April 30, 2026
Letter to the Editor: Message for parents of teenagers on electric bikes

Letter to the Editor: Message for parents of teenagers on electric bikes

DEAR News Of The Area,

HIGH-POWERED electric bikes (“fat bikes”) ridden by teenagers have become a major safety issue around Coffs.

I have frequently seen teenagers engaging in risky riding, including: riding on the wrong side of the road, riding without a helmet, doing wheelies, riding while standing or kneeling on the bike seat, looking at a mobile phone while riding, riding with 2-3 persons on a bike, riding in the dark without lights, and speeding.

It is understandable that teenagers want to have fun, but these dangerous behaviours have become the norm and are going to lead to serious injury or death.

My message to parents is: please don’t buy one of these high-powered electric bikes for your teenager, and if you have already bought one, please monitor your child’s riding behaviour for their own and others’ protection.

Regards,
Tony JORM,
Mid North Coast.

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