How to Select E-bike for a Child? And not miss the details.

Last Updated on January 9, 2023 by Igor Karni

Easy E-Biking - boy riding e-bike for kids, helping to make electric biking practical and fun

Electric bicycles are motor-assisted bikes, which offer great help to commuters. E-bikes are a clean yet efficient mode of commutation for all age groups be it kids, young or old age people.

While adults are usually are more responsible when riding an electric bike, a little bit of extra care is desirable when handling these e-bikes to kids (especially for children below 14 years).

So, the very first question that pops up in mind is – do e-bikes for kids exist? The answer is – yes, they exist. While there are not so many dedicated models are currently sold, certainly, there are more and more models that are designed specifically for kids.

And the next question often would be – how to select an electric bike for a child? To choose the right electric bike for a child, pay attention to the size and weight of the e-bike, wheel diameter, width of the handlebar, motor power output, efficient brake system, and the speed limiting feature. Do not forget about a helmet and other protective gear.

So, let’s take a closer look at what is important when choosing an e-bike for a child.

E-bike for a child, what to look for?

  1. Motor output power
  2. Efficient brake system
  3. Better and more pictorial front panel.
  4. Speed limiting feature.
  5. A GPRS device fitted in e-bikes for children for added security.

Kids are always so active and inquisitive. They have a natural tendency to get attracted by all sorts of machines. Kids love to race and it is no wonder that e-bikes powered by electric motors give them a great thrill.

The most important factor is the total height of the e-bike, the diameter of wheels, and the width of handlebars. Keep in mind that the handlebar should not be very wide.

Read also: How to select the right electric bicycle size? And, Which electric bicycle to buy? Making your educated e-bike selection choice.

Why e-bikes for kids make sense?

We have all been kids some years ago. Let’s not forget this! So, what are the benefits of kids riding an e-bike? Here are just a few of them.

Staying closer to nature. Children tend to be and stay very close to nature. Riding e-bike help children to trek and play outdoors and get the best natural entertainment.

Joining adults for cycling. Children will be happy to join their parents on weekends for cycle trekking. They will involve themselves in some physical activity and not become couch potatoes by just playing video games. Hence, their overall health benefits and they begin to appreciate the beauty of mother earth.

Easy E-Biking - boys cyclists head helmet, helping to make electric biking practical and fun

Getting fitter. E-bikes prevent the accumulation of bad cholesterol in the body, thereby making kids even fitter.

Fighting obesity. Obese kids feel motivated while using these e-bikes. They can reap the benefits of cycling in a moderately phased manner.

Read also: Would riding an e-bike help me lose belly fat? And, Which muscles work when riding an electric bicycle?

Making more friends. Kids when going for e-biking in groups develop comradeship.

Building independence. Kids become more independent while riding e-bikes.

Relieving stress. Riding e-bikes is a great stress buster for kids. They remain happy and elated throughout the day. If kids are happy then parents are also happy!

What to pay attention to?

Kid’s e-bike size

The size of an e-bike is one of the most important factors. The frame of the e-bike should be compact and comfortable and to this kids can easily reach all parts of their machine, be it brakes, pedals, horn, and the front display panel.

Kid’s e-bike weight

The weight of the e-bike should be optimum. It should neither be too light nor too heavy. Too light an e-bike will not have a prominent center of gravity and thus kids can get unbalanced and even fall.

Read also: How much does an e-bike weigh? And, What is e-bike range on a single charge?

If an e-bike is too heavy, it will become difficult for children to cycle it in case of battery failure. Thus, a too-heavy e-bike is not recommended.

Easy E-Biking - e-bke for kids, teens. helping to make electric biking practical and fun

Handlebars’ width

The handlebar should not be very widely placed. Children may face difficulty in balancing and maneuvering such an e-bike.

Use of protective gear

While laws relating to e-bikes in most parts of the world do not recommend the mandatory use of helmets, but as it is widely accepted – “a little precaution saves from terrible accidents.” Children must wear helmets to protect themselves from any type of injury (especially head injury).

Read also: Selection of our favorite e-bike accessories to help you find the right gear for your needs.

Type and power of the motor

While selecting an e-bike for a child, it should be kept in mind that these are primarily to be used for normal day-to-day riding and some leisure weekend rides. Kids’ e-bikes are not meant for any type of hardcore racing.

Consequently, a very powerful motor is not necessary. Putting a very powerful motor to give a drive to an e-bike has a potential threat to the safety of children. Children might not get tempted to ride their e-bikes at full throttle speed which is, of course, dangerous for them.

Read also: Front, mid-drive, or rear e-bike motor. Which one to choose? And, What is the difference between e-bike motors?

Battery backup

E-bikes for children should have better battery backup, especially for heavier e-bikes. E-bike is somewhat more heft and if the battery quickly discharges, then children will have to toil harder to cycle back to their homes.

