They look like bikes. They ride like bikes. But when a motor kicks in, an eBike becomes something else entirely.
What started as a fun, environmentally friendly way for kids to get around has quickly turned into a safety concern for parents and communities across the Midwest.
In Illinois, those concerns have already turned into action. Winnetka recently passed a new ordinance restricting where eBikes and e-scooters can be ridden — after a 16-year-old was killed in a high-speed collision with a pickup truck.
As e Bikes become more common in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, families need to think beyond fun and convenience. This guide breaks down local laws, practical safety tips, and when legal help may be necessary if an accident with an e bike rider occurs.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Why electric bicycles can pose higher risks for kids than regular bikes
- How to choose the right eBike for your child
- Essential e Bike safety gear and helmet laws
- Riding tips for parents and young riders
- Simple maintenance and accident-prevention strategies
- What to know about legal support after an eBike injury and how a personal injury lawyer can help e bike accident victims
The Risks: Why eBikes Can Be Dangerous for Young Riders
Electric bikes or electric scooters may look like traditional bicycles, but they don’t behave like them. With added power to travel faster comes added risk — especially for young, inexperienced riders still learning balance and road safety judgement.
Faster, Heavier, and Harder to Control
When you ride e bikes, you can reach up to 20 or even 28 miles per hour, depending on the model. That’s faster than most kids can safely handle in traffic or on crowded trails. Add the extra weight from the motor and battery, and stopping distances get longer, turns feel heavier, and small mistakes can lead to bigger injuries.
Many kids also struggle with the sudden acceleration that comes from throttle or pedal-assist systems. A quick twist or strong pedal stroke can send the bike surging forward unexpectedly, which is something a child may not anticipate until it’s too late.
What the Numbers Show
Electric bike injuries are rising in number and involving more children than ever. Recent national studies highlight how fast the trend is accelerating:
- e-Bike injuries skyrocketed nationwide between 2017 and 2022, jumping from 751 to more than 23,000 cases — with children now representing about 13% of all hospitalizations. (JAMA Surgery)
- In pediatric cases, kids ages 10–13 make up nearly half of all eBike injuries, and most crashes happen on shared roads rather than parks or bike paths. (National Electronic Injury Surveillance System)
These numbers make one thing clear: eBikes introduce new risks that traditional bikes never posed. For families, that means you must take time to train, supervise, and properly equip young riders.
Without supervision, kids often misjudge maximum speed, braking power, and how traffic reacts to a faster-moving bike. Parents should treat eBike training the same way they would driver’s education — hands-on, structured, and consistent.
Choosing the Right eBike for Kids
Picking an eBike for your child isn’t just about color or style. The right choice can make the difference between safe riding and serious risk.
Parents should focus on three key areas: legality, fit, and simplicity.
eBike Laws for Kids in the Midwest
Before buying an eBike, know what your state allows:
Illinois
According to 625 ILCS 5/11-1517, riders under 16 cannot operate Class 3 eBikes (those that can reach up to 28 mph).
Local cities may have their own restrictions on where eBikes can be used. The aforementioned Winnetka, for example, bans high-powered eBikes and e-scooters from sidewalks, parks, and certain trails.
Indiana
Indiana law mirrors most other states in its classification of eBikes, dividing them into three classes based on speed and motor type. Under Indiana Code § 9-21-11-13.1, riders under 15 years old may not operate a Class 3 eBike, which can reach speeds up to 28 mph.
However, children under that age may ride as passengers if the bike is designed to accommodate one.
Wisconsin
Under Wis. Stat. § 346.806(4), riders under 16 years old may not operate a Class 3 eBike, which can reach assisted speeds of up to 28 mph.
However, younger riders may ride as passengers if the bike is built for two. Wisconsin’s 2019 Act 34 also gives local governments and the Department of Natural Resources the authority to set additional rules for trails and parks, so local restrictions may vary.
Fit and Age Recommendations
E-bicycle safety standards starts with fit. The right eBike should:
- Let the child place both feet flat on the ground while seated.
- Have a manageable weight and size, avoiding heavy frames that are hard to balance.
- Offer speed-limiting safety features or beginner settings to prevent sudden acceleration.
Lower-speed models (Class 1 or Class 2) are generally safer for young riders and easier for parents to supervise.
What to Look for When Buying
When test-riding or shopping for your child’s eBike, look for:
- Step-through frames for easy mounting and stability.
- Responsive brakes and clear safety cutoffs that limit speed when the rider stops pedaling.
- Reputable brands with accessible maintenance support and warranty coverage.
Many Midwest bike shops now let kids test different models for fit and comfort — a good opportunity for parents to gauge readiness and confidence before buying.
