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There’s a good chance that when you were a teenager, getting your driver’s license was seen as a rite of passage, and you probably couldn’t wait for the freedom promised by that shiny new card in your credit card-less wallet. At least, that’s unless you’re a teenager today, and then the picture might not be so cut and dry. Unlike when I got my learner’s permit 20 years ago, today’s teenagers have already been enjoying a new form of affordable and effective transportation freedom: electric bikes.

And it’s changing the way they view getting a driver’s license.

Electric bicycles have been gaining popularity in the US for over a decade, but they’ve taken off in impressive numbers over the last several years.

Once considered an alternative for older riders looking to get back on two wheels, electric bikes have now gained favor with just about every age group. There are balance e-bikes for toddlers, children’s models, e-bikes popular with teenagers, models for the general public, and models/companies that cater to older riders.

With more teenagers flocking to e-bikes than ever before, the “freedom” that traditionally came at 16 years old with a driver’s license is now available to teens even earlier. And while that also comes with some real concern from some parents, plenty of other parents have embraced the freedom and independence that electric bikes have offered to their teenagers.

As Olivia Rockeman pointed out recently in the Wall Street Journal, “Many parents see e-bikes as alternatives to shepherding their kids between school and sports practices, particularly as the number of teens with driver’s licenses has fallen by about 8% over the past two decades, according to the latest data from the Federal Highway Administration. The e-bikes also grant more independence to teens not yet old enough to drive.”

Encinitas, California resident Aaron Hebshi, whose 17-year-old daughter put off getting her driver’s license in favor of her electric bicycle, explained to Rockeman that his teen isn’t in a rush to get behind the wheel. “There wasn’t quite the imperative for her to get a license that kids may have felt when I was growing up. Before we were 16, we couldn’t go anywhere without our parents in San Diego.”

Mother of two teen boys in Hermosa Beach, Erika Mamber, shared that e-bikes for her kids have saved her countless car trips to school, sports practice, and tutoring sessions.

Those views are gaining steam among a wider group of teenagers and their parents, who have discovered that e-bikes are giving those kids more freedom, and by extension, giving more freedom to parents.

What’s driving teens away from cars and onto e-bikes?

This shift from getting a “first car” to getting a “first e-bike” is driven by many factors. Still, some of the largest motivations include a mix of economic, practical factors, and environmental concerns that are reshaping the landscape of personal transportation for the younger generation.

The economic advantage

For many teens and their families, the cost of car ownership is a significant deterrent. From the price of the vehicle itself to insurance, fuel, and maintenance, the expenses can quickly add up.

E-bikes, on the other hand, offer a more affordable alternative. The initial purchase price is considerably lower, and operational costs are almost zero, outside of occasional new brake pads and tires. With the rising cost of living, many families find e-bikes to be a financially savvy choice.

For under $1,000, American teenagers can find a good e-bike. I made that much mowing lawns one summer as a teenager and that was twenty years ago. For $3,000, teens can find a great e-bike with even higher quality and longevity. Compare that to the price of new or even used cars. Just the summer-long maintenance and fuel on a car can cost as much as an entire electric bike.

electra ponto go

Independence and convenience

E-bikes also provide a level of independence that many teens crave. Unlike cars, which require a driver’s license and often parental supervision during the long learning period, e-bikes are accessible immediately. Teens can start riding as soon as they have a bike and (hopefully) the necessary safety gear.

They also don’t need to spend hours in a driver’s education course learning the nuances of car control. Most kids grow up learning to ride a bicycle and so the handling skills are already there.

Still, driver’s education courses designed for cyclists are highly encouraged for teens who eschew cars in favor of e-bikes. The rules of the road apply equally to cyclists and car drivers, and not learning the rules is not an excuse for breaking them.

Safety considerations

While e-bikes offer many advantages, safety is a key concern for parents and teens alike. Many cities are adapting to the increase in e-bike usage by expanding bike lanes and implementing stricter regulations to ensure rider safety.

Helmets, proper lighting, and adherence to traffic rules are essential components of safe e-bike riding and are highly recommended for teenagers who regularly travel by e-bike.

At the same time, many teens have accepted the growing notion that a 6,000 lb vehicle might not be the safest option when considering all road users. Whereas many adults have their eyes on the largest trucks and SUVs, many teenagers value smaller and lighter vehicles, especially options that can get them out of the road and into the bike lane.

