04/15/2026
This is something we need to talk about more in this community, because the data is making it impossible to ignore.
Most states have minimum age requirements for e-bike and e-scooter use. Most parents don't know even what they are and what the safety laws are.
Pediatric deaths and serious injuries involving e-bikes and e-scooters are rising. Significantly. Emergency rooms are seeing kids come in with traumatic brain injuries, internal injuries, and fractures from crashes that would have been survivable (or preventable entirely) with the right equipment and the right rules.
A few things worth knowing as parents and caregivers:
E-bikes are not bicycles. They can reach speeds of 20–28mph depending on the class. A child's body absorbing impact at that speed is a very different scenario than a fall off a standard bike. The helmets most kids own are not rated for those speeds.
E-scooters present a similar problem. They're low to the ground, which feels safe. They're not. Low center of gravity combined with small wheels means any surface irregularity .. a crack, a curb, a patch of gravel ... can send a child over the handlebars with very little warning.
If your kids are asking for one ... have the conversation now, before they're in the ICU with an injury.
This is exactly the kind of thing our community exists to talk about. Share with any parent you know who needs to hear it.
Town of Orchard Park Police Department and Town of Tonawanda Police Department shared very important information! Read it below.
