Our neighborhood had bus service discontinued to the high schools and middle schools two and a half years ago and we are now inundated with e-bikes and scooters. The accidents are often and horrific. At the beginning I wanted to get my daughter one to get herself to and from school and my husband absolutely put his foot down. I’m so glad he did in retrospect.

OP, please don't do this.

Here's a gift link from The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/30/magazine/e-bikes-accidents-safety-legislation-california.html?unlocked_article_code=1.9U8.JZTi.uqRD4w3HhLbU&smid=url-share


Quote from the article:
“To a teenager,” she said, “these bikes seem like normal bikes. Twenty miles per hour doesn’t faze us. It doesn’t sound fast or dangerous. But the reality is far different.” Echoing the findings by Maa, Alfrey and other surgeons around the country, she testified that falls from e-bikes are more like violent falls from motorcycles. “Because of what I’ve learned,” she said, “I’m here to speak out to protect teenagers like me.”

Will they speed on sidewalks and paved trails? Wil the run into pedestrians, dogs, toddlers? Will they go over 15 mph?
Yes they will.
Just say no.
It's not exercise it's a motor vehicle for speed.

Anonymous wrote:My DC had an e-bike from age 15-17 and rode it daily in our neighborhood, to school, to friends, etc. He really enjoyed the independence it brought before he could drive a car. He had a well-fitted helmet. We had no safety issues.

Was it a bike helmet? Or a stronger helmet? Bike helmets aren't meant for the impact that can be sustained at the speeds of e-bikes, so if anyone does get their child (or themselves!) an e-bike, you also need a stronger helmet meant for the impact that can be sustained at higher speeds.

are they safe with a regular bike?

My DC had an e-bike from age 15-17 and rode it daily in our neighborhood, to school, to friends, etc. He really enjoyed the independence it brought before he could drive a car. He had a well-fitted helmet. We had no safety issues.

No way. This is the worst thing you could give your kid.

Absolutely not. They're so so dangerous.

Of course this is the number 1 Christmas request. I think e-bikes for kids are inherently dangerous. Are there any ok for young teen (14)?
They are a good kid and I’d like to keep them alive.