How old do you have to be to use an electric bike? – Velobekan – Electric bike
Construction and maintenance of bicycles

How old do you have to be to use an electric bike? – Velobekan – Electric bike

Due to its many qualities electric bycicle amazes and attracts more and more followers of all ages.

Adults are more likely to enjoy riding electric bycicle.

And some of them want to share this pleasure with their family by proposing VAE to their child.

However, this purchase is not trivial, and before offering electric bycicle it is better for a baby to take into account such an important factor as his age.

Indeed, some often neglect this criterion and buy VAE considering only the practical aspect of the latter.

And all this without wondering about the ideal age from which we can make VAE safe! As few of us know in this area that strict laws govern the practice electric bycicle in France. In addition, this rule especially applies to the minimum age required to minimize the risk of road accidents for the smallest.

So, if you want to suggest electric bycicle every member of your family, then maybe you should read this new article from the Vélobécane team to find out more ...

How old do you have to be to ride an e-bike?

Driving on the road requires minimal knowledge of traffic rules, potential threats and an understanding of road signs.

To be able to pilot VAE safe on the road, the child must be aware of the dangers and rules that must be followed.

It is for this reason that the law currently prohibits driving. electric bycicle on the road for young people up to 14 years old.

Indeed, only from preschool age can a child comply with the mandatory rules that must be followed on the road.

Thus, parents who want to allow their children under the age of 14 to enjoy the attractions of the walks on electric bycicle therefore, you will have to resort to other alternatives. For example, installing a child seat or trailer may be among these solutions. This technique will allow you to comfortably transport a passenger who has not yet reached the age to ride his own bike on the road.

See also: How to transport a child on an e-bike?

What about off-road driving, such as country roads?

The current law does not mention a ban on the use of VAE for children under 14 years old on the road.

However, it seems logical to follow the rules of the road code and the instructions of the authorities, even if your little one pulls off the road.

In reality, the hazards on country roads or in the forest are different from the hazards on the road, but they still exist. Therefore, taking certain precautions will help you minimize accidents and the safety of small cyclists.

However, it should be noted that different traffic rules do not apply on private land, so children under 14 years old can move on it. VAE freely.

For example, if you have a large garden or courtyard, your child will be able to learn about electric bycicle with minimal risk.

This exemption can provide a great opportunity for young people looking to learn how to drive one of our electric motorcycles.

For their part, parents should remember that behavior VAE (and it is anywhere) poses a significant risk of exposure to young cyclists. If you are considering giving permission to ride an electric bike to your children under the age of 14, first make sure they are responsible enough to ride safely. And this is even on private land!

See also: How does an e-bike work?

Why does the law regulate the practice of using electric bicycles?

Many adults wonder why the law prohibits people under the age of 14 from driving. VAE on the road because, in their opinion, it is a simple bike.

Nevertheless electric bycicle a lot more!

Practical and versatile, VAE uses all the qualities of regular bicycles, but its engine propels you up to 25 km / h.

Therefore, at this speed, it is very important that his driver has minimal skills and understands the responsibilities assigned to him. Thus, to be able to efficiently manage the power VAE, it is more than necessary to have the required capacity. Strengths that can only be acquired with age and maturity.

In France, the higher the engine power, the older you need to drive. For example, since the moped is much more powerful than VAE, the minimum age required to pilot such a machine is 16 years.

And even if this rule seems authoritative, in our opinion it is necessary, because today statistics show that young cyclists make up the majority of victims of road traffic accidents.

See also: Do you need insurance for your e-bike?

What is the penalty for using an electric bike as a minor?

If the minimum age required for driving is not met VAE on the way, parents or guardians are liable to a fine. This rule applies when babies under 14 are detained by the competent authorities. During the check, traffic police officers will be able to request any document confirming the driver's age.

It is important to note that as a minor child will only be subjected to simple verbalization, but legal guardians will be the main targets of punishment. 

Even if this offense is considered insignificant, the amount of the fine will necessarily lead to the fact that the parents will no longer consent to drive. VAE.

