Is it an E-bike or a Motorcycle? Be sure you know before you go.
E-Bikes, E-Scooters, and Youth
The ever increasing popularity of E technology continues and we’re seeing a lot more young people on electric bikes, scooters, and even some go carts. These young people are riding them to school, to ice cream shops, to friend’s houses, and just for fun, but we’re concerned about the safety of these types of transportation, so let’s get to it.
There are 3 classes of E-Bicycles, not to be confused with Electric Motorcycles/Mopeds.
Here’s a handy info sheet for E-Bike Law in Idaho from People for Bikes.
- Class 1: Pedal Assist motor, only works when pedaling and stops providing assistance when the bike reaches 20 mph.
- Class 2: Throttle actuated motor, not requiring pedaling, stops providing assistance when the bike reaches 20 mph.
- Class 3: Pedal assist motor, only works when pedaling, and stops providing assistance when the bike reaches 28 mph.
- Electric Motorcycle/Scooter: Electric motorcycles and scooters are plug-in electric vehicles with two or three wheels. Power is supplied by a rechargeable battery that drives one or more electric motors. Electric scooters are distinguished from motorcycles by having a step-through frame, instead of being straddled. Electric bicycles are similar vehicles, distinguished by retaining the ability to be propelled by the rider pedaling in addition to battery propulsion. Electric scooters with the rider standing are known as e-scooters. (citation from Wikipedia)
In Idaho you can ride a Class 1 or 2 E-bike on pathways, bike lanes, and sidewalks. Class 3 are not allowed on sidewalks, or pathways, and should be kept to bike lanes or the street. Electric Motorcycles, which have a throttle, pegs, and no pedals, are NOT allowed anywhere but on the street and designated trails. We are seeing young people riding some of these E-motorcycles on the trails and pathways in the Treasure Valley where it’s not legal, plus it’s concerning due to the speeds these motorcycles can achieve and the extra handling they require. It’s important to recognize if the motor is more than 750 watts, you may need a license to operate the machine you are on. The popularity of direct to consumer sales can exacerbate this issue, with buyers being unaware of state and local laws pertaining to the use of these motorcycles.
If you are going to purchase an E-Bike for your child, we only recommend the Class 1 E-bike. This is easier to control on the start and requires active participation to propel it forward. These bikes and scooters are still faster than a person on an analog bike or a person walking, so it’s important to teach your child how to operate around other people. Passing someone quickly is uncomfortable and can be dangerous if the person you’re passing is surprised.
We don’t recommend Class 2 or Class 3 E-bikes for youth due to the power associated with these bikes and the speeds they can attain. Class 2 throttle bikes are jumpy on the start and can throw a rider off the bike if they’re not prepared. With the speed of any of these bikes, it is incredibly important to practice fast stopping. The E-Bikes on the market right now are “underbraked” meaning the brakes on the bikes may not be sufficient for the quick stopping required in regular traffic.
If you have purchased a cargo style E-bike, make sure the rider understands the difference in handling when carrying a lot of weight. If the bike is designed for more than one person, practice before riding on the street…human cargo is heavy and dynamic. If the bike is not designed to carry another person, make sure you don’t carry anyone else. Racks are desinged for specific weights and a rack caving into the back tire can cause a serious injury.
Please recognize if your child has not gone through driver education, that riding any class of E-bike will present them with situtations any driver would face, including speeding, stopping, yielding, and defensive “driving.” Many of these bikes look like a “normal” bike and drivers assume the rider isn’t going very fast and may overtake them and turn, not recognizing the bike is going around 20 mph. Practicing stopping quickly while controlling the bike is one of the best skills you can teach your young rider. You should also test out how the bike works before handing it over to your child. We know E-bikes make the trip to school and everywhere else easier for everyone and we want it to be safe.
Here is a good training resource for road safety while using an e-bike from the League of American Bicyclists. We would also be glad to teach an in-person E-bike/Scooter safety lesson, so reach out today. Email us at tvsaferoutes at ridevrt.org
And of course it goes without saying, but dang it, use lights, wear your helmet, signal your intent, and don’t assume someone sees you.
Be safe out there, until we ride again,
Lisa Brady
Safe Routes to School Program Manager
