What Every Kid Should Know Before Riding an Electric Bike or “E-Moto”
What Is an E-Bike or E-Moto?
An e-bike is a bike with a motor to help you go faster or ride up hills more easily.
A Class 2 e-bike can even go without pedaling because it has a throttle.
But watch out — some e-bikes are really mini motorcycles in disguise, called E-Motos!
Before You Ride, Ask Yourself:
Do I really need an e-bike?
Am I strong enough to handle a heavier, faster bike?
Can I ride safely around cars and people?
Some E-Bikes Are Super Fast
Even if they say “Class 2,” some can go way too fast!
Some e-bikes can reach over 30 mph — that’s faster than what’s legal.
Some people unlock “super speed mode” with their phones.
That makes it a motorcycle, which is illegal to ride on sidewalks, streets, or trails without a driver’s license!
Why Are Grown-Ups Worried?
Because kids are getting hurt:
In some places, 85% of bike crashes with kids ages 10–15 involve e-bikes.
Crashes can cause concussions, broken bones, or worse — even if you wear a helmet.
E-Motos are heavy, fast, and hard to control.
What are the Rules of the Road and Bicycle Laws for an E-Bike?
When operating an E-Bike you must follow the same rules and responsibilities as when operating a vehicle!
How Long Does It Take to Stop on Your E-Moto?
If you’re riding an E-Moto at 28 miles per hour, that’s fast — even faster than most cars go in a neighborhood! But going that fast means you need a LOT of room to stop safely.
Here’s what you should know:
✅ At 28 mph, you might travel almost 100 feet in just 2.5 seconds before you even react and touch the brakes.
✅ After that, depending on how good you are at braking, it could take up to 200 feet to fully stop. That’s more than half a football field!
✅ If you only use your back brake or don’t know how to brake properly, it takes even longer to stop, and you could crash.
Why this matters:
👉 E-Motos are heavier and faster than regular bikes.
👉 The faster you go, the harder it is to stop in time.
👉 You might not have enough space to stop if a car, person, or dog crosses your path.
Tips for you:
🚦 Slow down when you ride, especially near people or cars.
🚦 Practice braking with both brakes.
🚦 Always look ahead so you have time to react.
Stay safe and give yourself plenty of space to stop — even on an E-Moto!
