Message to the Parents

I genuinely love the community we live in. It has kids, parks, swimming pools, and a safe neighborhood. As I stroll through the neighborhood, either running to the local store or taking my dog on a walk, I couldn’t help but notice one thing. I don’t see kids on pedal bikes anymore! E-bikes.

I still remember the feeling of riding my bike as a youth. I felt the wind on my face, my hands gripping the handlebars, my legs and lungs burning from pure exhaustion, and I was trying to race my friends.

Nowadays, I see kids breaking the speed limit, texting and talking on their phones, and getting no cardiovascular activity while riding their electric bikes. Here are my top five reasons parents should not buy their kids electric bikes:

1. Safety: E-bikes can reach 20–28 mph. That’s far faster than most children’s reaction times, braking skills, and judgment decisions.

2. Loss of exercise: As obesity rates rise amongst youth, riding a bike is the best and most effective exercise.

3. Skill Development: Learning on a traditional bike builds balance, coordination, and stamina. Relying on a motor can delay those skills and reduce overall physical activity.

4. Maintenance and Cost: E-bikes cost more upfront and require battery care, charging, and more expensive repairs than regular bikes.

5. Responsibility: E-bikes are essentially small motor vehicles, and some youth riders are not ready for these responsibilities.

I think parents either want E-bikes to keep up with the Joneses or spoil their child with a $500 toy. A traditional pedal bike or even a lightweight BMX/MTB is safer, cheaper (starts at $100), and better for skill-building and fitness. An e-bike may make sense later—once they’re older, have solid cycling experience, and can legally and responsibly handle the extra power.