There’s a growing trend here in Florida (and I would imagine everywhere else). E-bikes have grown in popularity among all ages. I see dozens every time I’m out and about. The younger set – kids going to school – seems to be the largest increase in E-bike riders.
This has brought about a lot of concern for safety, and counties and cities are proposing restrictions. Restrictions include age levels and speed, as well as where they can be ridden.
I’ve seen E-bike riders along very busy roads, riding on a very narrow shoulder, which puts them literally inches away from cars going over 50 miles per hour. I can imagine it won’t be long before accidents causing death will be common.
Not long ago, there was a 15-year-old E-bike rider who didn’t obey traffic laws and was struck by a police patrol car, killing the rider. That boy’s mother is part of the push to impose restrictions on E-bike operators.
The desire to own an E-bike is understandable. They are an inexpensive mode of transportation and are easy to operate, but as their popularity increases, so do the risks – especially in highly populated areas with a lot of other traffic sharing the roads.
It isn’t just the younger people riding these bikes; there are riders of all ages.
E-bikes, in my opinion, should be considered a motorized vehicle – like a stripped-down, low-powered motorcycle – and should have age restrictions, as well as operating rules.
Truth be told, I don’t understand parents buying E-bikes for their young kids. I think anyone not old enough to drive a car ought to be pedaling a bicycle, like all of us “older” people did before E-bikes existed.
Just my opinion.
Have A Good Week!
