A University of Michigan poll found that 67% of parents were not informed about e-bike types, while just 6% felt very informed. Conducted in July 2026, the nationally representative survey included 1,234 parents of children ages 11 to 18.
Thirty-five percent said someone in their family had ridden an e-bike. Rider injury was a downside for 82% and pedestrian injury for 62%; 45% did not know where e-bikes were supposed to be ridden. For a typical teenager, 65% considered e-bikes more dangerous than regular bicycles.
Parents showed more support for safety measures than a ban: 80% strongly backed helmet requirements, 68% minimum-age labels for e-bike types, 63% clearer riding-location markings and 57% safety training; 11% strongly supported a complete ban. The poll said Class 1 and 2 models can assist up to 20 mph, and Class 3 up to 28 mph. Separately, pediatric emergency physician Dr. Andy Hashikawa told WILX hospitalization rates involving e-bikes and e-scooters are nearly twice those for regular bicycles.
