Courtesy Art

DEARBORN — As e-bikes and e-scooters surge in popularity, AAA – The Auto Club Group is launching its new “E-Ride Ready” campaign to help parents better understand the risks associated with these fast-moving devices and take steps to prevent serious injuries.

“E-rides have spread so quickly that laws, infrastructure, and safety awareness haven’t kept pace,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “That leaves many parents trying to figure out what’s safe, what’s allowed, and what rules to set. AAA’s E-Ride Ready campaign helps close that gap.”

At the center of the campaign is The Auto Club Group’s new E-Ride Safety Guide, a free resource that helps families:

– Understand how e-bikes and e-scooters operate

– Choose helmets designed for the speed and type of device

– Identify where riders can safely and legally ride

– Set clear safety expectations before a child’s first ride

This campaign comes amid growing concern nationwide about injuries involving young e-riders. A U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission review found micromobility-related injuries rose an average of 23 percent from 2017 to 2022, contributing to an estimated 360,800 emergency department visits and 233 deaths. Medical experts say e-ride crashes commonly involve vehicles, pedestrians, and fixed objects such as curbs and mailboxes.

“As e-rides become more common, younger riders are often sharing the road with traffic before they fully understand how to navigate it safely,” said Woodland. “When you combine higher speeds with limited experience, the risk of a serious crash increases quickly. That’s why it’s critical for parents to stay involved and set clear expectations before a child rides.”

Helmets save lives

Medical experts say helmets significantly reduce the risk of serious head injuries, yet many young riders go without one or use helmets that are not designed for higher-speed devices.

“Helmets can make all the difference in a crash,” said Woodland “Parents should make sure riders wear a properly fitted helmet on every ride and ensure it matches the speed and capabilities of the device. AAA’s new E-Ride Safety Guide helps families understand the different standards and when they apply.”

E-Ride laws vary by location

Confusion about e-bike and e-scooter laws can create additional risk for families. Rules governing rider age, helmet requirements, and where devices can operate often vary widely by state and local communities.

Federal law generally defines a low-speed e-bike as a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals, a motor of 750 watts or less, and top assisted speeds ranging from 20 to 28 mph, depending on classification. Some higher-speed devices commonly used by teens may fall outside traditional e-bike classifications altogether and require a driver’s license and registration.

Michigan law at a glance:

– Riders under 18 must wear helmets

– Riders must be 14 to ride a Class 3 e-bike

– E�’bikes may ride where bicycles are allowed

– Sidewalk riding is generally permitted unless restricted locally

– Class 3 E-bikes are not allowed on nonmotorized state trails

AAA encourages families to review their state and local laws before allowing children or teens to ride. The E-Ride Safety Guide also highlights safe riding locations and encourages families to prioritize environments with less traffic and fewer hazards.

AAA’s E-Ride Ready campaign encourages families to:

– Know the speed and capabilities of the device

– Require properly fitted helmets, rated for the e-ride’s top speed

– Understand where e-rides can legally and safely operate

– Practice safe riding habits around traffic and pedestrians

– The free E-Ride Safety Guide includes:

An overview of e-bike and e-scooter types and performance differences

– Helmet guidance and safety checklists

– Tips for riding around traffic and pedestrians

– Safety conversation starters for parents and young riders

– Safety tips for drivers and e-riders

As e-rides become more common in neighborhoods and on roadways, AAA says preparation is critical to preventing injuries.

“E-bikes and e-scooters can be a fun and convenient way to get around, but they require more awareness and responsibility than many families expect,” said Woodland. “When parents understand the risks and set clear expectations, they can help prevent crashes before they happen.”