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Much of the media is at it again, hyping up a manufactured fear of electric bikes. (Side note: I know that sentence makes me sound all MAGA, but even as a card-carrying liberal, I can call out media bias). The issue this time centers around American teenagers on e-bikes and the manufactured choice between supposed “freedom or danger.”

While not alone, the New York Times has been at the forefront of a slew of anti e-bike articles. The latest example attempts to offer a balanced presentation of the arguments for and against teenagers riding electric bikes. But it betrays that guise of impartiality with an underlying implication that there are two sides in the argument: Parents who don’t want their kids on e-bikes and irresponsible parents who do. Case in point: The example in favor of teens on electric bicycles used in a recent NYT article featured an anonymous mom who lets her 14-year-old son ride an illegally modified 70 mph (120 km/h) electric motorcycle. That would be like presenting the debate about gun control and using the example of a 14-year-old whose mom lets him drive a battle tank.

Unlike the NYT article which was ostensibly marketed as unbiased news, I have the privilege of telling you outright that this is an opinion piece, and thus, I’m sharing my own views. As someone who has worked in the e-bike industry for nearly 15 years and also once spent an entire seven years in a row as a teenager, I figure I’m as qualified as anyone to discuss the issue of e-bikes and teens.

aventon sinch

E-bikes: An imperfect yet amazing solution

Look, I’m not going to sugar coat this or tell you that every teenager should have an e-bike. There are real safety concerns here. Not everyone is ready for an electric bike. E-bikes can go fast (most are limited to either 20 or 28 mph in the US (32-45 km/h) depending on the classification, though some people modify them to go faster). There are dangers, but there are also incredible upsides to electric bicycles as well. And balancing those two is the key here.

Everything in life comes with some level or risk. But you once put your small child on their first bike so they could learn to ride, didn’t you? You eventually removed the training wheels and gave them some taste of freedom riding around with their friends, even if just in the neighborhood. There may have been some skinned knees and ruined pants along the way, but it was worth the risk.

Now those same cute little kids have grown up into teenagers, the kind that want to get to school or go to the movies with their friends. And instead of needing their parents to drive them like they did a decade ago, we now have the glorious invention of electric bikes. Unlike pedal bikes, which most Americans don’t want to ride very far due to the effort required, e-bikes can actually move teenagers nearly anywhere in their city with ease. What was several years ago just a way for older folks to enjoy riding again has now turned into one of the biggest revolutions in teenage freedom since the repeal of child labor laws.

E-bikes give teenagers personal agency. In cities without good public transportation (i.e. most of the country), a teen can ride an e-bike several miles to get to school, visit friends, get to work or just enjoy some fresh air. Parents enjoy that freedom as well, no longer serving as a personal chauffeur for their teens.

So many people miss the amazing potential of an e-bike: This is a fully-functional transportation device that can increase the resources in a city that are available to teens while simultaneously teaching them responsibility and freeing up their parents. And it even comes at such a low cost compared to nearly every other form of transportation other than walking.

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Sure, there will always be some people who act as gatekeepers, working under the impression that there’s an arbitrary age at which someone becomes responsible enough for anything. For some reason Americans think teens are ready for guns and war at 18 but that it takes another three years until they can handle a sip of wine. Car rental companies think young adults aren’t ready to drive cars until their 25th birthday. You have to be 35 to run for President of the United States, yet senility apparently isn’t a disqualifier (the fun thing is that one works for both parties). Our society is full of arbitrary guidelines for responsibility, but the real world isn’t so black and white.

I hope we’re all open-minded enough to realize that there is truly a spectrum of responsibility. There are 16 year olds who can be safe, conscientious and responsible e-bike riders, and there are adults who shouldn’t set foot near an e-bike. In the same way, there are 16 year olds who can be safe, conscientious car drivers despite there also being adults that should probably have their car driver’s licenses revoked.

