Children deserve independence. They also deserve limits that match their ability to manage risk. We urge policymakers to establish a clear standard: children under sixteen should operate recreational powered mobility devices in public only when their powered speed is limited to less than 8 mph, with helmets required.
For roughly a century, American road safety practices have balanced freedom of movement with age, training, and demonstrated ability. Bicycles, skateboards, and push scooters have given children independence before driving age. Dirt biking, water skiing, snow sports, and similar activities can involve substantial speed, but supervised, designated settings offer opportunities to manage exposure that public streets and shared paths do not.
Driver licensing reflects the same principle. Around sixteen, many teenagers begin independent driving under restrictions; requirements vary by state. Sixteen is a policy milestone, not a point at which development is complete. Inexperience and immature judgment remain major risks, which is why graduated licensing phases in driving privileges. IIHS reports that drivers aged sixteen through nineteen have roughly three times the fatal crash rate per mile of drivers twenty and older. [1, 2]
Risk changes across a lifetime. Experience generally improves driving safety, while later declines in vision, cognition, or physical ability can require restrictions or an end to driving. Older adults may choose slower mobility alternatives, but there is no universal return to an 8 mph limit. The consistent principle is to match mobility to capability. [3]
E-bikes, e-scooters, and electric motorcycles challenge that balance when children gain access to sustained motorized speed before they are prepared for public traffic. Class labels alone cannot ensure age appropriate use, especially when devices are modified or speed limits bypassed. Falls from ordinary bicycles can cause fractures, concussions, or worse; added speed increases the energy involved in a collision. CPSC reports rising micromobility injuries and recommends helmets and compliance with local rules. [4]
A practical public standard would be to apply the under sixteen limit to recreational e-bikes, e-scooters, and e-motos on public streets, paths, and other places where riding is permitted. Require an effective, tamper resistant motor cutoff below 8 mph and a properly fitted helmet. A selectable slow mode on an otherwise unrestricted device should not qualify. Preserve disability related mobility access and address supervised activities in designated controlled settings separately. The 8 mph threshold is a precautionary proposal, not a proven boundary between safe and unsafe riding.
Parents and enforcement matter. Enforcement will be imperfect, but clear rules can deter unsafe choices and guide parents, retailers, schools, and police. Parents who knowingly provide an unsuitable powered vehicle may face civil liability depending on state law and the facts. Pair the standard with education, clear product disclosures, and proportionate enforcement. Ask local and state officials to adopt a consistent rule within their legal authority: preserve children’s mobility while limiting their exposure to motorized speed.