Tricky Questions Surrounding the Safety and Legality of E-Bikes for Teenagers
E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular among teenagers, but recent deaths involving teenage riders have raised concerns about the safety and legality of these vehicles. Understanding the risks associated with e-bikes is crucial in ensuring the well-being of young riders. Here’s what you need to know.
What Defines an E-Bike?
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, an e-bike is a two- or three-wheel vehicle equipped with pedals and an electric motor. The motor must be rated below 750 watts, and the bike shouldn’t exceed 20 miles per hour when relying solely on the motor. E-bikes can be categorized into three classes based on their functionality.
Class 1 e-bikes have a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour, and the motor only provides power when the rider is pedaling. There are usually no age restrictions for Class 1 e-bikes, although some states like Oregon require riders to be at least 16 years old.
Class 2 e-bikes also have a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour, but the motor can operate independently of the pedals. Age restrictions are typically not imposed for Class 2 e-bikes.
Class 3 e-bikes can reach a maximum speed of 28 miles per hour, but the rider must pedal while using the motor. These e-bikes are often used by commuters and riders looking to cover longer distances. Most states prohibit riders under the age of 16 from using Class 3 e-bikes.
It’s important to note that the federal consumer agency does not officially recognize the three-class system.
Understanding State Regulations
Approximately 42 states have laws aligned with the three-class system for e-bikes, as outlined by PeopleForBikes, a trade group involved in developing the classification. In most states, riders under 16 can use Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, while Class 3 e-bikes require riders to be at least 16 years old.
However, enforcing these regulations poses challenges for local and state law enforcement agencies. It can be difficult to determine a rider’s age or if an e-bike can exceed the permitted speed limit of 20 miles per hour. Some jurisdictions, like Bend, Oregon, have launched public service campaigns to educate riders and parents about the laws. In Orange County, California, authorities have impounded certain e-bike models, such as the Sur-ron, considering them unlicensed and unregistered electric motorcycles.
The Significance of the 20 MPH Limit
The origin of the 20 miles per hour speed limit remains unclear, but safety experts speculate that it was established to strike a balance between increased speed and associated risks.
Research conducted on car-pedestrian collisions has shown a sharp increase in the risk of severe injury and fatality at speeds exceeding 20 miles per hour. However, due to the relative novelty of e-bikes, limited data is available on the relationship between speed and the associated risk of injury.
The 28 miles per hour limit appears to align with the European standard of 45 kilometers per hour, allowing e-bike manufacturers to cater to both markets.
Challenges With Speed Limit Compliance
While e-bikes are typically designed to comply with the 20 miles per hour limit, it is relatively easy to bypass these restrictions. Some e-bikes are sold with speed governors that restrict the top speed to the legal limit. However, these governors can be eliminated by cutting a wire or using smartphone apps, leading to e-bikes surpassing speeds of 55 miles per hour.
Law enforcement officials and industry experts acknowledge that manufacturers are aware of these speed restrictions being regularly removed, which presents a significant concern.
Addressing the Loopholes
Regulating e-bikes that exceed speed limits has proven to be a complex task. PeopleForBikes has been actively raising these issues with regulators for some time, though it appears there is currently a lack of federal resources to investigate and address non-compliant e-mobility products.
Determining whether certain e-bikes should be classified as motor vehicles under the jurisdiction of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or as e-bikes regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission remains a challenge. Both agencies are working together to assess how best to ensure the safety of e-bikes in light of emerging design variations and speed capabilities.
Taking a Balanced Approach
As the popularity of e-bikes among teenagers continues to rise, it is crucial to address the safety and legality concerns surrounding these vehicles. By adhering to regulations and promoting responsible riding practices, the risks associated with e-bikes can be minimized. Manufacturers, regulators, law enforcement officials, and riders must work together to ensure an environment where e-bikes can be safely enjoyed by teenagers and riders of all ages.