Speed limit

This is very important. E-bike’s speed should be limited to a max of 20 km/h. There should be a provision for motor decoupling if the speed limit is breached.

Read also: What is the difference between a regular e-bike and a speed e-bike? And, is it legal to derestrict electric bicycle speed?

Knowledge of traffic rules

Knowledge of traffic rules is the greatest precaution for children. They should respect zebra crossing. It would be a nice game to reward children with the best knowledge of traffic rules and safety measures.

Dedicated cycling tracks

Dedicated cycling tracks mean less risk for children as they will be cordoned off from high-speed major traffic.

A GPS system and first aid kit

E-bike if fitted with a GPS tracking system gives additional security to children. Parents can access their location at any time. Provision for an emergency button should be there on the front display panel. The first aid kit comes very handy in case of small cuts, wounds, or sprains.

A few words in conclusion

Thus it can be inferred that the use of e-bikes is not limited only to adults (or any particular age gap for that matter). E-bikes are equally like and used by children as well. The increase in the sale of e-bikes specifically for children is a testament to its immense usefulness. Various models of e-bikes for the different age groups of children are available on the market.

But as it is rightly said, “Science is a good servant but a bad master too” children should use e-bikes with all the necessary precautions such as avoiding high speed, wearing headgear, and respecting traffic laws to avoid any unwanted incidents.

Easy E-Biking - boy e-bike mountains, helping to make electric biking practical and fun

Popular e-bike models for kids

Ben-e-bike

This is one of the most preferred e-bikes for small kids. The main reason behind it is its less weight. It only weighs 12kg and hence can be easily handled by children.

Easy E-Biking - Bene-e-bike Twenty Four electric bike, helping to make electric biking practical and fun

It is powered by a 175 wh battery located at the rear end and produces a 30Nm torque. Ben-e-bike also provides for remote control access and hence parents bet on it.

See this e-bike model on Ben-e-bike website.

KTM-MACINA MiniMe 241

This model weighs 19.3 kg and is manufactured by an Austria-based company. It uses 24-inch wheels. As compared to the above model, this model is a little bit heft and uses wider tires.

Easy E-Biking - KTM Machina Mini electric bike, helping to make electric biking practical and fun

This is not too much of a bad feature as the bike is then more balanced due to wider tires and has a better center of gravity due to little extra weight.

The bike uses an ever-dependable BOSCH active dine motor. The KTM MACINA MiniMe uses child-specific software to provide an easy interaction medium.

See this e-bike model on KTM kids’ e-bike website.

Haibike SDURO Hard four Life 4.0

This e-bike is powered by an intelligent YAMAHA motor, which is specially designed for children. It automatically cuts off the torque supplied to the wheel when the speed of the e-bike begins to exceed 20km/hr.

Easy E-Biking - Haibike MY21 electric bike, helping to make electric biking practical and fun

It has a big display panel which is self-explanatory in nature and kids can use it quite easily. The saddle is soft and comfortable and is optimally spaced (not too much high rise).

The total makeup of the e-bike is compact which allows better handling and reachability of kids.

See this e-bike model on Haibike website.

Pedego 20inch kids fat tire electric bike

This e-bike is one of the safest bets for children. Apart from being smaller than the regular size of 24inch and 26 inches, it comes with an exclusive 2 years warranty. It is a tough 7 geared machine but with low speed.

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Pedego e-bike has an amazing disk braking system. Although this e-bike comes with a limited suspension system, fat tires absorb a lot of shock along with providing a great balance.

See this e-bike model on Pedego website.

YISO e-bike for kids (20″ model)

This is a lightweight machine with an overall weight of less than 15 kg. The best of it is that it can be folded and hence consume less space. This model comes with a brushless motor powered by a 36V Li battery.

Easy E-Biking - Yiso electric bike, helping to make electric biking practical and fun

The best part of this e-bike is that in spite of being quite small in size, it has a dedicated carrier on the rear side which kids can use to keep their school bags. Moreover, attractive reflectors on its wheels add to the charm of this small yet elegant machine.

See this e-bike model on Yiso website.

Related questions

Do kids need to have a valid license to ride an e-bike?

No, this is not necessary in most countries around the world. However, children must train themselves properly before riding their machines on the road.

Read also: Do you need a license to ride an e-bike? And, Do you need insurance to ride an e-bike?

Can normal bikes of children be converted to e-bikes?

Yes, normal bikes for kids can be converted to e-bikes by adopting certain modifications. But, these modifications must be done by a trained and authorized mechanic and not by a non-professional. Failing to do it the right way can prove to be quite troublesome.

Read also: E-bike conversion kit vs e-bike? Pros and cons. 11 best bike locks tested: e-bike antitheft lock comparison.

Can adults use e-bikes for kids?

It is recommended that adults do not use e-bikes for kids as kids’ e-bikes are designed to carry weights of kids and not adults.

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