The concept isn’t exactly pervasive, and America’s addiction to massive vehicles is unlikely to break anytime soon, but a growing number of younger Americans aren’t buying the same promises that the automotive industry is selling their parents.

jackrabbit xg

Environmental consciousness

Much more so than a generation ago, today’s teenagers are increasingly environmentally conscious. The impact of climate change and the importance of sustainable living are at the forefront of many teenagers’ minds.

E-bikes, with their zero emissions, offer an eco-friendly alternative to cars. Many teens feel that choosing an e-bike over a car is a tangible way to contribute to a greener planet.

More than just an expanding trend

The trend of teenagers choosing e-bikes over cars is growing. As more teens delay or forego getting their driver’s licenses, the shift is proving to be not just a passing fad but rather a reflection of changing attitudes toward transportation and lifestyle.

Cities continue to evolve and adapt to new modes of transportation, and the role of e-bikes is likely to expand. For now, the sight of teens zipping around town on their electric bikes is becoming increasingly common, signaling a new era in personal mobility.

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Elon Musk hypes Tesla’s 8th gen AI chip, but still hasn’t delivered promised self-driving on 3rd gen

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3 hours ago

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November 3, 2025

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Elon Musk hypes Tesla's 8th gen AI chip, but still hasn't delivered promised self-driving on 3rd gen

Tesla Full Self-driving computer

Elon Musk is now hyping Tesla’s 8th-gen AI chip, but he still hasn’t delivered the promised self-driving for millions of Tesla owners with the 3rd-gen chip, nor with the current 4th-gen chip in production.

Musk, whose compensation package at Tesla is up for a shareholder’s vote this week, has coincidentally been sharing more of what he does at Tesla lately to justify his upt to $1 trillion compensation package.

This weekend, he posted on X an update about Tesla’s AI chip roadmap:

Just finished a long AI5 design review with the Tesla California and Texas chip engineers. It’s going to be great. And AI6 and AI7 will follow in fast succession. AI8 will be out of this world.

Those chips power Tesla’s inference computing in its vehicles, enabling its advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and self-driving capabilities.

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Currently, Tesla is producing AI4, its fourth-generation chip.

However, the automaker has been selling to customers the capability to achieve “Full Self-Driving” unsupervised capacity since its second-generation chip.

When it failed, it retrofitted second-gen cars with a new “HW3” third-generation chip.

In January, Musk admitted that Tesla’s HW3 in-car computer is not powerful enough to support unsupervised self-driving. He said Tesla would once again offer retrofits, but it’s been 10 months, and Tesla hasn’t communicated any concrete plan to make it right with customers.

During Tesla’s earnings call last month, Tesla partially walked back Musk’s previous admission that HW3 won’t support unsupervised self-driving.

CFO Vaibhav Taneja said:

“We’ve not completely given up on hardware 3.”

He didn’t really elaborate on what it means, but Tesla’s VP of self-driving, Ashok Elluswamy, added: 

“Once the v14 release series is fully done, we are planning on working on a v 14 Lite version for hardware 3. Probably expected in Q2 next year.”

V14 is currently available on Tesla vehicles with HW4, but it is still not capable of unsupervised self-driving as Tesla sold and promised to customers.

Electrek’s Take

It’s pretty wild that instead of delivering what it promised and sold to HW3 customers, Tesla now says that you might get a watered-down version of something else that is already available. And that’s going to be 6 months from now.

There’s moving the goal post, and then there’s throwing it away altogether.

Now, the fascinating thing is that Musk is talking about AI5, coming in 2026, then AI6. Now, he is even talking about AI7 and AI8.

We know what happens when Tesla launches a new self-driving computer. It gradually shifts its efforts into bigger models that fit on the new computer, but they don’t on the old one.

At this point, everything points to AI4 going the same way as HW3.

Tesla would have avoided itself a lot of headaches if it would have simply waited to have solved autonomy before selling it to customers.


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The new Lexus RZ is here, but it still costs way more than a Tesla Model Y

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4 hours ago

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November 3, 2025

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The new Lexus RZ is here, but it still costs way more than a Tesla Model Y

New-Lexus-RZ-prices

Lexus upgraded the RZ in about way you could imagine. It can now drive over 300 miles on a single charge, recharge at Tesla Superchargers, and even has a sporty new F-Sport trim. Is it enough?

