Cycling is a healthy and fun exercise. With the emergence of electric bikes, a dose of thrill has been added to the mobility experience. You can see them on bike paths, bike lanes, and the local school parking area today. Many Americans are adopting this transportation mode to make their daily lives easy. Since kids enjoy a little freedom, e-bikes can be their best gift. Until they grow big enough to drive a car, they can rely on electric bikes to enjoy outdoor time with family and friends. However, you may wonder whether this would be a good choice for someone as young as 10 years old from a safety point of view. It’s a legitimate concern for any parent. How do you decide?
One must know that not all e-bikes are created equal. Some rugged options, like electric mountain bikes, are particularly unsuitable for young riders. For a ten-year-old, you can check models that offer safe top speed limits of 16 mph with motor power measuring 250W. So, look for these and other details when you buy an e bike for 10 year old.
Essential details for electric bikes
Apart from motor and speed, electric bike tire size can be an essential consideration. Since you want it for your young kid, a small tire size of 14 inches can be a mistake, even though a specific model costs you less. While these tires offer excellent acceleration and maneuverability in tight spaces, being lightweight, they lack the stability of the large wheels. Kids can be safe riding an e-bike with 16-inch tires. They can navigate both urban and rough terrains easily due to stability. Adult bikes use larger wheels. Please avoid them as these require more maturity and skills. The other vital parameter for e-bike selection can be its torque. 43 Newton-meters of torque in a model shows moderate power, suitable for traversing flatter urban streets, gentle slopes, etc. Consequently, your kid can ride it daily to cover a certain distance comfortably.
For more details on e-bikes, you can visit Macfoxbike.com. During exploration, you must also look at specifications like front and back lights, brakes, frame material, etc. A steel body can be more reliable for its durability and strength. Choose a bike with disc brakes. These have become integral to newer designs due to their consistency and performance. Riders can have more control over the vehicle even while riding through mud or wet conditions. Disc brakes are less likely to fade.
Crucial safety rules for e-bike riders
Whether young or an adult, an e-biker must practice responsible behavior on the road, such as obeying traffic signals, waiting at the intersections (marked/ unmarked), paying attention to traffic movement on both sides of the streets, etc.
To be precise, teach your children safe riding practices so they can internalize them and ride responsibly, regardless of their age. Also, buy a high-end model, even if it costs more upfront. Its efficiency and longevity will make up for it over time. Of course, the vehicle should be maintained well to avoid early wear and tear.
