eBikes are an excellent mobility option for pre-teens and teenagers alike, allowing them to experience the benefits of micromobility, teaching personal responsibility, and providing independence.
There is a wide variety of eBikes designed specifically for kids that feature smaller frames and wheels. Due to kids' lighter weight and smaller size, the motors and batteries used in these eBikes are also smaller, yet still capable of delivering adequate power and range. Many kid-specific eBikes will regulate the top speed to 7-13 mph for safety, and the components are designed to be simple and sturdy, making maintenance easier.
Older kids can also take advantage of compact adult ebikes. These ebikes have larger batteries and motors for a more extended range, racks and mounts to carry cargo, and accessories to make them suitable for riding on public streets.
Benefits of eBikes For Kids
Mobility and Independence - One of the key benefits of eBikes for kids ages 11-17 is that they provide mobility and independence. Instead of relying on their parents to take them places, kids can ride where they need whenever they want. They get their first step toward freedom, without the cost and risk of a car.
Responsibility of Ownership - For many teens, an eBike is their first significant responsibility. To protect their investment, kids must learn how to maintain their eBikes and secure them from theft.
Learn About Road Safety - Kids will likely ride on public streets to get to school or other destinations. They will quickly learn to ride in traffic and navigate routes through town safely.
Experience Micromobility - Most notably, eBikes let kids experience the benefits of micromobility. They’ll discover how small electric vehicles are a more sustainable, healthier, and more enjoyable mode of transportation.
Freedom For Parents - When kids can ride their eBikes to school, practice, and visit friends, parents can save money and time from needless driving.
Considerations When Buying eBikes ForYour Child
Local Laws - Some states and cities have minimum age regulations for kids to ride eBikes on public streets. Check with your city or state for age restrictions before investing in an eBike for your kids.
Kid Safety - A motorized eBike can reach 20-28 mph, which introduces additional risk to kids, especially if riding on public streets with vehicle traffic.
Maintenance - Electronics, batteries, motors, and other components require regular maintenance to ensure safety, longevity, and performance. Teaching your kids the basics of eBike care will increase their enjoyment and safety.
Theft - Theft is a serious concern with eBikes, so you’ll want to make sure your child understands the importance of protecting their bike before buying them one.
Between kid-specific eBikes and some of the compact adult eBikes, there are plenty of options for younger riders who want electrical assistance. Keep reading to see the kids’ eBikes that we reviewed.
Best Value eBike: The Hyper eRide Mountain eBike is an incredible value for an introductory eMTB. For a mere $648, you get a front suspension, Class 1 pedal-assist motor, and a 20-mile range.
Reasons To Buy
Price and Value
26” wheels
Fairly lightweight
Reasons Not To Buy
The low-capacity battery only has a 20-mile range
Specs
Motor: 250W hub-drive motor
Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)
Range: Up to 20 mi (32 km)
Drive: Multiple modes of pedal assist
Speeds: 6-speed derailleur shifting
Battery: 36V / 7.8 AH
Frame: Aluminum
Weight: 48.5 lbs (22 kg)
Suspension: Front suspension fork
Brakes: Rim V- brakes
Wheels: 26” x 1.8” front/rear
Warranty: Frame - Limited Lifetime of original owner
Color: Grey
Best City Commuter eBike: The folding Hiland ROCKSHARK is ideal for young riders commuting in the city.
Reasons To Buy
The folding design is helpful when storage space is limited
Motor auto cutoff for added safety
Can remove the battery for charging
Reasons Not To Buy
Small tires are only suitable for riding on pavement
Specs
Motor: 250W hub-drive motor
Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)
Range: 26-40 mi (41 - 64 km)
Drive: Pedal assist and throttle power
Speeds: 7-speed derailleur shifting
Battery: 36V / 7.8 AH
Frame: Aluminum
Weight: 45 lbs (20.4 kg)
Suspension: Ridgid
Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes
Wheels: 20” x 1.75” front/rear
Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Color: Black/Yellow
Best Compact eBike: The Lectric XP Lite is compact, perfect for smaller riders looking for a full-featured eBike.
