The Best eBikes for Teens & Pre-Teens, Ages 11-17 | Ride Review (2024)

eBikes are an excellent mobility option for pre-teens and teenagers alike, allowing them to experience the benefits of micromobility, teaching personal responsibility, and providing independence.

There is a wide variety of eBikes designed specifically for kids that feature smaller frames and wheels. Due to kids' lighter weight and smaller size, the motors and batteries used in these eBikes are also smaller, yet still capable of delivering adequate power and range. Many kid-specific eBikes will regulate the top speed to 7-13 mph for safety, and the components are designed to be simple and sturdy, making maintenance easier.

Older kids can also take advantage of compact adult ebikes. These ebikes have larger batteries and motors for a more extended range, racks and mounts to carry cargo, and accessories to make them suitable for riding on public streets.

Benefits of eBikes For Kids

Mobility and Independence - One of the key benefits of eBikes for kids ages 11-17 is that they provide mobility and independence. Instead of relying on their parents to take them places, kids can ride where they need whenever they want. They get their first step toward freedom, without the cost and risk of a car.

Responsibility of Ownership - For many teens, an eBike is their first significant responsibility. To protect their investment, kids must learn how to maintain their eBikes and secure them from theft.

Learn About Road Safety - Kids will likely ride on public streets to get to school or other destinations. They will quickly learn to ride in traffic and navigate routes through town safely.

‍Experience Micromobility - Most notably, eBikes let kids experience the benefits of micromobility. They’ll discover how small electric vehicles are a more sustainable, healthier, and more enjoyable mode of transportation.

Freedom For Parents - When kids can ride their eBikes to school, practice, and visit friends, parents can save money and time from needless driving.

Considerations When Buying eBikes ForYour Child

Local Laws - Some states and cities have minimum age regulations for kids to ride eBikes on public streets. Check with your city or state for age restrictions before investing in an eBike for your kids.

Kid Safety - A motorized eBike can reach 20-28 mph, which introduces additional risk to kids, especially if riding on public streets with vehicle traffic.

‍Maintenance - Electronics, batteries, motors, and other components require regular maintenance to ensure safety, longevity, and performance. Teaching your kids the basics of eBike care will increase their enjoyment and safety.

Theft - Theft is a serious concern with eBikes, so you’ll want to make sure your child understands the importance of protecting their bike before buying them one.

Between kid-specific eBikes and some of the compact adult eBikes, there are plenty of options for younger riders who want electrical assistance. Keep reading to see the kids’ eBikes that we reviewed.

Best Value eBike: The Hyper eRide Mountain eBike is an incredible value for an introductory eMTB. For a mere $648, you get a front suspension, Class 1 pedal-assist motor, and a 20-mile range.

Reasons To Buy

• Price and Value

• 26” wheels

• Fairly lightweight

Reasons Not To Buy

• The low-capacity battery only has a 20-mile range

Specs

• Motor: 250W hub-drive motor

• Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)

• Range: Up to 20 mi (32 km)

• Drive: Multiple modes of pedal assist

• Speeds: 6-speed derailleur shifting

• Battery: 36V / 7.8 AH

• Frame: Aluminum

• Weight: 48.5 lbs (22 kg)

• Suspension: Front suspension fork

• Brakes: Rim V- brakes

• Wheels: 26” x 1.8” front/rear

• Warranty: Frame - Limited Lifetime of original owner

• Color: Grey

Best City Commuter eBike: The folding Hiland ROCKSHARK is ideal for young riders commuting in the city.

Reasons To Buy

• The folding design is helpful when storage space is limited

• Motor auto cutoff for added safety

• Can remove the battery for charging

Reasons Not To Buy

• Small tires are only suitable for riding on pavement

Specs

• Motor: 250W hub-drive motor

• Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)

• Range: 26-40 mi (41 - 64 km)

• Drive: Pedal assist and throttle power

• Speeds: 7-speed derailleur shifting

• Battery: 36V / 7.8 AH

• Frame: Aluminum

• Weight: 45 lbs (20.4 kg)

• Suspension: Ridgid

• Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes

• Wheels: 20” x 1.75” front/rear

• Warranty: Limited Lifetime

• Color: Black/Yellow

Best Compact eBike: The Lectric XP Lite is compact, perfect for smaller riders looking for a full-featured eBike.

