The back-to-school ride has changed. More teens are using e-bikes, e-scooters, skateboards, electric scooters, and traditional bikes to get to school, practices, jobs, and friends’ houses.

These options can be fun, healthy, and practical. They also come with real risks because riders do not have the same protection as people inside cars. A collision with a negligent driver, poor road conditions, or defective equipment can lead to serious injuries, including head injuries, fractures, spinal injuries, and other long-term harm.

Quick Answer

Before a teen rides to school, families should review helmet fit, visibility, traffic direction, intersections, driveways, phone use, speed, route choice, and what to do if a crash happens. The best conversation is not just “follow the rules.” Ask the teen what they would do in real situations.

Back-to-School Rider Safety Checklist

• Wear a properly fitted helmet. The helmet should sit level and low on the forehead, with straps adjusted snugly.
• Ride with traffic. Riders should travel in the same direction as cars, not against traffic.
• Be visible. Bright clothing, reflective gear, front lights, rear lights, and eye contact with drivers can all help.
• Use intersections carefully. Follow traffic signs and signals. Stop, scan left-right-left, and avoid assuming drivers see you.
• Put the phone away. Texting, scrolling, headphones, and loud music can take away the eyes and ears riders need on the road.
• Watch driveways and parking lots. Drivers backing out may not notice bikes, scooters, or boards right away.
• Choose the safest route, not only the fastest route. Bike lanes, slower streets, and fewer driveway crossings may be worth a few extra minutes.
• Check equipment before leaving. Brakes, tires, lights, throttle, battery, helmet, and reflectors should be checked regularly.

Parents: Ask Your Teen These 5 Questions

1. What do you do if a car does not see you?
2. What do you do if your phone rings while you are riding?
3. Where should you ride when there is not a bike lane?
4. What should you do when approaching a driveway?
5. What would you do if you were running late?

Do not just tell them the rules. Ask what they would do. Their answers can show whether they understand the risk or only remember the slogan.

Why Teen Riders Are Vulnerable

California’s Office of Traffic Safety notes that bicyclists and pedestrians do not have the same level of protection as people riding in vehicles with seat belts, air bags, and other safety features. That vulnerability matters even more around school commute times, busy intersections, parking lots, and drop-off areas.

NHTSA also emphasizes that bicyclists should follow the same rules and responsibilities as drivers when riding on the road. That includes riding predictably, riding in the same direction as traffic, obeying signs and signals, and staying focused and alert.

California Rules Families Should Know

California rules can vary depending on the device, location, and local ordinances. CHP guidance explains that riders under 18 must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet when riding an electric bicycle on a public roadway or bikeway. CHP also notes that a person must be 16 or older to ride a Class 3 electric bicycle.

Electric scooters have their own rules too, including helmet requirements for riders under 18, rules about riding in the same direction as traffic, and restrictions on riding while under the influence. Families should check local rules because cities and schools may also restrict where e-bikes, scooters, or skateboards can be used.

Common Back-to-School Riding Risks

• Drivers turning across a rider’s path at intersections
• Cars backing out of driveways or parking spaces
• Dooring from parked cars
• Potholes, uneven pavement, sand, gravel, and debris
• Riding too fast near pedestrians or school entrances
• Using headphones or phones while riding
• Rushing because the student is late
• Defective brakes, tires, throttles, lights, or batteries

If a Crash Happens

If a teen is injured while riding, medical care comes first. After that, document the scene as soon as possible. Save photos of the bike, scooter, board, helmet, road condition, vehicle, license plate, traffic signs, lighting, injuries, and any damaged equipment.

Get witness names, school incident reports, police report numbers, driver and insurance information, and any available video from homes, businesses, buses, dash cams, or school cameras. Delayed symptoms can happen, especially with head, neck, back, knee, wrist, and shoulder injuries.

Helpful Safety Resources

• NHTSA: Bicycle Safety
• NHTSA: Learn to Bike Safely
• California Office of Traffic Safety: Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety
• California Highway Patrol: Electric bicycle and similar vehicle rules