Class 3 bikes can reach up to 28 mph while you pedal.
• Rider certifications: Most states don’t allow you to operate a Class 3 e-bike unless you are at least a certain age — potentially ranging from 12 to 16, depending on the state. A handful of states require you to have a license and/or registration, but this isn’t necessary in most cases.
• Other regulations: State laws may also determine whether you are required to wear a helmet, where you are allowed to ride your e-bike and whether these requirements also apply when riding an e-scooter.
• Equipment certifications: Electric bikes are often marked with safety certifications, which can let you know how resilient a bike and its parts are or whether it has passed independent safety inspections.
• Insurance requirements: New Jersey is the only state that requires e-bike owners to purchase liability insurance. Uninsured riders could have to pay a $50 fine per violation.
• Coverage options: Homeowners insurance may provide some coverage for e-bikes, but you’ll likely need a standalone e-bike insurance policy to secure broad protection against liability claims, physical damage, theft and injuries you incur while riding your e-bike.

How To Stay Safe While Riding an E-Bike

Despite the risks, students can safely ride an e-bike as part of their regular commute to school or for fun and recreation — as long as they remain aware of their surroundings and respect the bike’s speed and power. Here are a few e-bike safety tips to help students stay protected on the road:

• Pay attention to traffic and your surroundings: E-bikes can travel faster than traditional pedal-operated bicycles, which may leave you with less time to react to pedestrians, drivers or road hazards. Even if you have the right of way, other people may not expect the e-bike to move as quickly as it can, so it’s crucial to remain vigilant whenever you’re riding on roads, sidewalks or trails.
• Wear a helmet: Regardless of whether you’re legally required to wear a helmet while riding an e-bike, it’s a smart idea to do so. In the event of a bicycle collision, a helmet can reduce the risk of serious head injury by 60%.^[27]
• Be visible to drivers: Wear bright-colored clothing to ensure drivers can easily see you if you have to ride into traffic or share a lane with cars. If you bike when it is dark — like when you are riding home from extracurricular activities or after visiting friends — you should also use reflective adhesives or bike lights to help drivers and pedestrians see you from farther away.
• Use your horn to alert others: Along with making yourself visible, you need to make yourself audible by using a small bell, a horn or your voice to let other drivers and pedestrians know when you’re nearby.
• Look at your mirrors often: You may want to install side mirrors onto your e-bike to make it easier to quickly assess what’s behind you without turning your head around. Otherwise, you could run into cars or pedestrians that quickly move in front of you while your head is turned.
• Use hand signals: Although electric bikes may lack turn signals or brake lights, you can still use your hands to let others in the vicinity know if you plan to turn or slow down.
• Be mindful of your speed: While your e-bike may be able to reach assisted speeds of up to 28 mph, you need to be aware of your surroundings and lower your speed if necessary to stay safe. Always be prepared to make an emergency stop to avoid an accident that could result in serious injury or death.
• Brake early and smoothly: Since e-bikes can travel faster and weigh more than traditional bicycles, how quickly and smoothly they can brake differs. Be sure to brake early to give yourself plenty of time to slow down safely. Also, practice braking safely without toppling your e-bike before taking it out on the road so you can get a feel for it.
• Use caution when mounting and dismounting: E-bikes often weigh between 40 and 80 pounds, so it’s crucial to get on and off your e-bike carefully to prevent it from falling over and injuring you or someone else.^[28]
• Replace tires when they’re worn out: An e-bike’s tire treads can wear down over time, reducing the friction they can generate when stopping and potentially causing your bike to skid. Take the time to replace your tires if there are visible signs of deterioration — or after five years, regardless of their condition.^[29] You also need to make sure your tires are properly inflated to lower the odds of a flat tire.