It’s time we stopped babying teenagers and treat them with the respect and dignity they deserve. Sure, they still need parental guidance and benefit from the wisdom of age and experience. But this notion that they aren’t “ready” for an e-bike is simply misguided, and I would argue insultingly coddles them. There are teenagers on the other side of the world that ride a 40 mph (64 km/h) scooter or moped to work a 12-hour shift everyday. Those teens are no different than your own kids, other than that they weren’t as fortunate to be born into the same money and privilege. Instead, they had to grow up learning responsibility. And having agency over their own transportation became part of that.

You don’t even have to go halfway around the world. Just go a quarter of the way, to Europe, where you’ll find kids that look just like yours but ride their bikes to school every day. I know, it’s even harder to dismiss it when they have the same complexion. And if your immediate response is “Yeah, but those countries have bike lanes,” well then look at that, it seems we all came to the same solution!

American kids are so overprotected by helicopter parents these days that their development is being stunted. I see parents idling their SUVs next to neighborhood bus stops so they can pick their kids up and drive them two minutes home. Heaven forbid those middle schoolers walk five minutes on the safe, setback sidewalks in the planned community. Of course this doesn’t mean all parents do this; I don’t mean to overgeneralize. But it’s common enough to serve as a warning of what we should collectively strive to avoid.

electra ponto go

This national trend towards nannying kids and teenagers has unfortunately spilled over into electric bikes, and it’s a real shame. We’re all hurtling towards climate catastrophe here, whether you accept it or not. (Less-than-fun fact: Your kids will suffer the dangers of climate change regardless of whether or not you acknowledge the problem). The best chance those kids have of spending their middle and old age years in an environment that isn’t downright physically hostile to them is to instill upon them the importance of making environmentally responsible decisions. Transportation is just one sector contributing to climate change, but it’s a large one.

Teaching kids that they can get around without needing a 5,000 pound vehicle is a great early lesson. Instead of trying to teach kids about the value of electric cars, let’s teach them about the value of not using a car.

An e-bike for teenagers means freedom, but it’s also an early lesson in alternative transportation. It teaches kids from a young age that we can move ourselves around in a way that is both efficient and sustainable. We don’t have to burn gallons of fuel to get to school or buy a carton of milk. We don’t have to pave more lanes and expand roads to fit ever-larger cars (both physically bigger and more numerous, each a unique and dangerous trend on its own). Owning and using an electric bike is a lesson in so many fields, from personal responsibility to punctuality and even environmental stewardship.

specialized electric bike riding

And look, I know this is going to be controversial. There are certainly going to be many arguments against what I’ve said. That’s fair and valid. I’ve expressed my opinion, but it doesn’t mean it’s the only opinion in the room. I’ll try to address some of what I expect to be the main counterarguments against my position that we should encourage more teenagers to ride e-bikes.

“What’s with all the e-bike stuff? Just put those kids on pedal bikes!”

Sure, I’d love that. I would truly love to see more kids and teenagers riding pedal bikes. I’d support any initiative that pushes that agenda. The problem is that it just isn’t realistic, no matter how much I want it to be. American kids are lazy. I’m sorry, but they are. It’s not their fault, it’s mostly their parents’ fault and the culture. The US has an obesity problem that we can’t ignore. Kids simply don’t want to ride pedal bikes because it’s too much effort. However, we’ve already seen that they take quickly to e-bikes. We can’t wish kids onto pedal bikes, but we can bribe them onto e-bikes with the promise of fun and freedom. And if they happen to accidentally get a little exercise at the same time, that’s great, too.

As much as I’d love to see more kids on pedal bikes, it’s electric bikes that will actually get kids moving, get them traveling on their own and give them true, effective freedom.

“Teenagers don’t know road rules, how can we put them on little electric motorcycles?”

First, stop with this “e-bikes are motorcycles” fear-mongering. You’re better than that, I believe in you.