Must-Have Rider Safety Gear: Helmets, Clothing, and Lights
Having the right safety gear matters just as much as choosing the right bike. Helmets, reflective clothing, and visibility accessories significantly reduce the risk of serious injury.
Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin all encourage helmet use for minors, though statewide mandates vary. Parents should always check local ordinances. Some cities impose fines for violations in school zones or parks.
Recommended Safety Gear
Basic protective gear to wear should include:
- A certified helmet that fits snugly and meets CPSC standards
- Bright or reflective clothing for visibility in low light
- Elbow and knee pads for younger riders
- Closed-toe shoes with good traction
- Front and rear lights plus reflective tape or decals for evening rides
Small upgrades — like handlebar mirrors or a bike bell — can also help young riders stay alert and visible to drivers.
Safe Riding Tips for Parents and Kids
Good habits make the biggest difference in eBike safety. Parents should ride with kids early on to reinforce safe behavior and build confidence on the road.
Follow Traffic Laws
eBikes are subject to the same rules as regular bicycles. Electric bicyclists should:
- Obey all traffic lights, stop signs, and red lights
- Ride on the right side of the road and stay in bike lanes when available
- Signal turns clearly with hand gestures
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and shared paths
Remind kids that drivers may not always expect a faster-moving eBike, so they should slow down near intersections and driveways.
Ride With Supervision
Children should always ride with an adult or group until they show consistent awareness and control. Group rides in quiet neighborhoods or parks help kids learn pacing and spacing while staying safe.
Cross Intersections Carefully
At busy or low-visibility intersections, teach kids to dismount and walk their eBike across.
- Look left, right, then left again before entering.
- Make eye contact with drivers to confirm they’ve been seen.
- Avoid distractions or devices like phones, headphones, or Bluetooth speakers that reduce focus.
Simple habits like these build muscle memory and reduce risk — especially when riding an e-bike in traffic or mixed-use areas.
Accident Prevention and Maintenance
Even careful riders face risks, but most eBike accidents are preventable with regular maintenance and a few simple precautions.
Common Accident Scenarios
Most child eBike accidents happen because of:
- Sudden acceleration or loss of control
- Slippery roads, gravel, or uneven pavement
- Pulling into traffic without checking for cars
- Low visibility after dark or during bad weather
Practicing in safe areas — like empty parking lots or quiet side streets — helps kids learn how to brake, turn, and handle higher speeds before riding near traffic.
Routine Safety Checks
Parents should inspect the bike weekly and before long rides. Focus on:
- Brakes: Make sure they engage quickly and evenly.
- Tires: Keep properly inflated and free of debris.
- Battery and electric motor: Check for loose connections or overheating.
- Lights and reflectors: Confirm they work and are visible from a distance.
Simple maintenance — tightening bolts, cleaning chains, charging lithium ion batteries properly — can prevent many mechanical issues that lead to crashes.
Encourage a short “pre-ride check” every time: helmet secure, brakes working, tires firm, battery charged.
Set household rules like avoid riding at night, no wet roads, and limit speed settings for beginners.
Some community centers and across Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin offer bike safety courses that cover eBike handling and basic maintenance. Check your local resources. These classes can be refreshers for both kids and parents.
Legal Support After an eBike Injury
Even with the best preparation, accidents can still happen. When they do, parents should know what steps to take to protect their child’s health and legal rights.
When to Seek Legal Help
If a child is injured due to another driver’s negligence, a defective eBike, or unsafe property conditions, families may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Contact an attorney soon after the incident to preserve evidence and gather witness information while details are fresh.
What to Document
Keep a detailed record of:
- Medical evaluations and treatment costs
- Police reports or accident documentation
- Photos of injuries and the eBike
- Witness names and contact information
These details can make a major difference when pursuing an injury claim as an e bike user.
Understanding Your Rights
Personal injury laws vary between most states, but the general rule is the same: when someone else’s carelessness causes harm, families have the right to seek accountability.
An experienced attorney can explain how state eBike laws apply to your case and guide you through each step of the legal process plan with minimal stress.
Staying Safe and Knowing Your Options
As eBikes become part of everyday life across the Midwest, parents have an opportunity — and a responsibility — to set safe habits early. With the right equipment, supervision, and understanding of local laws, families can enjoy all the benefits of eBikes without unnecessary risk.
And if an accident does happen, knowing where to turn for help matters.
Midwest Injury Lawyers represents families throughout Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin in personal injury cases involving eBikes, bicycles, and other vehicle-related accidents. Our attorneys are experienced in handling complex claims and can help you understand your legal options.
Schedule a free consultation. Contact us today!