Kids wanna have fun – are children allowed to ride eBikes all across the Globe?
What’s currently allowed in many states across the USA, is prohibited in the UK. In other words, not everywhere in the World are kids allowed to live out their enthusiasm for eMTBs to the same extent as the regulations vary from country to country. But where are children allowed to ride eBikes and where have the governments introduced restrictions? Read on to find out.
Freddy is a 13 year-old eMTB enthusiast. What does the German law say about his hobby and what’s the legal status of eMTBs in other European countries and the USA? In which countries can Freddy ride his eMTB without getting in trouble?
We’re not here to determine whether eBikes are suitable or not for kids – we’ve already addressed this issue on a different occasion. This article wants to address the legal status of eBikes, which varies from country to country.
Ebikes with pedal support of up to 25 km/h and a max nominal motor power of 250 watts are regarded as bicycles under traffic law both in Germany and most European countries, which is why they’re currently not subject to minimum age restrictions or driving-licence requirements. Nevertheless, users should already be confident riding a bike and always wear a helmet. Read our Generation Z articles to find out why eBikes are also great fun for kids and what new possibilities they open up.
Below is an overview of the age requirements in the most travelled countries:
Belgium
No minimum age requirement
Denmark
No minimum age requirement
Germany
No minimum age requirement
France
No minimum age requirement
Children under 12 must wear a helmet
UK
Minimum age requirement 14 years
Italy
no minimum age requirement
Croatia
No minimum age requirement
Children under 16 must wear a helmet
Luxembourg
No minimum age requirement
Netherlands
No minimum age requirement
Austria
No minimum age requirement
Portugal
No minimum age requirement
Switzerland
Minimum age requirement 14 years (with a class M driving license) or 16 years and over without driving license
Slovenia
No minimum age requirement
Children under 14 must wear a helmet
Spain
No minimum age requirement
Hungary
No minimum age
USA
In the USA there isn’t a one-size-fits-all rule, as each state applies its own laws. However, more than half of the states have agreed on a three-tier system. For example, California, which was the first state to introduce system, children are allowed to ride class 1 and 2 eBikes (32 km / h). Class 3 riders (45 km / h) however, must be at least 16 years old or over. Nevertheless, a license is not required.
More information and all the regulations of individual states can be found on the “People for Bikes” and National Conference of State Legislatures websites.
Here you can find a small selection of the latest eMTB models for kids
More information about the bike, first ride review and manufacturer’s link
More information about the bike and manufacturer’s link
More information about the bike and manufacturer’s link
SAFETY FIRST: All riders, whether children or adults and with or without a motor, should always wear a bicycle helmet.
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Words: Manne Schmitt Photos: E-Mountainbike Magazin / People for Bikes
