Ride Smart, Ride Safe: The Electric Vehicle Safety Guide
Electric cars, scooters, skateboards, and e-bikes are changing how people travel throughout their communities. As these electric vehicles become more common, it is important that riders understand how differently each type operates and handles, and the unique safety concerns they pose.
Local laws may also limit where certain electric transportation devices can be used. For parents, there are additional considerations when choosing an e-vehicle for a child, including where and when the child may ride it.
Why More People Are Choosing Electric Transportation
Electric transportation has moved beyond a small group of early adopters. In 2023, 19.4% of Americans who rode a bicycle at least once reported using an e-bike, compared to 7.8% in 2021. E-bikes also accounted for 63% of the growth in bicycle dollar sales between 2019 and 2023.
An e-bike can make a long commute more practical. An e-scooter can cover the distance between a train station and an office. Hybrid cars reduce fuel consumption, while fully electric cars eliminate routine trips to the gas station. Many electric cars also require less powertrain maintenance because they have fewer moving parts than gasoline-powered vehicles.
As electric transportation becomes more common, rapid adoption has outpaced many people’s knowledge of how to use these vehicles properly. Practicing away from traffic and checking the vehicle before each trip can help prevent an early mistake from causing a crash.
Electric Bikes
E-bikes require the same balance and road awareness as traditional bicycles, but the motor changes the riding experience. The bike may accelerate faster than expected, and the added weight of the motor and battery can increase the distance required to stop safely.
Electric Bike Safety Tips
In a national survey, e-bike riders said their recent e-bike trips replaced an average of 9.3 motor vehicle miles per trip. As more people try e-bikes, many are learning how they handle for the first time.
Before your first commute on an e-bike, find a quiet place to practice the following:
- Starting, braking, and turning at low speeds
- Leaving extra room to stop because the motor and battery add weight
- Slowing before a turn instead of adding assistance midway through it
On the road, do the following:
- Use front and rear lights, even during the day.
- Follow traffic laws and signal before turning.
- Slow down near pedestrians and leave room when passing.
- Put away phones and avoid headphones that block traffic sounds.
Even a careful rider cannot control the actions of nearby drivers. Someone injured in an e-bike or bicycle accident may have questions about insurance coverage, medical bills, or who was responsible for the incident.
E-Bike Laws Riders Should Know
Many states have systems that assign e-bikes into one of three classes, as follows:
- Class 1: Pedal assistance up to 20 mph
- Class 2: Throttle assistance up to 20 mph
- Class 3: Pedal assistance up to 28 mph
The designated class affects where an e-bike may be ridden:
Massachusetts currently recognizes Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes and treats them much like traditional bicycles. These e-bikes cannot be ridden on sidewalks, and local authorities may restrict their use on bike paths or unpaved trails.
Meanwhile, Rhode Island recognizes all three classes and allows Class 1 e-bikes on state bicycle trails and paths. Access rules may also depend on the city, park, or agency responsible for the property, so riders should review the requirements for the specific road, trail, or path they plan to use.
E-Bike Battery Storage and Maintenance
An e-bike battery needs more care than simply plugging it in after a ride. Factors such as using the wrong charger, exposing the battery to excessive heat, or poor storage can shorten its life and increase the risk of a fire. Following a few routine steps can protect both the battery and the bike:
- Unplug the charger when the charging cycle ends. Do not leave the battery connected for extended periods, such as when you are asleep or away from home.
- Let the battery cool before charging. If the battery becomes unusually hot, stop using it immediately and have it inspected if the problem continues.
- Store the charger indoors in a dry, moderate-temperature location, away from direct sunlight and flammable materials.
- For long-term storage, remove the battery when possible and follow the manufacturer’s recommended charge level.
- Never submerge the battery or use a pressure washer. Clean it with a soft cloth, and apply grease to the terminals only if the manufacturer specifically recommends it.
Electric Cars
Electric cars are commonly used and seen on roads across the country. At the end of 2023, California had more than 1.25 million registered all-electric vehicles, accounting for about 35% of the national total.
Drivers switching to electric cars may need time to adjust to how quietly an EV moves, how quickly it responds, and how rapidly it accelerates. Regenerative braking can also feel unfamiliar at first. The differences continue after the drive. Owners need to plan around charging and follow the maintenance schedule for their specific vehicle. Public charging restrictions and HOV-lane rules add another layer of adjustment.
Electric Vehicle Laws Drivers Should Know
Learning how an EV handles is only part of the adjustment. Drivers also need to know when they may use restricted lanes and how long they can remain in a public charging space.
For instance, electric vehicles are not eligible for a solo-driver exception in Massachusetts HOV lanes. MassDOT requires all vehicles, including electric and hybrid, to have at least two occupants traveling in its I-93 HOV lanes.
Charging spaces carry separate restrictions. In Rhode Island, a vehicle may not stop, stand, or park in a signed EV charging space unless it is connected to the charger. The violation carries a $100 fine. In Connecticut, only a battery-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle may occupy a public charging space. At state-operated chargers, the vehicle must be actively charging and removed when the posted time expires.
Electric Car Battery Safety and Vehicle Maintenance
- Use regenerative braking as directed by the manufacturer. The motor slows the vehicle while returning some energy to the battery, which may reduce wear on the brake pads. Conventional brakes remain necessary, especially during emergencies or when the battery is full.
- In very hot or cold weather, route to a DC fast charger through the vehicle’s navigation system. Models with battery preconditioning may warm or cool the battery before arrival.
