It is important to note that all kids that want to ride electric bikes should be monitored and under parent supervision. There are great training programs available to many kids around road safety that you can often find at your local school, sheriff or fire department. Kids should learn road safety, wear a helmet and protective gear and avoid riding in low light or on any roads where speeding is a problem (which is almost everywhere). Laws and regulations are also changing around the ages and certifications your kid might need to ride an electric bike, those laws are generally at the state or city level. We will do our best to cover some of those regulation and law changes but you can also check with your local authorities who will know best.
Finally, kids deserve freedom and we should all do our part in making roads safe for kids and allow them to ride electric bikes in the neighborhoods and to and from school.
Around 8-10 years of age, kids transition from riding as passengers on their parent's eBike to riding independently on their own. This can be an exciting first step for them on their long journey of micromobility.
eBikes for kids this age are great because they provide extra assistance to ride along with the rest of their family and tackle terrain that might otherwise be challenging. Fortunately, there are a variety of eBikes specifically designed for young kids.
eBikes for the youngest riders may resemble a “balance bike” design that lacks pedals, which is helpful for kids who are still getting their footing on two wheels. eBikes for older, bigger kids are similar to full-sized adult eBikes, but have smaller frames and wheels.
Due to kids' lighter weight and smaller size, the motors and batteries used on these eBikes are also smaller. Many kid-specific eBikes will regulate the top speed to 7-13 mph for safety. The components are designed to be simple and sturdy, making maintenance easier.
Why eBikes Are Good for 8-to-10-Year-Olds
With the explosion in the popularity of eBikes, parents are discovering the joy and utility of micromobility. As children transition from riding in a child seat to riding on their own, eBikes allow them to comfortably ride alongside the family.
In hilly areas, an eBike can make all the difference in a child's experience, allowing them to joyfully ascend steep hills with their parents instead of struggling—or worse, giving up halfway through.
An eBike's added boost is also beneficial when young legs tire during a long family ride. That extra push can help kids make it to the end, and keep everyone smiling.
Whatever the situation, eBikes can make your child’s first rides into positive experiences that can grow into a lifelong love of riding.
Considerations When Buying an eBike For a Young Rider
Getting Used To A Motorized eBike - Powered assistance and balancing on two wheels may seem daunting to young riders. Close supervision and guidance are essential for kids’ safety. Fortunately, eBikes for young kids are mostly limited to a top speed of 7-13 mph, so they won’t be going very fast.
eBike Cost - As you will see below, eBikes for kids range from $500 - $4000, which is considerably more expensive than a traditional pedal bike.
Laws and Regulations - Some cities and/or states have a minimum age requirement for kids. Such laws usually apply only to public roads, though. Also, be aware that some trails and outdoor recreation areas prohibit eBikes.
Maintenance - eBikes require more maintenance than pedal bikes. In addition to the drivetrain, brakes, and tires, the batteries, motor, and controller also require periodic service and calibration.
Read on to discover some of the best eBikes for kids ages 8 -10.
The Kent Torpedo is the kid’s eBike that delivers exceptional value.
Reasons to Buy
Sub- $500 price tag is extraordinary for an eBike
Wheels and frame are sized well for 8-10-year-old kids
180W motor delivers a top speed of 17 mph
Reasons Not to Buy
Entry-level components may lack performance or long-range durability
It requires extensive assembly
Specs
Motor: 180W rear hub-drive
Top speed: 12 mph (19.3 km/h)
Range: 15 miles (25 km)
Drive: 3 modes of pedal assist
Speeds: 6-speed derailleur shifting
Battery: 24V 5.2Ah 125 Wh
Frame: Aluminum
Weight: 39.4 lbs (17.9 kg)
Suspension: Front Suspension fork
Brakes: V brakes
Wheels: 20” front/rear
Color: Black/Yellow, Blue/Black
With its throttle-based acceleration, the STACYC 16e eBike is a great first step for the young rider who dream of one day riding moto.
Reasons to Buy
20 lb weight is manageable for small riders
Parents can set acceleration and speed settings
16” wheels are durable to handle bumps and knocks
Reasons Not to Buy
The rear brake can be hard to pull for small hands.
Specs
Motor: Brushless motor
Top speed: 13 mph (20.9 km/h)
Range: 12 miles (19 km)
Drive: 3 modes throttle assist
Speeds: Single speed
Battery: 20V 4Ah
Frame: Aluminum
Weight: 20 lbs (9.1 kg)
Suspension: Ridgid
Brakes: Rear
Wheels: 16” front/rear
Warranty: Frame - 5 years, Non electrical components - 1 year, Electrical components - 90 days
Color: Black
For the discerning 8-10-year-old rider, Woom raises the bar with the premium Up 5 eMTB.
Reasons to Buy
At 37.5 lbs, it is very light and manageable for small riders.
The FAUZA drive system and SRAM NX drivetrain deliver seamless assistance and shifting.
Hydraulic brakes and brake levers are specifically designed for children’s hands.
Geometry is specially tuned for kids.
Reasons Not to Buy
Very expensive
Specs
Motor: 250W FAUZA mid-drive
Top speed: 12 mph (19.3 km/h)
Range: Not available
Drive: Pedal assist
Speeds: 11-speed derailleur shifting
Battery: 250 Wh
Frame: Aluminum
Weight: 35.6 lbs (16.1 kg)
Suspension: 90mm Front Suspension fork
Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes
Wheels: 24” x 2.35” front/rear
Warranty: 2 years
Color: Electric blue
JOYSTAR 20” Retro Electric Bike
The JOYSTAR 20” Retro eBike evokes memories of the vintage Schwinn Stingray, complete with a seat and backrest, upswept handlebars, and chrome fenders.
Reasons to Buy
Mechanical disc brakes with motor auto cutoff for safer braking
Fat 3” tires for stable riding
Removable battery for easier charging
Reasons Not to Buy
Sized for larger kids
Ridgid fork doesn’t offer any suspension
Specs
Motor: 250W rear hub-drive
Top speed: 17 mph (27.35 km/h)
Range: 15-22 miles (24-35 km)
Drive: 3 modes of pedal assist and throttle power
Speeds: Single speed
Battery: 36V 7Ah
Frame: Steel
Weight: 54 lbs (24.5 kg)
Suspension: Ridgid
Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes with brake motor safety cut off
Wheels: 20” x 3” front/rear
Warranty: 1 year
Color: Oil slick, black
Mondraker Play 20”
The Mondaker Play 20” kids’ eBike fits a unique niche with quality components, a small frame, and 20” wheels that can fit younger kids.
Reasons to Buy
Equipped with the same Mahle Ebikemotion X-35 motor and 250Wh battery used on Mondraker’s adult ebikes.
Aggressive 2.4” tires
Reasons Not to Buy
Hefty price tag
Lack of suspension can result in a harsh ride
Specs
Motor: Mahle-Ebikemotion X-35 rear hub motor
Top speed: 15.6 mph (25 km/h)
Range: Not available
Drive: 3 modes of pedal assist
Speeds: 9-speed derailleur shifting
Battery: 250 Wh
Frame: Aluminum
Weight: 28.4 lbs (12.9 kg)
Suspension: Ridgid
Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes
Wheels: 20” x 2.4” front/rear
Warranty: 2 years
Color: Orange/black