Growing popularity of e-bikes among teens pushes East Bay cities to tighten safety rules

ELECTRIC BIKES AND SCOOTERS have become popular alternatives for many teens without a license.

And why not? They are user-friendly bicycles equipped with battery-powered assistance — via pedaling — and in some cases, use a throttle, reports Bicycling magazine. They provide pre-teens and teenagers a sense of freedom that allows them to go beyond their home, school and community with ease. And although they are meant to be used in a safe way, there are young people — and even some adults — who don’t know how to use them properly.