Reasons To Buy
Fat tires provide secure traction on varied terrain
The folding frame is good for storing in tight spaces and transporting in cars
Single-speed drivetrain requires less maintenance
It comes equipped with front/rear racks, panniers, and lights
Reasons Not To Buy
The small frame doesn’t fit taller riders
Hills may strain the single-speed drivetrain
Specs
Motor: 300W hub-drive motor
Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)
Range: Up to 40 mi (64 km)
Drive: 5 modes of pedal assist and throttle power
Speeds: Single-speed
Battery: 48V / 7.8 Ah
Frame: Aluminum
Weight: 45.9 lbs (20.8 kg)
Suspension: Ridgid front fork, suspension seat post
Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes
Wheels: 20” x 2.6” front/rear
Warranty: 1 Year
Color: White, Blue, Black, Sandstorm
Best "GoAnywhere"eBike: The Heybike Mars is an affordable and capable option for young riders getting their first eBike.
Reasons To Buy
Front suspension and suspension seatpost
4” tires absorb bumps and provide good traction on rough terrain
Removable battery for charging
Reasons Not To Buy
The range is less than average
Not waterproof
Specs
Motor: 500W hub-drive motor
Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)
Range: Up to 48 mi (77.25 km)
Drive: 3 modes of pedal assist and throttle power
Speeds: 7-speed derailleur shifting
Battery: 48V / 12.5 AH
Frame: Aluminum
Weight: 65.9 lbs (29.9 kg)
Suspension: Front Suspension fork, suspension seatpost
Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes
Wheels: 20” x 4” front/rear
Warranty: 1 year
Color: White, Black, Blue
Best Compact Folding Mini: The folding Rad Power RadMini is an eBike that can adapt to kids as they grow.
Reasons To Buy
Wide tires and front suspension soak up potholes
Mechanical brakes are easier to maintain
It comes with fenders, lights, and a kickstand
Reflective sidewalls on tires improve visibility at night
Reasons Not To Buy
It doesn’t include racks
It is heavy at 68 lbs (30 kg) for kids to maneuver
Specs
Motor: 750W hub-drive motor
Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)
Range: Up to 48 mi (77.25 km)
Drive: 5 modes of pedal assist and throttle power
Speeds: 7-speed derailleur shifting
Battery: 48V / 14Ah
Frame: Aluminum
Weight: 68.3 lbs (31 kg)
Suspension: Front Suspension fork
Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes
Wheels: 20” x 4” front/rear
Warranty: 1 year
Color: Black
Best Dedicated Trail eMTB: If you’ve got young ones serious about mountain biking, the Commencal Meta HT Power Kids eMTB is the eBike for them.
Reasons To Buy
Features trail geometry that is proportioned for smaller riders
120mm front suspension provides ample cushion for rocky terrain
Shimano e7000 mid-drive motor delivers smooth power
Reasons Not To Buy
Expensive
Specialized for mountain biking - no rack or accessory options for city commuting
Specs
Motor: 250W Shimano e7000 mid-drive
Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)
Range: Not available
Drive: Pedal assist
Speeds: 10-speed derailleur shifting
Battery: 418 Wh
Frame: Aluminum
Weight: 41 lbs (18.6 kg)
Suspension: 120mm Front Suspension fork
Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes
Wheels: 24” x 2.4” front/rear
Warranty: 2 years
Color: Grey
Best Premium eBike: The Woom Up 6 is a premium eBike for kids ages 10-14 designed by a leader in kid-specific bikes.
Reasons To Buy
37 lb eBike is very manageable for kids
The FAUZA mid-drive motor provides smooth assistance
It has premium components found on high-end mountain bikes
Kid-specific geometry
Reasons Not To Buy
One of the most expensive eBikes for kids
High-end components require more maintenance
Specs
Motor: 250W FAUZA mid-drive
Top speed: 12 mph (19.3 km/h)
Range: 12 miles (19 km)
Drive: Pedal assist
Speeds: 11-speed derailleur shifting
Battery: 250 Wh
Frame: Aluminum
Weight: 37 lbs (18.6 kg)
Suspension: 90mm Front Suspension fork
Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes
Wheels: 26” x 2.4” front/rear
Warranty: 2 years
Color: Blue