Yes, a lot of teenagers don’t know the rules of the road yet. Many are delaying getting their drivers licenses or aren’t getting one at all. I personally believe that we should have rider’s education classes similar to driver’s ed, but for cyclists. It’d be a great way to teach new road users the nuance of road rules as well as instill rider training similar to what you learn in a motorcycle license course. California has gone as far as to propose a law that would require unlicensed e-bike riders to get a watered down “bike license” to teach them road laws. That has a few problems, but it’s an interesting rough draft.

“Teenagers ride on sidewalks and endanger pedestrians.”

They shouldn’t do that. Stop them. Fine them. Confiscate their bikes. Punish the parents. If that’s illegal in a certain area, then punish the rule breakers. This isn’t rocket science. Don’t break the law and also punish people who do.

That being said, let’s ask ourselves why people are riding on the sidewalk. The answer is that they don’t feel safe on the road because there aren’t safe, protected bike lanes. Perhaps we should also put effort into solving the root problem here. I know, it’s a crazy idea: Solving the problem instead of covering it with a band-aid. But if we give cyclists a safer place to ride, it will make everyone safer.

“I know my kid is alright, but what about those other kids? I can’t trust them.”

Here’s the thing. Your kid isn’t special; I know you think they are because you made them, but statistically speaking, they aren’t. Think about the average kid out there. There’s a 50% chance your kid is worse than that one. Ok, probably slightly less than 50% chance since Electrek tends to draw a more educated audience. But you get the point.

The point is, no one can trust anyone else’s kid. The best we can do is collectively educate our youth. Instill responsibility and critical thinking from an early age. If you give teenagers responsibility, most will rise to meet it. If for some reason yours doesn’t, then maybe an e-bike isn’t for them. The sheer number of revoked driver’s licenses out there shows that a car isn’t for many adults, either.

Not every human is ready for motorized transportation, but most are and it’s a matter of evaluation. This is a personal decision that parents need to make about their own kids, not something that others can decide for them.

blix dubbel electric bike

In conclusion

I’ve beaten this horse well past death now, so let me leave it with just one more small whack.

Electric bikes are such a revolution in transportation freedom that we’d be sorely missing out by depriving a future generation from experiencing them at such a useful age. There is simply far too much good that can come from giving teenagers the freedom and responsibility of being in charge of their own mobility.

Yet at the same time, that responsibility is a double-edged sword. Parents need to be aware of their own kids’ ability to exercise that responsibility. E-bikes are not without danger and there is no age that we can be sure of that everyone is ready for any level of responsibility. But one thing is for sure: There are many teenagers that are ready. And there are a lot worse things your teen could be doing right now.

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This hilarious-looking electric motorcycle just launched after a seven year tease

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This hilarious-looking electric motorcycle just launched after a seven year tease

Back in 2018, when most electric motorcycle startups were showing off what looked like clunky science experiments or budget-minded e-scooters, a little company out of Stuttgart quietly unveiled one of the wildest-looking two-wheelers I’d ever seen. As one of the first motorcycle journalists to cover Sol Motors and their outlandish debut seven years ago, I’ve been keeping tabs on them ever since. And now I am excited to share that the Sol Pocket Rocket is finally preparing to launch in full production form. Yes, really.

The German company is now taking pre-orders for its uniquely tubular electric motorcycle that somehow looks like a mashup between a torpedo, an irrigation pipe, and a Star Wars prop. And yet, despite its cartoonish silhouette, it might just be one of the coolest ultra-urban e-motos headed for the streets.

The Sol Pocket Rocket comes in two versions: the standard model and the more powerful Pocket Rocket S. The latter packs an 8.5 kW (roughly 11.4 hp) electric motor that propels the bike to a top speed of 85 km/h (53 mph), while the standard version tops out at 45 km/h (28 mph), putting it in moped territory in many markets.

That makes it a perfect fit for cities, especially in Europe where light electric mopeds and motorcycles are gaining traction among young riders who want something fast, fun, and emissions-free, but without the size, weight, or cost of a traditional motorcycle. The bike’s 2.5 kWh battery may not sound like much, but the company says it offers up to 108 km (67 miles) of range for the lower speed version or 68 km (42 miles) of range for the higher speed version, which is generally more than enough for most urban commutes. The battery is also removable, allowing for convenient charging inside your apartment or office. That can be a neat trick for riders who charge at work, essentially doubling the maximum range they can commute.

