How young is too young to ride an electric bike?

(L-R) Isla, Joe, Archie, Fin and Effie think the age limit for riding an e-bike should be lowered

Some young people and cycle shops in Guernsey think the legal age to ride electric bikes should be lowered from 14 years old.

A group of five students at Blanchelande College said the change would give children more independence from a younger age and make travelling around the island easier.

The suggestion comes after a Facebook post from Bailiwick Law Enforcement statement reminding islanders of the age limit after noticing an increase in those underage riding them.

Guernsey Police's schools liaison officer is working with schools to ensure the legal requirements are understood.

Students' views

Joe, 13, said he would prefer an e-bike over a moped when he turns 14 so he can still get some fitness benefits from cycling.

"I think the age limit should be 12 years old because e-bikes are getting more and more popular and I think that 12 is a good age to start using them."

Isla, 11, also supported a change to current rules.

"I think it should be younger, but it goes too fast so if it was to be younger, there should be less speed," she said.

Archie, 14, waited until his birthday to ride his e-bike, but wished he could have ridden it legally younger.

"I think it should be 12 years old, because when you're 14, you're able to ride a 50cc motorbike.

"You could start off with an electric bike and get used to going faster and then when you're 14, ride a 50cc motorbike."

'Helps you get around'

Fin, 14, said he believed there were benefits to having an e-bike, and it would be the same for younger people.

He said: "It helps you get around and you don't have to struggle getting up hills. I think in some parts [the assist] could be faster, such as in a 35mph (56kph) zone.

Effie, 11, said she would like to et an e-bike as soon as the regulations allowed.

"I think it should be 13 or 12 because you might start travelling around a bit more on your own when you hit about that age.

"I also don't think it should be any younger because of course it goes quite fast but also they're quite heavy, so if you do fall off and it lands on you, you need to be strong enough to pick it back up."

Matt Joyce thinks that most parents are aware of the age limit

Staff at local cycle shops believe there is already adequate awareness and the current system relied on parents being honest about their child's age.

Managing director of Wheels & Co Matt Joyce said14 may have been an arbitrary age to choose.

He said: "There is an argument to say you could lower that age for kids who want it, with the current level of 15.5mph (25kph) as the maximum assist level, then there would be scope to take that age down to 12.

"I don't think it's necessary to raise the awareness. There's a legal age limit for driving and drinking, so the visibility of the legal age to ride an e-bike is about the same as those."

Electric bikes from local shops are restricted to 15.5mph (25kph), and if modified, are void of their warranty.

James Rowe thinks there could be room to lower the age

Sales director at Ian Brown's bike store, James Rowe, said the shop always reminded parents of the requirements and would not sell to anyone under 14.

"There would be no harm if it came down a couple of years to when children are starting secondary school," he said.

"All e-bikes, as long as they comply with the law, are regulated to 15.5mph and most younger children can go quicker than that anyway.

"From a safety perspective, there shouldn't be any concern."