Kiddipedia
Finding the right e-bike that keeps your child safe can be tricky, especially if you have never bought one before. You find yourself wondering, what safety features does a kids e-bike need? How do I know the bike is safe for my child? We are here to help you cut through the pages of e-bikes and find the perfect, safe option. Today, we show you the safety features kids e-bikes have and what you should look out for when making your purchase.
Are E-Bikes Legal For Children In Australia?
Yes, e-bikes are legal to use for children in Australia. Each state or territory has their own rules and regulations for e-bikes, so make sure you check what is legal in your area before purchasing an e-bike. In some states, like Victoria and Queensland, your child must be 12 or over and supervised when using an e-bike, while other states do not put a legal age limit on electric bikes.
Supervising your child in some states is not legal, but we think its safer to supervise them, especially if they have never used an electric bike before. You can use it as an excellent teaching opportunity to show them the rules of the road and help them develop confidence before their solo bike rides.
Kids E-Bikes Safety Features
Like adult e-bikes, kids e-bikes should have plenty of safety features to keep your child safe on their adventures. You can find the features listed on any product description when searching to find the best and safest bike for your little one. But what features should you look for? We have outlined the most common safety features so you can narrow your search when looking for deals on kids e bikes and find the safest electric bike for your budget.
Speed Limiter
Most e-bikes will come with one, but a speed limiter is a vital safety feature for your child’s e-bike. These will prevent the electric bike from going faster than a preset speed, allowing you to control the bike’s speed, without worrying about it going too fast for your child. We like to set the speed limiter quite low and increase the speed as our child becomes more familiar with the bike, keeping them safe without worrying about it going too fast.
The speed limiter also prevents your child from going faster than the speed limit on public roads, keeping them safe and reducing the severity of damage or injuries if they are involved in an accident.
Motor Power
You should also consider the power of the motor on the electric bike. E-bikes in Australia usually come with a maximum power output of 500 watts. You wouldn’t want anything more powerful as it could be too much for your child and they could struggle to control the bike. To ensure e-bikes are safe, the power of the motor will decrease as your bike gets faster and cuts off at 25 km/h.
E-bikes are usually speed limited to 25 km/h, but you can sometimes make the speed lower allowing your child to safely use the bike. The speed limiter can be removed on private land, and the motor will continue to run helping you achieve faster speeds. We don’t recommend removing the speed limiter until your child is confident with the bike.
Brake System
The brake system of your e-bike is super important, as it helps your child control their speed and stop the bike safely when needed. Look for disc brakes, which are reliable and efficient, reducing the chances of the brakes failing on the bike. When teaching your child how to use the e-bike, make sure they know how to use the brakes so they can stop it quickly and safely when needed.
Frame And Tyres Composition
Finally, we think you should consider the material used for the bike frame. You want a robust frame that will last for years, without needing to worry about wear and tear. Look for aluminium or steel, which can keep the bike light and sturdy. You should also check the maximum weight capacity of the e-bike, ensuring that your child can use it for years, without worrying about them out-growing it.
It’s also worth considering the tyres, to ensure they are durable and can handle off-road rides. You want wider tyres as they can offer more stability and help your child handle any terrain! Check how you should maintain the tyres too, so your child’s fun isn’t ruined by a flat tyre.
Kids E-Bikes Safety Features
Kids e-bikes come with plenty of safety features to keep them safe, but you must make sure the bike is suitable for their age, size, and weight before purchasing. Check that it is durable, with an adjustable speed limiter and suitable motor so your child has the power to go anywhere without you worrying about their safety.
