E-Bikes Are Everywhere – Are They Safe?

TAYLOR LAMBERT December 8, 2025

Here's something that makes me feel old complaining about, but something I also feel pretty strongly towards. You’ve probably noticed more and more kids, teens, and adults zooming by on electric bikes on our streets over the last few years. E-bikes are everywhere these days. In the U.S., 1.1 million e-bikes were sold in 2022 alone, almost four times as many as in 2019. I couldn't find any more recent data, but I'm sure it's skyrocketed since.

While e-bikes can be a fun and eco-friendly way to get around, the increase in young riders has raised safety concerns for many. Tragically, accidents do happen. In August 2024, a 4-year-old in Burlingame was killed in a collision involving an e-bike ridden by an 11-year-old. This heartbreaking event is a reminder that speed, silence, and a lack of experience can be a dangerous combination.

Personally, I see kids in my own neighborhood riding e-bikes with no helmets, darting in and out of traffic, often on bikes that are virtually silent. I know it might sound like I’m “getting older by the minute,” lol, but this really worries me! It’s not just kids who are at risk; anyone nearby can be affected if riders aren’t careful. I'm all for kids being kids, just be careful out there!

California recently passed Assembly Bill 1774 to prohibit illegal modifications that increase e-bike speed, and some local schools are now requiring safety courses or banning higher-speed bikes for students.

The good news is that awareness is growing, and steps are being taken to make e-bikes safer.

But, dude, I get it! E-bikes are fun as heck! They're affordable and a green way to get around, but let’s help make our streets safer for everyone while still enjoying the benefits of this new mode of transportation. Ok?

(Taylor steps off his soapbox)