Bicycle, E-Bike & E-Scooter Safety

More students than ever are riding bicycles, e-bikes, and e-scooters to school. These devices can move fast and often share the same roads as cars during busy morning hours. Many collisions involve distracted riders, distracted drivers, riding too fast, riding with passengers, and failing to wear a helmet.

Whether your child is riding a standard bike or an electric device, these safety steps can prevent life-changing injuries.

Ride Smart to Stay Safe

1. Always Wear a Helmet

Helmets are the most effective way to prevent serious head injuries. Most injuries we see from bike and e-bike crashes involve kids who were not wearing helmets.

• Make helmets non-negotiable for all riders.
• Parents should wear helmets too — kids follow what you do.
• Replace helmets after any crash.
• Never use a cracked or old helmet.

2. Ride at a Safe Speed

Electric devices can reach high speeds quickly.

• Slow down around crosswalks, school zones, and intersections.
• Reduce speed when approaching driveways or blind corners.
• Never race or weave through traffic.
• E-bike “boost mode” should not be used on sidewalks or near pedestrians.

3. No Extra Passengers

This makes balancing difficult and creates twice the risk of injury.

• Ride one person per bike, e-bike, or scooter unless the device is specifically designed for more.
• Passengers should never ride on handlebars, decks, or the rear wheel pegs.

4. Pay Attention - No Phones While Riding

Distracted riding is now as dangerous as distracted driving.

• Put phones away while riding.
• No texting, scrolling, or headphones in both ears.
• Riders should be able to hear vehicles, sirens, and crossing guard instructions.

5. Be Visible

Morning school hours are some of the darkest/busiest times of day.

• Wear bright clothing or reflective strips.
• Use front and rear lights on bikes and e-bikes.
• Never assume drivers see you — make eye contact when crossing.

6. Follow Traffic Rules

Bicycles and e-bikes must follow the same rules as cars.

• Ride on the right side of the road, with traffic.
• Stop at all stop signs and red lights.
• Use hand signals when turning.
• Do not ride into oncoming traffic or between vehicles.

7. Cross Streets Safely

Many morning collisions happen in crosswalks.

• Come to a full stop before crossing.
• Look left–right–left and make eye contact with drivers.
• Walk your bike or e-scooter across busy intersections.
• Obey school crossing guards at all times.

Helmet Fit: The Quick "Eyes-Ears-Mouth" Check

A helmet will not protect your child if it is worn incorrectly. Use this simple fit test:

Eyes: Helmet sits level and low on the forehead, one to two finger widths above the eyebrows.
Ears: Straps form a “Y” under each earlobe and lie flat against the head.
Mouth: Buckle is snug. You should fit one finger between the chin and strap. If your child opens their mouth wide, the helmet should pull down slightly.

Choosing the Right Helmet

• For bikes, scooters, and skating, look for CPSC or Snell certification.
• For skateboarding or trick riding, look for the ASTM F1492 label.
• Some helmets are dual-certified for multiple sports.
• Used helmets can hide cracks — when in doubt, choose new.
• Cost does not equal safety. Pick one that fits properly and your child likes.

Helmet Fit Pads

Use fit pads to eliminate space inside the helmet. Adjust pads so the helmet touches the head evenly all around. Switch to thinner pads as your child grows.

If the helmet wiggles side to side, add thicker pads or adjust the rear fitting ring.

Additional Safety Tips

• Remove helmets before using playground equipment — straps can get caught.
• Tie hair back low on the neck for a better fit.
• Bike helmets are designed for one impact only. Replace after a crash.
• For skiing or snowboarding, use a sport-specific helmet.
• Regularly check brakes, tires, and battery mounts on e-bikes.