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And while we’re on the topic of design – yes, it’s unusual. The Pocket Rocket’s oversized aluminum top tube houses the battery and electronics, while a minimalist seat juts out from the back like a café racer’s rear hump. There’s no bodywork to speak of, giving it a raw and industrial aesthetic that’s either futuristic or ridiculous, depending on the lighting and your mood. But I’ve got to admit, I kind of love it.

The frame, wheels, and swingarm are all nicely machined, giving the whole thing a premium feel, or at least as premium as a potato gun on wheels can look. It’s like if Bauhaus made a Hot Wheels bike that could run on electrons.

Sol Motors is positioning the Pocket Rocket not just as a stylish e-motorcycle, but as a viable alternative to cars for city dwellers who want to skip traffic and parking headaches. It’s light, fast enough for urban streets, and small enough to squeeze into even the tiniest bike parking spot.

Pre-orders are now open and pricing starts at €5,990 for the standard model and €6,980 for the S version. That’s certainly not cheap, but not outrageous in today’s market for well-designed, European-made electric two-wheelers.

Electrek’s Take

I’ve covered a lot of oddball EVs over the years, but the Sol Pocket Rocket has a special place in my heart. There’s something honest about a company that doubles down on such a bold design and actually makes it work. Sure, it looks like a giant spool holder from the wrong angle, but it also looks like a lot of fun from the right angle! And the fact that it’s fast, fun, and actually headed to production means it offers three things that are far from a guarantee in today’s market.

It may have taken the scenic route and had a false start or two, but it looks like the company is finally ready to put that rubber on the road for good this time.

After nearly seven years of anticipation, I’m thrilled to see this bizarre beauty finally hitting the road. And hey, if anyone wants to send one over for a review, my driveway’s been waiting just as long.

They even have this cool charging stand for topping up the battery in your apartment

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The 2026 Chevy Blazer EV lineup looks a bit different, but prices still start at under $45K

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The 2026 Chevy Blazer EV lineup looks a bit different, but prices still start at under K

Chevy is introducing an updated lineup for the 2026 Blazer EV, including a few slight modifications. Despite the changes, prices will still start at under $45,000.

2026 Chevy Blazer EV prices by trim

GM’s Chevrolet is currently the fastest-growing EV brand in the US. Through May, Chevy sold over 37,000 EVs, surpassing Ford, which sold about 34,000.

Although the Equinox EV stole the spotlight, becoming the third top-selling EV behind Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3, Chevy’s electric Blazer has quiety been driving growth. In April, the Chevy Blazer EV was the sixth-best-selling EV.

With “the Equinnox and Blazer right in the heart of the market, they are really benefitting from that,” Tom Libby, an analyst at S&P Global Mobility, explained.

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With the 2026 model years arriving with a few updates, Chevy looks to continue closing the gap with Tesla. Earlier this month, the 2026 Chevy Silverado EV configurator went live with base prices about $10,000 cheaper than the outgoing model. Now, it looks like the electric Blazer will be next.

2026-Chevy-Blazer-EV
2025 Chevy Blazer EV SS (Source: Chevrolet)

New order guide data show the 2026 Chevy Blazer EV LT FWD will still start at $44,600, not including the destination fee. The 2026 model year will be available in FWD, AWD, and performance AWD configurations. However, Chevy is dropping the RWD option.

Although the base LT model is priced the same, the 2026 Chevy Blazer RS AWD is $500 more than last year’s model, starting at $50,400.

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Chevy Blazer EV RS (Source: GM)

The 615 horsepower Blazer EV SS, the quickest SS Chevy vehicle to date, will still start at $60,600. Like the 2025MY, GM’s Super Cruise is standard on the SS and available for other trims. It costs $3,255 this year, the same as it did in 2025.

