According to the Transport Accident Commission, around nine children aged under 15 are killed and close to 200 are injured each year on Victorian roads.
Many children swapped traditional toys for a trendier ride this festive season, with e-scooters and e-bikes under the tree.
RACV head of policy James Williams said although children may have received these as Christmas gifts, some parents might not understand the legal restrictions or safety risks.
“School zones are crucial areas where road safety must always be top of mind. Children are at risk around roads because they are less visible and have a reduced ability to judge time, speed and distance,” he said.
Mr Williams said families using e-bikes for school commutes should also ensure they were prepared for breakdowns or emergencies.
“Some parents and older children may choose to commute using e-bikes but it’s important to have backup support if choosing active transport options for your family,” he said.
RACV’s Bike Assist service can be used for electric bikes, providing help when breakdowns occur during school commutes.
For e-scooter use in Victoria, riders must be at least 16 years old and wear helmets.
They can only ride on shared-use paths or roads with speed limits up to 60km/h, and must not exceed 20km/h.
Legal e-bikes in Victoria have a maximum power output of 250 watts, with motor assistance cutting off at 25km/h.
Electric bikes exceeding these specifications are classified as motor vehicles, potentially resulting in fines for driving an unregistered vehicle without a valid licence.
More information on e-scooter and e-bike regulations is available on the Victoria Police website.
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