Reasons To Buy

• Fat tires provide secure traction on varied terrain

• The folding frame is good for storing in tight spaces and transporting in cars

• Single-speed drivetrain requires less maintenance

• It comes equipped with front/rear racks, panniers, and lights

Reasons Not To Buy

• The small frame doesn’t fit taller riders

• Hills may strain the single-speed drivetrain

Specs

• Motor: 300W hub-drive motor

• Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)

• Range: Up to 40 mi (64 km)

• Drive: 5 modes of pedal assist and throttle power

• Speeds: Single-speed

• Battery: 48V / 7.8 Ah

• Frame: Aluminum

• Weight: 45.9 lbs (20.8 kg)

• Suspension: Ridgid front fork, suspension seat post

• Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes

• Wheels: 20” x 2.6” front/rear

• Warranty: 1 Year

• Color: White, Blue, Black, Sandstorm

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Best "GoAnywhere"eBike: The Heybike Mars is an affordable and capable option for young riders getting their first eBike.

Reasons To Buy

• Front suspension and suspension seatpost

• 4” tires absorb bumps and provide good traction on rough terrain

• Removable battery for charging

Reasons Not To Buy

• The range is less than average

• Not waterproof

Specs

• Motor: 500W hub-drive motor

• Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)

• Range: Up to 48 mi (77.25 km)

• Drive: 3 modes of pedal assist and throttle power

• Speeds: 7-speed derailleur shifting

• Battery: 48V / 12.5 AH

• Frame: Aluminum

• Weight: 65.9 lbs (29.9 kg)

• Suspension: Front Suspension fork, suspension seatpost

• Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes

• Wheels: 20” x 4” front/rear

• Warranty: 1 year

• Color: White, Black, Blue

Best Compact Folding Mini: The folding Rad Power RadMini is an eBike that can adapt to kids as they grow.

Reasons To Buy

• Wide tires and front suspension soak up potholes

• Mechanical brakes are easier to maintain

• It comes with fenders, lights, and a kickstand

• Reflective sidewalls on tires improve visibility at night

Reasons Not To Buy

• It doesn’t include racks

• It is heavy at 68 lbs (30 kg) for kids to maneuver

Specs

• Motor: 750W hub-drive motor

• Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)

• Range: Up to 48 mi (77.25 km)

• Drive: 5 modes of pedal assist and throttle power

• Speeds: 7-speed derailleur shifting

• Battery: 48V / 14Ah

• Frame: Aluminum

• Weight: 68.3 lbs (31 kg)

• Suspension: Front Suspension fork

• Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes

• Wheels: 20” x 4” front/rear

• Warranty: 1 year

• Color: Black

Best Dedicated Trail eMTB: If you’ve got young ones serious about mountain biking, the Commencal Meta HT Power Kids eMTB is the eBike for them.

Reasons To Buy

• Features trail geometry that is proportioned for smaller riders

• 120mm front suspension provides ample cushion for rocky terrain

• Shimano e7000 mid-drive motor delivers smooth power

Reasons Not To Buy

• Expensive

• Specialized for mountain biking - no rack or accessory options for city commuting

Specs

• Motor: 250W Shimano e7000 mid-drive

• Top speed: 20 mph (32 km/h)

• Range: Not available

• Drive: Pedal assist

• Speeds: 10-speed derailleur shifting

• Battery: 418 Wh

• Frame: Aluminum

• Weight: 41 lbs (18.6 kg)

• Suspension: 120mm Front Suspension fork

• Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes

• Wheels: 24” x 2.4” front/rear

• Warranty: 2 years

• Color: Grey‍

Best Premium eBike: The Woom Up 6 is a premium eBike for kids ages 10-14 designed by a leader in kid-specific bikes.

Reasons To Buy

• 37 lb eBike is very manageable for kids

• The FAUZA mid-drive motor provides smooth assistance

• It has premium components found on high-end mountain bikes

• Kid-specific geometry

Reasons Not To Buy

• One of the most expensive eBikes for kids

• High-end components require more maintenance

‍Specs

• Motor: 250W FAUZA mid-drive

• Top speed: 12 mph (19.3 km/h)

• Range: 12 miles (19 km)

• Drive: Pedal assist

• Speeds: 11-speed derailleur shifting

• Battery: 250 Wh

• Frame: Aluminum

• Weight: 37 lbs (18.6 kg)

• Suspension: 90mm Front Suspension fork

• Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes

• Wheels: 26” x 2.4” front/rear

• Warranty: 2 years

• Color: Blue