Teenagers are riding at 70km/h with no helmets. Police are investigating. Communities are furious. Parents are terrified.

E-bikes are everywhere — and the debate is explosive. Is this about reckless teens? Bad laws? Or something far closer to home?

In this episode, Dr Justin Colson from the Happy Families podcast unpacks the real issue behind the headlines. It’s not just about e-bikes. It’s about freedom, responsibility, and the parenting conversations we’re either having… or avoiding.

Because banning them won’t fix it.
But shrugging won’t either.

If you’ve got a risk-taking teen — or one who soon will — this is a conversation you need to hear.

KEY POINTS
Freedom without responsibility becomes a free-for-all
Risk is essential for development — recklessness is not
Pedal-assist bikes and throttle bikes are not the same
Legislation won’t solve what parenting must address
Teens chase status, thrill and belonging — not danger
The real missing ingredient is consideration

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Freedom isn’t the same as a free-for-all. The real issue isn’t the e-bike — it’s whether we’re teaching our kids what freedom requires.”

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Have the deeper conversation.
Not just “be careful.” Ask: Who could you hurt? What does sharing space mean?
Differentiate risk from recklessness.
Climbing trees builds capability. Blowing through traffic signals destroys trust.
Talk about invisible impact.
Help them imagine the pedestrian, the driver, the nurse in emergency.
Channel thrill safely.
Structured sport, competitions and supervised challenges can meet the same need.
Stay connected.
Consequences matter — but relationship influence matters more.

Teenagers are riding at 70km/h with no helmets. Police are investigating. Communities are furious. Parents are terrified.
E-bikes are everywhere &mdash; and the debate is explosive. Is this about reckless teens? Bad laws? Or something far closer to home?
In this episode, Dr Justin Colson from the Happy Families podcast unpacks the real issue behind the headlines. It&rsquo;s not just about e-bikes. It&rsquo;s about freedom, responsibility, and the parenting conversations we&rsquo;re either having&hellip; or avoiding.
Because banning them won&rsquo;t fix it. But shrugging won&rsquo;t either.
If you&rsquo;ve got a risk-taking teen &mdash; or one who soon will &mdash; this is a conversation you need to hear.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Freedom without responsibility becomes a free-for-all</li>
<li aria-level="1">Risk is essential for development &mdash; recklessness is not</li>
<li aria-level="1">Pedal-assist bikes and throttle bikes are not the same</li>
<li aria-level="1">Legislation won&rsquo;t solve what parenting must address</li>
<li aria-level="1">Teens chase status, thrill and belonging &mdash; not danger</li>
<li aria-level="1">The real missing ingredient is consideration</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;Freedom isn&rsquo;t the same as a free-for-all. The real issue isn&rsquo;t the e-bike &mdash; it&rsquo;s whether we&rsquo;re teaching our kids what freedom requires.&rdquo;
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Have the deeper conversation. Not just &ldquo;be careful.&rdquo; Ask: Who could you hurt? What does sharing space mean?</li>
<li aria-level="1">Differentiate risk from recklessness. Climbing trees builds capability. Blowing through traffic signals destroys trust.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Talk about invisible impact. Help them imagine the pedestrian, the driver, the nurse in emergency.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Channel thrill safely. Structured sport, competitions and supervised challenges can meet the same need.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Stay connected. Consequences matter &mdash; but relationship influence matters more.</li>
</ol>

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy families podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now.

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

E-Bikes: When Teenage Freedom Turns Dangerous

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/a453db71-9d4b-42f6-837e-b3ea017dfcdb/transcript