I can’t believe I’m here writing this post. My oldest just turned thirteen this past year and guess what he asked for; yep, an E Bike (electric bike). I prefer to call it a motorcycle with a battery, because basically that’s what it is, right? So, what is the right e-bike for my kiddo (or any kiddo)? Before I allowed him to purchase his own (he earned and used his own money), we did a little research. I thought I could share that research with you and show you ultimately which bike he ended up with.
By the picture you can see which bike we chose. So far my son has loved it! I was worried there would be a “learning curve” to using the throttle, but he hopped right on and hasn’t had a problem.
By the way, you need to know a few things before jumping in to buying an e bike. I’ve shared a few below.
What do you look for in an E bike?
Models with fat tires offer extra stability and comfort, which is great for young riders and smaller riders exploring bike paths or rough terrain. Hydraulic disc brakes are great for reliable stopping power, a torque sensor or cadence sensor helps with a smoother ride. Most men would probably opt for a powerful motor, but I think the motor power doesn’t matter as much as safety.
Speaking of safety, these e-bikes often come with built-in rear lights for added safety and a high-capacity wh battery to maximize battery life.
What to know before you buy:
- Know your local regulations and rules before you purchase a bike as some local laws prohibit e bikes
- Know what class electric bike you plan to buy
- Know your budget
What are the classifications for e bikes?
E-bikes (electric bicycles) are commonly classified into three main classes based on the way their electric motor operates and their maximum speed. These classifications are important because they are used for regulatory and safety purposes.
Class 1: Pedal Assist (Pedelec)
- The electric motor assists only while you are pedaling.
- Assistance cuts off at 20 mph (32 km/h).
- No throttle; motor does not work unless you pedal.
- Allowed on most bike paths and trails.
Class 2: Throttle-Assisted
- The electric motor can propel the bike without pedaling (via a throttle).
- Maximum assisted speed is 20 mph (32 km/h).
- Can be used as a pedal-assist or with throttle only.
- Often allowed wherever Class 1 e-bikes are permitted, but some restrictions may apply.
Class 3: Speed Pedelec
- The electric motor assists only while pedaling.
- Assistance cuts off at 28 mph (45 km/h).
- Usually equipped with a speedometer.
- Typically not allowed on multi-use paths or bike trails unless specifically permitted; often restricted to road use.
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Three Best E-bikes for a teen
While ultimately, it’s our opinion of the best e bikes, we hope to give you some options of our favorites. From best value to best overall bike, we’ve picked our three that we love. If your teen wants an upgrade from a regular bike but isn’t quite ready for a motor vehicle yet, check out these E bikes. E bikes are a great way to get around without having to own a car (or pay for one).
Ridstar Electric Bike
For under one thousand dollars, this bike seemed to be the best deal we could find. It had nearly 400 (almost) 5 star reviews on Amazon. It had large tires for better grip on the road and at 66 pounds, it’s heavy!
The 20″ fat tires provide good stability and grip on various surfaces, while the front suspension fork helps smooth out bumps for a more comfortable ride. The Q20 Lite is equipped with mechanical disc brakes for reliable stopping power and includes both pedal assist and throttle modes, giving you flexibility in how you ride.
What mom likes: It’s sturdy and heavy, so it will be harder to tip over. It comes with decent Amazon ratings. I also like the wide tires which means more grip on the road.
What my teen likes: He loves the style of the bike and the fact that it looks more like a motorcycle than some of the “cruiser style” e bikes. He also likes the price point.
Heybike Ranger 2.0
The Heybike Ranger 2.0 is a foldable fat tire electric bike designed for versatility and comfort. It features a powerful 1400W Peak motor and 600Wh battery offering up to 60 miles max range. The 20″ x 4″ fat tires provide stability on a variety of terrains, while the front suspension fork ensures a smoother. The Ranger 2.0 is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes for strong, reliable stopping power and includes integrated front and rear lights for added safety. Its foldable frame makes storage and transportation easy, making it a great choice for commuters, adventurers, and anyone looking for a practical yet fun e-bike.
What mom likes: Storage isn’t a problem with this bike and it doesn’t take up so much space when not in use. The reviews say it’s very sturdy and it has wide tires for extra grip.
What my teen likes: He likes the LCD screen and the wide tires to help him feel safer on the road.
26″ Electric E Bike
This is a great electric bike with 1000W motor that goes up to 25 MPH. It comes with a cool water Resistant LCD Display. These E-Bicycles have 5 Riding Modes(Pure electric mode,Pedal assist mode,Classic bike mode) and 5 Pedal Assist Levels(PAS) for your choice.
The fun thing about this bike is that it comes in 10 different color variations! We also loved the ability to add a larger storage bag to the back of the bike.
What mom likes: mom loves the extra storage on the back and how easy it is to get on the bike (ease of use).
What my teen likes: He thinks the multiple color options are cool and he also likes the LCD screen.
You will notice that I did not include any high dollar models like the Talaria, mainly because of their higher speeds, but also because a lot of these bikes specify that you need to be at least 16 to ride them.
Have I given you some good options? I hope so. Let me know if you purchased something different and have had good luck with it.