In an interview with New Jersey Family last fall, we asked Leigh Ann Von Hagen, executive director of the Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center at Rutgers University, what teens should do to stay as safe as possible when riding an e-bike.
“Safety isn’t just about wearing a helmet, though in New Jersey, it is the law for anyone 17 and under riding a bike, scooter, skateboard or other wheeled device. Helmets do not prevent crashes; they can only help prevent injuries if worn correctly,” said Hagen, an adjunct professor at the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers. “The first step is to make sure the e-bike itself is safe to ride. That means choosing a good-quality bike from a reputable vendor and then doing a quick safety check before every ride. A brief ‘ABC Quick Check’ (Air, Brakes, Chain, Quick releases) can help make sure everything is in working order.”
Here’s a short video that walks through the ABC Quick Check.
We also asked Von Hagen what should be done to make riding e-bikes safer.
“A big part of the solution is safer street design. Communities can protect young riders by slowing traffic, building separated bike infrastructure, and improving trail crossings so drivers see people on bikes,” she said. “On the rider’s side, the basics go a long way. Riders should check their bike’s condition, wear a helmet, follow traffic laws, and ride predictably so drivers know what to expect. That means riding with traffic (even in bike lanes), stopping at lights and stop signs, using hand signals, and obeying speed limits. Parents play a powerful role in teaching these habits early.”
She also said community involvement builds a culture of safety and that drivers have a responsibility to slow down, stay alert, and follow New Jersey’s Safe Passing Law. “When families, municipalities, schools and neighbors work together to create safer conditions, we can protect young riders and prevent future tragedies,” she said.