New 2026 Lexus RZ prices and range by trim

The new and improved Lexus RZ is now on sale in the US. Lexus revealed the refreshed electric SUV earlier this year, featuring more range, faster charging, additional features, and more trim options.

With a new battery system, the 2026 RZ now provides up to 301 miles of driving range, or 35 miles more than the outgoing model.

The new Lexus RZ can also recharge at Tesla Superchargers via its built-in NACS port. It can now charge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes using a DC fast charger.

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RZ drivers can use one of the more than 25,000 Tesla Superchargers, as well as other DC fast-charging networks such as IONNA, ChargePoint, and EVgo.

Other new features, such as Plug & Charge and Apple Maps EV Routing via Apple CarPlay, make it much easier to find and use public chargers.

Lexus introduced a new F Sport trim to the 2026 RZ lineup. Packing 402 horsepower from a dual motor powertrain, the 2026 Lexus RZ 550e is the most powerful RZ model yet. It also gains exclusive black F Sport badges on the rear spoiler, front and rear bumpers, and front grille.

The RZ 450e offers an optional performance upgrade that boosts output to 375 hp, good for a 0 to 60 mph sprint in 4.3 seconds. The upgrade costs an extra $1,750 and is available for installation at the dealer.

New-Lexus-RZ-interior
The interior of the 2026 Lexus RZ (Source: Lexus)

Lexus revamped the electric SUV’s interior with a new Dynamic Sky Panorama Glass Roof. The F-Sport trim features a Black Ultrasuede trim with blue stitching and added emblems on the pedals and footrests.

Starting at $47,295, the 2026 Lexus RZ is already $5,000 more than the outgoing model. It’s also over $7,300 more expensive than the Tesla Model Y.

2026 Lexus RZ trim Starting Price
(MSRP*)
RZ 350e $47,295
RZ 350e Premium $49,495
RZ 450e AWD $50,795
RZ 450e Premium AWD $52,995
RZ 450 e Luxury AWD $58,295
RZ 55e F Sport AWD $58,295
2026 Lexus RZ price by trim (*includes $1,295 delivery fee)

The 2026 Tesla Model Y Standard RWD is priced from $39,990 with an EPA-estimated driving range of 321 miles. Even the Premium trim, starting at $44,990, is less expensive.

Which electric SUV are you choosing, the new 2026 Lexus RZ or the Tesla Model Y? Let us know in the comments.

Want to test drive the Lexus RZ or Tesla Model Y to see for yourself? You can use our links below to see what’s available in your area.


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Early Black Friday e-bike sales from Lectric and Heybike with up to $893 savings, EcoFlow 40A level 2 EV charger low, EGO, more

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4 hours ago

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November 3, 2025

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Early Black Friday e-bike sales from Lectric and Heybike with up to 3 savings, EcoFlow 40A level 2 EV charger low, EGO, more


We’re kicking off this week’s Green Deals with an EV-packed edition, led by Lectric’s early Black Friday Sale that is offering up to $893 in FREE bundled gear with e-bikes, like the XPedition 2.0 Cargo e-bikes that are getting some of the biggest packages up to $893 in size, starting from $1,399. That’s not all, as Heybike’s early Black Friday Sale is taking up to $600 off e-bikes with select bundles and FREE gift packs starting from $899 lows. There’s also EcoFlow’s PowerPulse Level 2 40A EV Charger and bundle starting from a $699 low, EGO’s 56V 12-inch cordless snow shovel, and several ongoing exclusive EcoFlow and Jackery power station lows – one of which has even fallen another $100 lower. And don’t forget about the hangover deals from last week that are collected together at the bottom of the page, rounded together in our latest edition of Electrified Weekly.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Lectric e-bikes lined up in early Black Friday promotional image

Lectric’s early Black Friday Sale offers up to $893 bundles with e-bikes starting from $999

The month is kicking off big for folks looking to score a commuting solution from one of America’s favorite e-bike brands. Lectric eBikes has launched its early Black Friday Sale that is seeing up to $893 in savings across the e-bike lineup, including another $500 price cut on the premium ONE commuter and up to 25% discounts on accessories. Leading the group with some of the biggest bundles are Lectric’s XPedition Cargo e-bikes, which can be broken down into three configurations: the starting 13Ah single-battery e-bike with $346 in gear at $1,399 shipped, the 26Ah dual-battery e-bike with $744 in gear at $1,799 shipped, or the 35Ah dual-battery long-range e-bike with $893 in gear at $1,999 shipped. These bundles would normally run you $1,745, $2,543, and $2,892, respectively, but now, you’re getting the largest packages we’ve tracked since this second-generation hauler hit the market one year ago.

