E-Bike Safety
E-bikes have spread quickly across Arizona. For many teens, they represent freedom and independence. Parents see them as a practical way for kids to get around. All of that has value. The concern begins when speed, weight, and power meet inexperience and inconsistent helmet use. Over the past several months, our organization has seen an increase in teens cited for riding e-bikes without a license. If they’re under 18, they’re cited for a moving violation and sent to traffic survival school. Traditional bikes move at speeds where mistakes are more forgiving. E-bikes change that equation by adding speed and acceleration to riders who are still learning the rules of the road. Many e-bikes weigh more than 50 pounds. Some accelerate rapidly. Class 3 models assist riders up to 28 miles per hour. At those speeds, stopping distance increases and mistakes carry greater consequences. Physicians across the Valley report serious injuries, including head trauma, internal injuries, and multiple fractures. These injuries often stem from everyday riding scenarios such as uneven pavement, sudden stops, or unexpected obstacles. Helmets are frequently absent.
This isn’t to say e-bikes are terrible. They’re not. They’re fun to ride. They reduce barriers like hills and distance. They help people replace car trips with biking. The issue is preparation. Arizona law already distinguishes among three classes of e-bikes, each with different speed limits and expectations for where they belong. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes assist up to 20 miles per hour, with Class 2 allowing a throttle. Class 3 e-bikes assist up to 28 miles per hour and are intended for roadway use. Those distinctions matter, especially for younger riders who may not yet understand how quickly conditions change at higher speeds. Rules alone don’t prepare young riders for speed, traffic, and split-second decisions. Education needs to do more of the work. At a minimum, Arizona should require a basic training course for e-bike riders and for parents purchasing them. Training should cover traffic rules, e-bike classes, braking distance, visibility, helmet fit, and where each class is permitted to operate. For higher-powered models, licensing deserves consideration. When a device reaches speeds similar to other regulated vehicles and carries substantial weight, additional accountability becomes part of the safety conversation. Helmet use also needs clear reinforcement for minors. Speed increases risk. Head injuries are often permanent. Consistent expectations from parents, retailers, and communities make a difference. E-bikes are here to stay. The goal isn’t restriction for its own sake. The goal is to match education and responsibility to the power of the machines young riders are using. When we do that, we protect independence while keeping families and communities safer. Learn more about injury prevention and safety education at www.acnsc.org. Submitted by Rick Murray, President and CEO, Arizona Chapter National Safety Council
February 2026 21
Estrella Publishing - Up The Hill magazine
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