Teen Safety: E-Motos vs. E-Bikes

Source: People for Bikes

Source: People for Bikes: https://www.peopleforbikes.org/news/the-e-bike-problem-is-an-e-moto-problem

"E-motos" are not e-bikes but are often falsely marketed as such. E-motos differ from e-bikes in having motors which generate over 750W of power or the ability to reach top speeds exceeding 28 mph. In addition, e-motos require a driver’s license, DMV registration, a license plate, car insurance, and are illegal to use on bike paths and sidewalks.

Parents are not only liable when their teens use e-motos, but severe head and spinal injuries are becoming more common for teenage riders of e-bikes and e-motos. Hospitals report that injuries from high-speed e-moto crashes are increasingly similar to motorcycle crashes, as opposed to accidents involving traditional bicycles.

Teens younger than 16 are legally allowed to ride class 1 or 2 e-bikes, which only provide assistance when the bike is traveling less than 20 mph. However, many teens are capable of unlocking higher speeds on any class of e-bike.