E-bike safety education is needed – and available

Mike Brooks

Imagine operating a motorized vehicle without a full education about the vehicle, its capabilities/ limitations, and the system in which you are operating it. Your knowledge about how to interact with others, each going at a different speed, would be limited to what you observe, are told, or believe to be true.

Welcome to the world of e-bicycling!

Now add to that being young, like ages 12–17, and buying or receiving a motorized bike, your first taste of motorized speed. If an adult gets an e-bike there is a good chance that person is a licensed driver and has some familiarity with the transportation system, when to go slow, and how to behave. Kids, not so much. It’s fun to go fast.

The proliferation of battery-powered two-wheel transportation, some recognized as legal with certain age restrictions and others flat out illegal, is mind-boggling. E-bikes, e-motos, even stand-up scooters, are fast becoming the “bicycle” of choice among young riders.

To my e-bike owning friends: Yes, most e-bike riders are responsible, but there is growing concern about reckless behavior, particularly among younger riders who lack experience with speed and familiarity with road rules. They need education more than you do, but all riders can benefit from it.

The State of Minnesota should strongly consider funding access to online, professionally created safety education so riders of all ages learn how to use their e-bikes safely in the transportation system and on trails and pathways. We need to make clear what is expected of all bicyclists, especially e-bike riders. Education does just that.

Go here to take a FREE Bike Safety Essentials Course courtesy of the American Bicycle Education Association (ABEA) and their bike safety brand, Cycling Savvy. The Florida-based non-profit offers information for parents of teen e-bike owners as well as safety courses for teen and adult e-bike riders.

Of course there are many resources for education. As a Cycling Savvy Instructor I am familiar with ABEA’s comprehensive and proven approaches to bicycle safety, and am confident in recommending what they offer to you.