Safety, Training, Laws, and Resources for Riders of All Ages
You have probably noticed an increase in eBikes everywhere, especially right after Christmas. We started with e-scooters; now the trend is eBikes. With eBikes, we are seeing even younger kids riding very fast on our streets, not just teens.
The attraction? eBikes offer clean, affordable, and fun mobility. Most teens and younger riders aren’t familiar with the rules of the road, are not using safety gear, and their parents are not riding with them to explain and make sure they stay safe.
Most parents are unaware of the different types of eBikes and the risks involved with using these vehicles. Reports from late 2025 show a significant surge in teen eBike accidents, with hospitals like Connecticut Children’s seeing injuries nearly triple (from 32 to 92) in the first half of 2025 compared to 2024, and Penn State Health treating more eBike injuries in 2025 than the prior three years combined. These reports highlight serious head and organ injuries, as well as fatalities.
Many states are updating laws around eBikes and expanding safety resources so everyone can ride confidently and responsibly in 2026 and beyond.
California’s 2026 Laws: What eBike Riders Must Know
California has passed a suite of public safety laws that take effect starting January 1, 2026, many of which impact eBike riders directly. These updates were signed into law after the 2024 legislative session and are being publicly highlighted by the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
New Safety Equipment Rules
Assembly Bill 544 focuses specifically on eBikes:
All electric bicycles must be equipped with a red reflector or a solid or flashing red light with a built-in reflector on the rear during all hours of operation—not just at night.
This is a change from previous requirements and aims to improve visibility for all riders.
Helmet & Safety Training for Youth
Under the same legislation:
If a minor receives a helmet violation while riding an eBike, they can satisfy educational requirements by completing an approved online safety and training program.
This is huge, it incentivizes safety education while giving teens a clear path to learn safe riding practices.
A great resource for this is the online eBike safety course for teens:
Teen eBike Safety Course: California-specific interactive training
https://rise.articulate.com/share/yB3Hip8AYzOGdY0dqnd42mQ3k0c6Jza1#/
Enforcement & Impoundment Laws
In 2026, law enforcement will also have new authority related to eBikes: Vehicles with fewer than four wheels and a motor capable of speeds above 20 mph may be impounded if the operator is unlicensed or under 16 and riding a Class 3 eBike.
Safety Standards for eBikes and Batteries
Senate Bill 1271 takes effect in 2026 and requires:
eBikes and related powered mobility devices—including lithium-ion batteries and charging systems—to meet accredited lab safety standards before they can be sold or distributed.
This is crucial because it helps reduce risks such as battery malfunctions and fires.
New eBike Training Resources
National organizations have released three major online eBike training programs to help riders of all ages understand how to ride safely, responsibly, and confidently.
These online resources are part of a broader education effort that supports helmet training requirements, especially for youth riders.
1. CHP: Electric Bicycle Safety and Training
Created by the California Highway Patrol (CHP):
- A multi-module online training designed to offer broad safety guidance
- Focuses on legal rules, rider awareness, and basic skills
- Currently available as an 11-module text and graphics course
This course is also referenced in the new helmet-violation law as an option to fulfill safety training.
2. E-Bike Smart – PeopleForBikes + League of American Bicyclists
This program is ideal for riders of all ages, especially teens:
- Divided into short, engaging modules
- Includes videos and multiple-choice questions to test learning
- Covers rider safety, etiquette, and riding with other traffic
League of American Bicyclists
This resource helps riders understand how to think like a safe rider, not just follow rules.
Importance of These New Laws and Training
Improve Road Awareness
eBikes travel faster than traditional bikes, and riders need to:
- Predict traffic movements
- Understand lane positioning
- Signal and communicate intentions
- Share space with pedestrians and other riders
These skills reduce injury risk and increase confidence.
Understand eBike Classifications
There are different classifications for eBikes that you need to understand before buying one, as you may not be compliant if you choose the wrong type. See the different types of eBikes here.
Knowing how different classes of eBikes perform and where they can legally ride is essential, especially for teens and new riders.
Compliance and Accountability
New laws make safety education part of enforcement:
– Law enforcement can meet riders with clear expectations around equipment and conduct
– Minors can avoid court records by completing training after a helmet violation
Most importantly, these new laws and training will help reduce or eliminate unnecessary injuries and accidents and help protect our community and save lives.
Here Is Your TO-DO List:
- Follow the rules and keep rides safe for yourself and others
- Understand the different types of eBikes and applicable laws before buying, especially for your kids
- Make sure your teen takes the training before they start riding
- Make sure you have all required safety equipment
Recommended Approved Products for eBikes
Here is our recommended list of DOT Approved Products from Amazon:
