Electric bikes are a practical, economical, enjoyable, and reliable means of transportation for everyday trips. Cycling in the city increased by 34% in 2022, and the path is clear for this figure to continue rising (2024, the year of cycling).
This practice is therefore fully established among adults, but the question of young people using electric bikes frequently arises.
Can a child use an electric bike? What conditions must be met? What equipment is required? What are the road safety rules?
Follow the guide.
Regulations in France concerning electric bikes
When talking about electric bikes, an initial distinction is made between electric-assist bicycles (EABs) and speed bikes.
For electric-assist bicycles (EABs), the category to which the Yuvy by Elwing belongs, European legislation sets a maximum speed of 25 km/h.
For speed bikes, fast electric bikes, the maximum speed increases to 45 km/h, and the rules governing their use are stricter.
Therefore, the conditions for use by young people differ depending on the type of vehicle.
EAB
Definition and conditions of use
An EAB (electric-assist bicycle) is a bicycle equipped with a rechargeable battery and a motor. The electric assistance must operate only when the cyclist is pedaling and must cut out when pedaling stops. The motor’s power must not exceed 250 watts, the speed is limited to 25 km/h, and the batteries must be recyclable.
Using an EAB does not require a license, registration, or insurance (although insurance is recommended).
An EAB can be ridden on cycle paths.
Minimum age for riding an EAB (electric-assist bicycle)
As with a traditional model, there is currently no minimum age for riding an electric bike off the road: country roads, forest trails, and private land are considered less dangerous than roads.
To ride on cycle paths or the roadway, the law requires the rider to be over 8 years old:
- Article R. 412-34-1 bis of the Highway Code currently prohibits children under eight from riding bicycles on the roadway.
- Article R110-2 of the Highway Code defines a cycle path as a “roadway exclusively reserved for cycles with two or three wheels and motorized personal mobility devices” (including pedal-assisted vehicles), ridden by users over 8 years old.
In the event of an infraction, the child’s legal guardians may be fined.
Speed bike
Definition and conditions of use
A speed bike is an electric bike with a maximum speed of 45 km/h.
In France, this type of electric bike is classified as a moped, so its use is subject to certain conditions.
Unlike an EAB, a speed bike requires an A, B, or AM driving license (formerly BSR), a registration plate, insurance, and moped equipment (an approved helmet, gloves, and a yellow vest outside built-up areas). A speed bike must also be equipped with a front light and a brake light.
Speed bikes are prohibited on cycle paths.
Minimum age for riding a speed bike
According to Article R211-2 of the Highway Code, every moped rider must be at least fourteen years old and hold a road safety certificate if they are under sixteen.
To ride a speed bike in France, you must therefore be at least 14 years old.
Ride safely
If your child or teenager is going to use an electric bike, safety is essential.
Since March 22, 2017, the law has required children under 12 to wear an approved helmet. The helmet must be the appropriate size and correctly fastened and secured.
After that age, it is no longer mandatory but is strongly recommended for a safe and confident ride.
When cycling, it is also essential for your children to see and be seen and to have complete equipment. For children, a yellow vest or adhesive reflective strips on a backpack or coat can be a good solution, especially at night and in bad weather.
Wearing a yellow vest is also mandatory outside built-up areas, day or night, in poor visibility.
If your bike is a rental bike, the same obligations to comply with equipment safety requirements apply.
Technical considerations: size
For young people to use an electric bike, it must be suitable for their size.
Our two-seat cargo bike, the Yuvy, is suitable for someone who is at least 1.60 m tall. It is therefore not suitable for everyone, but there are other solutions for taking your child along on our compact cargo bike.
What if I want to transport my child on my electric bike?
Transporting your child on your own electric bike is entirely possible provided that the child is at least 9 months old (the age when babies begin to have enough muscle tone to sit up on their own).
The Yuvy by Elwing is a compact two-seat cargo bike designed for families. Children are therefore part of the equation. The motor is designed to remain powerful when transporting several people.
There are several ways to take your children with you:
- Your passenger can sit on the two-seat saddle provided that their feet reach the footrests. To reach the footrests, the child must be at least 1.50 m tall.
- You can also transport your children on an electric bike using a suitable, NF-approved front or rear seat. A trailer can also be an excellent option for transporting several children.
Read our complete guide to transporting children.
Ride safely!
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