The bundles we’re seeing are mostly focused on passenger comfort and safety, with parents and nannies in NYC often using them to shepherd kids around to their daily appointments. The base 13Ah single-battery model is getting a pair of running boards, cushions, a suspension seat post, and an Elite headlight upgrade. The 26Ah dual-battery model is getting those with an orbiter, extra cushion, and two XL pannier bags, while the 35Ah dual-battery model is adding a fast charger that refills the battery in up to 3.5 hours.

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The Lectric XPedition 2.0 e-bikes are popular haulers that have regularly sold out of stock over 2025, as they carry a total 450-pound payload with an extended cargo rack and can carry precious cargo for up to 170 miles. Regardless of your battery configuration, they come with 750W M24 rear hub motors (peaking at 1,310W) that reach up to 20/28 MPH top speeds, depending on your state-specific laws. The 13Ah battery model provides pedal assistance for up to 60 miles, the 26Ah battery model extends that up to 120 miles, and the 35Ah battery model goes the distance for up to 170 miles.

Along with all the free gear you’re getting, these e-bikes also come stocked with dual spring front suspension forks, hydraulic mineral oil disc brakes, headlights and taillights that provide turn signaling and brake activation, a color display, and more.

Lectric early Black Friday XPedition 2.0 e-bike bundles:

Lectric early Black Friday ONE e-bike bundle + price cut:

Lectric early Black Friday XPeak 2.0 e-bike bundles:

Lectric early Black Friday XP Trike2 bundles:

Lectric early Black Friday XP4 e-bike bundles:

Lectric early Black Friday XP Lite 2.0 LR e-bike bundles:

Lectric early Black Friday XPress 750 e-bikes bundle:

electric vehicle in garage charging from EcoFlow PowerPulse Ev charger

You can save up to $2,498 on EcoFlow’s PowerPulse level 2 40A EV charger and bundles starting from a $699 low

EcoFlow is currently offering its PowerPulse Level 2 40A EV Charger at $699 shipped, while bundles are also seeing up to $2,498 discounts. This new charging solution was released back in June with a full $899 price tag, which we’ve been seeing drop down to $699 over the last four months. The deal here is giving you another chance at $200 starting savings on the charging station alone, which can connect to power stations and the brand’s home backup units at the best price we have tracked.

If you want to learn more about this EV charging solution, as well as view the lineup of bundle offers, be sure to check out our original coverage of these deals here.

man riding Heybike e-bike in early Black Friday promotional image

Get up to $600 early Black Friday savings on Heybike e-bikes with FREE gifts and bundled gear starting from $899 lows

Heybike has launched its Early Black Friday e-bike Sale with up to $600 price cuts, limited FREE gifts, and select bundle packages. Leading the group at its lowest price is Heybike’s Mars 2.0 Folding Fat-Tire e-bike that gets a FREE gift for $899 shipped, or you could upgrade to its 1,000W motor configuration for $100 more. It’s coming down off its $1,499 full price during this event, which we’ve been seeing keep between $999 and $1,099 since July, which is when we last saw it fall to this all-time low rate. Now, you can hop on with $600 savings and get a FREE Black Friday gift pack too – all at the best price we have tracked in its history.

If you want to learn more about this e-bike, or browse the entire lineup of deals, be sure to check out our original coverage of this early Black Friday sale here.

EGO's 56V 12-inch cordless snow shovel

Add EGO’s 56V 12-inch cordless snow shovel to your winter arsenal with a 2.5Ah battery at $270

Amazon is offering the EGO Power+ 56V 12-inch Cordless Snow Shovel with 2.5Ah battery at $269.99 shipped. Since late July it’s been keeping at its $359 full price, which we’ve seen taken as low as $264 back in May and June. You’re looking at a 25% markdown here while this deal remains, giving you $89 cut from the tag and landing it amongst the lowest prices we have tracked – just $6 above its low.

If you want to learn more about this snow-clearing solution, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

Best Fall EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.


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