- Arrange a professional inspection, especially after a hard undercarriage impact or suspected battery damage.
- After a car accident, stay away from smoke, leaking fluid, exposed wiring, or unusual heat. Do not inspect or repair the high-voltage system yourself.
Electric Scooters
Electric scooters have quickly moved from a novelty to a regular part of city travel. E-scooters are part of a broader category known as micromobility, which includes small, low-speed vehicles used for short trips, such as e-bikes, scooters, and electric skateboards.
Shared bike and scooter systems recorded 157 million trips across the United States and Canada in 2023, the highest total reported at that time. Many riders use these services for short trips or to travel from public transit to their final destination.
Electric Scooter Safety Tips for Riders
The convenience of an electric scooter can make the ride feel deceptively simple. However, its small wheels may stop suddenly when they hit a crack, loose debris, or uneven pavement. What many riders may not realize is that they need to watch farther ahead than they might on a bicycle.
When riding an e-scooter, take the following steps to keep yourself and others safe:
- Inspect the handlebars, brakes, throttle, lights, tires, cables, and frame for damage.
- Test the brakes at low speed and learn how much room the scooter needs to stop.
- Keep both hands on the handlebars and carry bags somewhere they will not interfere with steering.
- Wear a properly fitted helmet and consider knee and elbow pads.
- Ride alone and avoid phones, music, alcohol, and drugs.
- Slow down for bumps, remain visible, and be ready to stop if a driver or pedestrian does not see you.
Electric Scooter Laws Riders Should Know
Electric scooters are not regulated the same in every state. Some states treat e-scooters like bicycles, while others impose licensing and equipment rules similar to those for motorized vehicles.
Massachusetts law requires motorized scooter riders to hold a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit. The scooter may not exceed 20 mph, and the rider must wear a helmet. Passengers and nighttime riding are prohibited. Riders must keep to the right and use a scooter equipped with working stop and turn signals.
Connecticut treats qualifying electric scooters more like bicycles on the roadway. Sidewalk riding is permitted unless a local ordinance or state traffic regulation prohibits it. Riders must yield to pedestrians, and anyone age 17 or younger must wear approved protective headgear.
E-Scooter Storage and Care
A folding scooter has a latch and surrounding hardware to keep the stem upright. Before each ride, unfold the scooter fully and confirm that the latch is locked. Check for loose fasteners, cracks, or movement in the stem. Do not ride if it shifts, makes an unusual sound, or does not lock securely. Folding-mechanism failures have led to scooter recalls and reported rider injuries.
Water resistance varies by model, but the scooter typically cannot be submerged. Avoid deep puddles or standing water that could reach the deck, battery, or hub motor. Store the scooter somewhere dry, and make sure it is completely dry before charging.
Electric Skateboard and Longboard Safety
Electric skateboards and longboards are gaining attention as compact options for short commutes and recreation. GlobalNewsWire valued the global electric skateboard industry at approximately $2.07 billion in 2024 and projected it to reach $3.41 billion by 2034.
Electric longboards offer a larger deck than shorter boards, which can feel more stable. However, its motor and handheld remote introduce a different learning curve. New riders should become comfortable with both before using an electric longboard near traffic or pedestrians.
Electric Skateboard Safety Tips for Riders
An electric skateboard responds differently from a traditional skateboard, especially when the rider uses the remote to accelerate or brake. New riders should practice in an open, traffic-free area and remain at the lowest speed setting until the controls feel predictable. Here are some tips:
- Accelerate and brake gradually. Sudden remote input can throw the rider off balance.
- Test the brakes before each ride and stop when the board or remote battery is running low.
- Wear a helmet, wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads.
- Stay within the speed recommended for your skill level.
- Avoid wet pavement. Water can reduce traction and damage the battery or electrical components.
- Use the manufacturer’s procedure for a lost remote connection or braking failure.
Electric Skateboard Safety Tips for Riders
An electric skateboard responds differently from a traditional skateboard, especially when the rider uses the remote to accelerate or brake. New riders should practice in an open, traffic-free area and remain at the lowest speed setting until the controls feel predictable. Here are some tips:
- Accelerate and brake gradually. Sudden remote input can throw the rider off balance.
- Test the brakes before each ride and stop when the board or remote battery is running low.
- Wear a helmet, wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads.
- Stay within the speed recommended for your skill level.
- Avoid wet pavement. Water can reduce traction and damage the battery or electrical components.
- Use the manufacturer’s procedure for a lost remote connection or braking failure.
What Parents Need to Know About Kids and Electric Vehicles
A device that fits an adult may be too heavy or fast for a child. Before buying an e-vehicle, compare the manufacturer’s age and weight limits with your child’s coordination and experience. Be wary of high-powered products marketed as e-bikes. Some are legally considered mopeds or motorcycles and may require a license, registration, and insurance.
Parents can set safer expectations from the beginning by:
- Requiring a properly fitted helmet for every ride
- Keeping younger riders away from active streets until they can safely handle the device and understand traffic rules
- Setting clear boundaries for how, where, and when they may ride
- Supervise charging, making sure only the manufacturer-approved charger is being used
In addition, do not charge the device overnight or inside a child’s bedroom, and unplug it when the charging is complete. Doing so can prevent fires.
If your child has an accident, watch for certain symptoms, including changes in behavior, unusual sleepiness, dizziness, vomiting, or pain that does not improve.