Other upgrades for the new model include a new Polar White Tricoat paint option and a standard dual-level charging cord, but it still lacks a NACS port.

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Chevy Blazer EV SS interior (Source: GM)

A Chevy spokesperson confirmed to Car and Driver last month that “To simplify the product lineup while still offering the most popular options for consumers, RWD will not be available beginning with the 2026 model year.”

Up next will be the 2026 Chevy Equinox EV, or “America’s most affordable 315+ mile range EV,” as GM calls it. The base 2025 LT model starts at $34,995. Chevy keeping entry-level Blazer prices the same could be a good sign for the Equinox.

2026 Chevy Blazer EV trim Starting MSRP* Range
(*2025MY EPA-estimated)
LT FWD   $44,600 312 miles
RS FWD   $50,400  312 miles 
SS AWD $60,600 303 miles
2026 Chevy Blazer EV prices by trim (*Does not include destination fee)

With the federal EV tax credit set to expire at the end of September, Chevy is offering some serious savings opportunities. Starting at just $289 per month, the 2025 Equinox EV is hard to pass up. GM is also offering 0% APR across all 2025 Equinox EV, Blazer EV, and Silverado EV models.

Ready to test one out for yourself? You can use our links below to find deals on Chevy EV models at a dealer near you.

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Tesla’s penis-shaped Robotaxi expansion illustrates how unserious the business is

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Tesla's penis-shaped Robotaxi expansion illustrates how unserious the business is

Tesla has expanded the service area of its Robotaxi service in Austin, and it did so to draw a penis-shaped service map, seemingly for no other reason than to satisfy the juvenile humor of its CEO, but what it really achieved is to illustrate how unserious Tesla’s Robotaxi business is compared to other efforts.

Last month, Tesla launched its Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, and as expected, the service was mostly for show and to give CEO Elon Musk a win after years of failed predictions regarding Tesla’s self-driving efforts.

The service was launched only for a small group of Tesla stock promoters on X, and it required a Tesla employee sitting in the front seat with a finger on a kill switch at all times.

In other words, it’s basically Tesla’s Supervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) in consumer vehicles, but with the supervisor moved from the driver’s seat to the front passenger seat.

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Tesla also launched into a small area of South Austin, but last week, Musk said that the company would expand the service area by the weekend.

Late on Sunday, Tesla did update the service area, and it now looks like this:

There’s no practical reason to cover this specific section of Austin. The update appears to be solely to satisfy Musk’s famously juvenile sense of humor, which includes fascinations with the numbers “69” and “420”.

Tesla has also been offering rides in Robotaxi (invite-only) for $4.20 a ride.

In practice, what this joke does is illustrate just how unserious Tesla’s Robotaxi effort is in comparison to other autonomous ride-hailing programs.

Waymo already operates a larger area of Austin, and it does so without any supervisor inside the vehicle. It also operates in San Francisco, the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Phoenix:

Tesla shareholders are holding on to the hope that Tesla will be able to scale faster, but Waymo has even launched in Atlanta since Tesla launched its limited service in Austin, and they are preparing to launch in Philadelphia and New York.

Meanwhile, Tesla still operates with supervisors inside its vehicles – a step that Waymo completed years ago.

Electrek’s Take

Look, I love a joke as much as the next guy, but when the whole service is a joke, maybe don’t draw a penis with the service map.

In China, I rode in Baidu’s Apollo Go, and it simply works without anyone in the car, and it is in operation in half a dozen cities.

It’s cool to see Tesla making progress here, but what’s less cool is the moving of the goalpost that leads to people forgetting that Tesla has promised unsupervised self-driving in all vehicles built since 2016.

Meanwhile, its progress has yet to outpace competition and CEO Elon Musk is out there claiming Tesla is the leader in self-driving with no close second.

It’s a level of delusion that you don’t want to see in someone deploying “self-driving” 5,000-lb machines moving at high speeds on public roads.

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