It is possible for children to be too safe.

The natural inclination to protect our children, if taken too far, can be dangerous. Children who don’t often have opportunities to take real risks and test boundaries can grow into fearful adults who lack confidence and struggle to build healthy relationships—the exact opposite of what we want for them.

Young people benefit enormously from physical and social challenges that teach them how the world works, how to get along with others, and how to bounce back when they don’t get what they want. A healthy level of risk supports human development, both physically and mentally. It’s true, risky gambling is fun. This is why children want to jump from swings, climb trees and try to do things “all by themselves” at an early age.

Risk-taking behavior is normal for young people, although it can be difficult for adults to see. As parents, our job is not to protect them at all costs or to insist that our schools always ensure their safety. Rather, it is assessing which activities are too risky (those likely to cause long-term injury or severe pain) and those that offer a fun, challenging experience with the risk of physical or emotional consequences. They may be painful, but they will provide personal growth and encourage them to try again.

Of course, it’s hard to see your little one get hurt, but it’s worse to protect them to the point that they can’t tell the difference between real and imagined danger.

So, what about electric assist bikes? Do e-bikes (like conventional bikes, skateboards and roller skates) provide an exciting experience with a reasonable risk?

Data from public safety agencies, emergency rooms and the Marin County Civil Grand Jury tell us that some e-bike use among children is indeed too dangerous. High speeds combined with the risk-seeking brain of youth can put children, their passengers and the public at high risk of serious injury.

In Marin County, children ages 10-15 are five times more likely than any other age group to be involved in a serious e-bike crash and twice as likely to be injured in an e-bike crash that includes a car.

However, not all e-bikes are created equal. Class-2 throttle e-bikes may have more in common with motorcycles than bicycles. But it can be difficult to distinguish between the safer and more dangerous (and illegal) machines. A simple test: Can the bike move without pedaling and can it go faster (or modified to go faster) than 20 mph? If so, the bike is not safe or legal for children under 16. The onus is on adults, especially parents considering transportation options, to exercise caution and choose wisely.

These parents should know that they are not alone. As the school year begins, I’m happy to report that a broad coalition of Marin County agencies are working together to help keep our kids safe on both conventional bikes and legal e-bikes. Marin County Police Chiefs Association, Marin Health and Human Services, Marin County Safe Routes to Schools, Marin County Bicycle Coalition, Marin Board of Supervisors, Transportation Authority of Marin and California Highway Patrol are doing their part to keep kids safe on wheels.