Back-to-school season often means shopping for backpacks, notebooks, and maybe even a new ride. For a growing number of families, that ride is an electric bike.
And I’m all for it. Giving teenagers the freedom to get themselves to school, sports practice, or a friend’s house without needing a car is one of the best things e-bikes can offer. But just like we’d encourage a new driver to wear a seatbelt, young e-bike riders should be equipped with the right protective gear too.
A good helmet is the obvious starting point. And I’m glad to see that many parents get that part right. But after that, there’s another layer of gear that I think more families should consider for their e-bike riding teens: protective clothing.
And there’s a company in this space whose gear I’ve become a big fan of: Beyond Riders.
I’ve tested a number of their products over the last couple of years, and what I like most is that they don’t look like motorcycle gear, even though they offer much of the same protection.
Their hoodies, riding shirts, jeans, and jackets can be fitted with CE-rated Level 1 or even Level 2 armor at the shoulders, elbows, and back, giving riders meaningful impact protection without making them look like they’re headed to a racetrack.
And let me be clear from the start: I don’t get any kickbacks for this, no affiliate links, nothing. I just really like their gear, and I support what they’re doing: making safe riding clothes that look good and don’t give the impression that I’m heading off to the closest biker bar.
My personal favorite is the armored hoodie, above. It looks just like the kind of hoodie most teenagers already wear every day, which means they’re actually more likely to keep it on instead of leaving it at home.
The fit is comfortable, the styling is casual, and the built-in armor disappears into the garment. You wouldn’t know it, but behind the abrasion-resistant textiles are CE Level 2 armor in the shoulders, elbows, back, and chest.
There are even hidden features, like secret pockets and a hidden microfiber cloth in the corner for quickly cleaning your sunglasses.
I’m also a big fan of Beyond Riders’ canvas riding jacket. It looks like a canvas overshirt or lightweight jacket, but underneath that casual appearance is full armor in the shoulders, back, and elbows, along with abrasion-resistant materials designed to help prevent painful road rash if you end up sliding across pavement.
In fact, Beyond Riders has become popular not just with e-bike riders, but also with electric skateboard riders and even motorcyclists who want protective gear that doesn’t scream “motorcycle.”
No piece of gear can eliminate the risk of a crash, but quality protective clothing can absolutely reduce the consequences. As more teenagers discover the freedom and independence that e-bikes provide, it’s worth thinking beyond just the bike itself. Pair that new e-bike with a quality helmet and some protective riding apparel, and you’ll be giving your young rider a much better chance of walking away from the unexpected.
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