Age restrictions for e-bikes in Europe

As we have seen, France has clearly defined rules of conduct. electric bicycles... But on the other hand, other European countries do not impose any age restrictions on the use VAE.

At the level of other EU territories, it is certainly possible for babies to ride freely without stopping, but parents show great discernment. Thus, it is rare, if not impossible, to meet young cyclists riding alone on European roads. Indeed, statistics show that parents are well aware of the risks that VAE for a child.

They also seem to prefer to use special equipment such as a car seat or trailer to ride with their children.

See also: How to travel by e-bike?

At what age is it mandatory to wear a helmet?

There is no specific law stipulating that wearing a helmet is compulsory for the driver of a vehicle. VAE and this is regardless of his age. However, to reduce injuries in accidents, collisions or falls, wearing a helmet is the best solution. By keeping the head and face safe, the helmet is a very good additional protection for all cyclists.

On the other hand, for children under 12 who are circulating in electric bycicle a helmet must be worn as a passenger. The law, which came into force on March 22, 2017, also applies to young classic cyclists. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine of € 135 per child without a helmet.

See also: How to ride an e-bike safely?

What characteristics should a children's helmet respect?

In order for it to more than effectively protect the child's head, specific characteristics should be checked when choosing a child's helmet. In addition to the fact that the helmet must fully fit the child's head, it must also contain mandatory information, including:

·       Standard number: Most bicycle helmets comply with the NF EN 1080 standard. This standard demonstrates various tests carried out on a helmet to verify its durability when used by young children.

·       Manufacturer's brand or even its name 

·       Creation date of the helmet

·       Weight (in grams) and helmet size in centimeters.

In addition to a helmet, we also recommend wearing a reflective vest, especially if you are traveling to VAE in the evening. This initiative will improve visibility and significantly reduce the risk of accidents.

The best equipment to transport your child to the VAE

If your child is under 14 but wants to go for a walk with you, you need to have the right equipment. The idea is that your little passenger can enjoy a comfortable and more than safe journey!

Fortunately, there are now many accessories that allow parents to transport their little ones safely and efficiently. VAE.

To help you choose this equipment, we present a selection of the best items from our store.

Le Electric bike carrier Polisport

Combining comfort and safety, the Polisport Carrier should be attached to the overhead bin of your electric bycicle... The idea is that you can move with your baby without feeling embarrassed or losing balance while driving.

Thanks to the seat belt adjustable at two different heights, this model is suitable for children of all sizes (from 9 to 22 kg).

In addition, its footrest allows the little passenger to keep their feet in the air throughout the ride. Finally, its large backrest provides complete comfort, regardless of the length of the trip!

Le rear seat for kids electric bike

Can adapt to all types electric bicyclesThis back seat combines simplicity and efficiency. Equipped with everything you need to let kids over 5 years of age rest and enjoy a comfortable cycling ride, the ease of installation makes this model easy to use.

The seat belt and seat belts will allow children to remain seated in all circumstances, even on uneven roads.

Suitable for children up to 22 kg, you are guaranteed to spend pleasant moments with your child on VAE.

Le Polisport electric bike city helmet

If you are looking for a lightweight yet equally durable safety helmet, this Polisport city helmet is the perfect model to choose from! Available in sizes from 58 cm to 62 cm, this extra protection keeps you safe at all times. With the EN 1078 certification, this helmet has proven its reliability in tests conducted to assess its impact resistance.

In addition, in addition to the absence of a rule requiring the wearing of a helmet by the pilot VAE, the latter offers several significant security benefits!

See also: 8 Best Gifts for an eBike Cyclist

Conclusion

Before you start buying electric bycicle Therefore, it is important for your child to consider their age so as not to be exposed to any risk.

After all, a child under 14 years old will not be able to pilot his VAE on the road, even in the company of an adult.

The risk of accidents and the persistent lack of safety at the level of the carriageway are the main reasons for this prohibition. And in case of non-compliance, you will be fined with a large fine.

On the other hand, it is quite possible to drive on VAE with their children thanks to the special equipment present in our store.

Therefore, we recommend that you take an interest in it and complement this range with safety accessories for confident driving.

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