AAA Shares E-Bike and E-Scooter Safety Advice; Launches E-Ride Ready Campaign

Media Resources

• E-Bike and E-Scooter Safety FAQ (PDF)
• B-Roll: E-Bikes & E-Scooters
• Video Sound Bites: AAA Spokesman
• Video Sound Bites: Trauma Surgeon

As e-bikes and e-scooters surge in popularity, AAA – The Auto Club Group launched its new “E-Ride Ready” campaign to help parents better understand the risks associated with these fast-moving devices and take steps to prevent serious injuries.

“E-rides have spread so quickly that laws, infrastructure, and safety awareness haven’t kept pace,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “That leaves many parents trying to figure out what’s safe, what’s allowed, and what rules to set. AAA’s E-Ride Ready campaign helps close that gap.”

At the center of the campaign is The Auto Club Group’s new E-Ride Safety Guide, a free resource that helps families:

• Understand how e-bikes and e-scooters operate
• Choose helmets designed for the speed and type of device
• Identify where riders can safely and legally ride
• Set clear safety expectations before a child’s first ride

Why Are Doctors Concerned About E-Bike Injuries?

According to a recent medical study, injuries involving e-bikes and e-scooters among children and adolescents increased 7.5-fold between 2023 and 2026. The analysis examined more than 12,000 pediatric emergency department visits and found that more than a third of injured patients suffered head or neck injuries, while nearly 7% sustained traumatic brain injuries.

“As e-rides become more common, younger riders are often sharing the road with traffic before they fully understand how to navigate it safely,” said Jenkins. “When you combine higher speeds with limited experience, the risk of a serious crash increases quickly. That’s why it’s critical for parents to stay involved and set clear expectations before a child rides.”

How Fast Do E-Bikes and E-Scooters Go?

Depending on the model, e-bikes typically reach assisted speeds of 20 to 28 mph, while many e-scooters travel between 15 and 20 mph. Some higher-powered devices can travel faster and may be subject to different regulations and safety requirements.

Do Children Need a Special Helmet for an E-Bike or E-Scooter?

Medical experts say helmets significantly reduce the risk of serious head injuries, yet many young riders go without one or use helmets that are not designed for higher-speed devices.

“Helmets can make all the difference in a crash,” said Jenkins. “Parents should make sure riders wear a properly fitted helmet on every ride and ensure it matches the speed and capabilities of the device. AAA’s new free E-Ride Safety Guide helps families understand the different standards and when they apply.”

Not all helmets are designed for the same type of riding. As device speeds increase, so does the need for additional impact protection. AAA recommends choosing a helmet that is certified for the speed and capabilities of the device being ridden.

What Helmet Should You Wear on an E-Bike or E-Scooter?

• CPSC-certified bicycle helmets - intended for traditional bicycles and lower-speed devices, generally up to 20 mph
• NTA 8776 helmets - developed for higher-speed e-bikes and e-scooters, generally up to 28 mph
• DOT-certified motorcycle helmets - designed for motor vehicles like motorcycles, capable of speeds beyond 28 mph, and offering additional protection like facial coverage

What are Florida's E-Bike and E-Scooter Laws?

Confusion about e-bike and e-scooter laws can create additional risk for families. Rules governing rider age, helmet requirements, and where devices can operate often vary widely by state and local communities.

Federal law generally defines a low-speed e-bike as a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals, a motor of 750 watts or less, and a top assisted speed of 20 to 28 mph, depending on classification. Some higher-speed devices more commonly used by teens may fall outside traditional e-bike classifications altogether and require a driver’s license and registration.

Florida law at a glance:

• No statewide minimum age for e‑bike riders
• Riders under 16 must wear helmets
• E‑bikes may ride where bicycles are allowed
• Sidewalk riding is generally permitted unless restricted locally

AAA encourages families to review their state and local laws before allowing children or teens to ride. The E-Ride Safety Guide also highlights safe riding locations and encourages families to prioritize environments with less traffic and fewer hazards.

How Can Parents Help Children Ride E-Bikes and E-Scooters Safely?

1. Know the speed and capabilities of the device
2. Require properly fitted helmets, rated for the e-ride’s top speed
3. Understand where e-rides can legally and safely operate
4. Practice safe riding habits around traffic and pedestrians

AAA's free E-Ride Safety Guide includes:

• An overview of e-bike and e-scooter types and performance differences
• Helmet guidance and safety checklists
• Tips for riding around traffic and pedestrians
• Safety conversation starters for parents and young riders
• Safety tips for drivers and e-riders

AAA Safety Tips for E-Riders

• Ride in appropriate areas based on local rules
• Since infrastructure varies, find safe riding locations with minimal interaction with vehicle and foot traffic
• Wear a helmet that matches the speed and fits properly
• Enhance visibility with lights and reflective gear
• Obey traffic signals and signs
• Slow down near intersections and driveways
• Stay alert to vehicles, pedestrians, and road conditions

AAA Safety Tips for Drivers

• Stay alert behind the wheel. Avoid distractions and always focus on the road
• Watch for e‑riders. They are smaller and faster than they appear, making them easier to miss
• Look twice in all directions when approaching intersections, before turning or backing out
• Slow down in areas where children may ride
• Give riders extra space when passing

As e-rides become more common in neighborhoods and on roadways, AAA says preparation is critical to preventing injuries.

“E-bikes and e-scooters can be a fun and convenient way to get around, but they require more awareness and responsibility than many families expect,” said Jenkins. “When parents understand the risks and set clear expectations, they can help prevent crashes before they happen.”

E-Bike Safety Takeaway for Parents

Before allowing a child to ride an e-bike or e-scooter, parents should understand the device's speed, choose the proper helmet, review local laws, establish clear riding rules, and select safe riding environments. These simple steps can significantly reduce the risk of serious crashes and injuries.

Families can download AAA's free E-Ride Safety Guide at sm.AAA/ERideReady.