Sales of e-bikes are surging in Illinois and across the country, up by a factor of 4 over the last five years. Unfortunately, more e-bikes also mean more e-bike collisions, particularly among younger riders. The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System estimates that over the past two years, about 41 percent of emergency room visits for e-bike injuries involved patients aged 10 to 19.
What can you do as a parent to keep your children safe while e-biking? Let’s explore some common dangers, as well as simple electric bike safety tips that can help keep them safe while still enjoying the freedom and mobility this new technology affords them.
What Are the Dangers of E-Bikes for Teens?
Common e-bike dangers for teen operators include the following:
- Riding too fast for traffic or road conditions
- Not wearing a properly fitted helmet
- Getting distracted by earbuds or cell phones
- Cars turning or pulling out unexpectedly
- Wet, uneven, or loose road surfaces
- Riding at night without lights or reflective gear
Why Teens Are at Greater Risk of E-Bike Accidents
During teenage years, the brain is still developing, which means teens face certain e-bike risks that make them more vulnerable to accidents. For example, e-bikes can reach higher speeds than many teens are prepared to handle, and their powerful acceleration can surprise new riders. Moreover, teens often overestimate their skill level and underestimate the inherent dangers of e-bikes. They are also less likely to be aware of and to follow Illinois’s recently updated e-bike laws for teens.
Essential E-Bike Safety Tips Every Parent Should Teach
Following a few simple tips can greatly improve e-bike safety for teens. Below are some important reminders for your children:
- Know your bike’s maximum speed and the laws that apply to it.
- Always wear a properly fitted helmet while operating an e-bike.
- Wear high-visibility clothing, particularly when riding in low-light conditions.
- Adhere to the rules of the road: obey traffic signs, stop at crosswalks for pedestrians, ride with the flow of traffic, use bike lanes when they’re available, and stay as far to the right of the roadway when they’re not.
Choosing the Right Safety Gear for Teen Riders
Providing your teen with the right safety equipment is one of the best ways you can protect them in the event of a crash. Start with a helmet that fits properly and is certified for bicycle use. Replace the helmet if it experiences any significant impact. Encourage your child to wear bright or reflective clothing so that they stand out to drivers. Footwear is important, as closed-toe shoes with good grip provide better control than sandals or slides.
Understanding Local E-Bike Laws and Age Requirements
Illinois recently streamlined its e-bike laws to align with current technology. Before the passing of SB 3336 in April 2026, the state had no laws governing e-bikes and other “micromobility” vehicles with speeds of 28 mph or more. Now, riders of e-bikes capable of speeds of up to 28 mph must have a driver’s license, and the vehicles themselves must be titled, registered, and insured. Rules concerning slower vehicles have not changed except that riders must be at least 15 years old to operate an e-bike capable of speeds of 20 mph.
Have you or your child been injured in an e-bike accident in Illinois? If so, contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. for a free, no-obligation consultation. You could be entitled to compensation, and we want to help you demand it.
