Not All Helmets Offer the Same Protection for E-Bike & E-Scooter Riders

Media Resources

• E-Bike and E-Scooter Safety FAQ (PDF)
• B-Roll: E-bikes & E-Scooters
• Video Sound Bite: AAA Spokesperson

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (September 30, 2026) – As e-bikes and e-scooters become more common among children and teens, AAA is reminding families that helmets remain one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of serious injury.

According to a recent AAA survey of Tennesseans:

• 46% of adults have seen children riding e-bikes or e-scooters without a helmet
• 41% believe not enough riders wear helmets
• 83% support helmet requirements for e-bike and e-scooter riders

These findings come as health care providers across the country report a sharp rise in injuries involving young e-bike and e-scooter riders.

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.

"Many parents see e-bikes and e-scooters as just another version of a bicycle, but some of these devices can reach much higher speeds,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA - The Auto Club Group. “With higher speeds come greater risks. That's why it's so important for riders to wear a helmet that fits properly and is designed for the type of device they're riding."

The American College of Surgeons reports that head injuries are the most common injuries associated with e-bike crashes and notes that only about one-third of injured riders are reported to be wearing helmets. The organization recommends universal helmet use and advises matching helmet protection to the speed of the device.

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

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.

Common helmet standards include:

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

"One of the biggest misconceptions is that any helmet provides the same level of protection," Cooper continued. "The faster the device, the more important it becomes to choose a helmet designed for those speeds."

Do You Need a Helmet to Ride an E-Bike or E-Scooter in Tennessee?

Helmet requirements for e-bike and e-scooter riders differ significantly across the country. Some states require helmets for younger riders, while others have requirements based on rider age, device classification, or local ordinances.

Tennessee E-Bike and E-Scooter Laws

• Riders and passengers under 16 must wear a helmet on Class 1 and 2 e-bikes and on e-scooters
• For Class 3 e-bikes, all riders and passengers must wear a helmet regardless of age
• As of July 1, 2026 new legislation went into effect in Tennessee that updates how state and local governments can regulate where class 1, 2, and 3 electric bicycles can be operated. It also raised the minimum age to operate a class 3 electric bicycle from 14 to 16.

Although Tennessee doesn’t require helmets for all ages, AAA recommends that all riders wear a properly fitted helmet and choose one that is certified for the speed and capabilities of the device being ridden.

What Should Parents Know About E-Bike Helmet Safety?

AAA recommends:

• Wear a helmet on every ride, regardless of distance
• Choose a helmet that is certified for the speed and capabilities of the device being ridden
• Make sure the helmet fits properly and remains securely fastened
• Replace any helmet involved in a crash

Families looking for additional information about helmet selection, rider readiness, state laws, and safe riding practices can download AAA's free E-Ride Safety Guide. The guide was developed with input from regional trauma centers and bicycle safety organizations.

About the AAA Consumer Pulse™ Survey

The AAA Consumer Pulse™ Survey was conducted online among 400 Tennessee residents from April 17 – 26, 2026. Survey results have a maximum margin of error of ± 4.9% points. Responses are weighted by age and gender to ensure a reliable and accurate representation of the adult population (18+) in Tennessee.