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Exclusive Insight: A fresh poll conducted by nine.com.au reveals that the majority of Australians are not inclined to gift e-bikes to children or young family members this Christmas season.
For those dreaming of finding a sparkling new e-bike under the Christmas tree, the results might be disheartening.
Out of the 476* individuals surveyed, a significant 86 percent expressed their reluctance to purchase an e-bike for their own child or any child they know during the holidays.
Meanwhile, 11 percent of respondents indicated their decision would hinge on considerations such as the child’s age.
“E-bikes aren’t suitable for children; they’re too risky. There should be age limits in place,” commented one participant to 9news.com.au.
Another called e-bikes dangerous “missiles in the hands of immature and ill-equipped children”.
Only three per cent said they’d gift their child or a child they knew an e-bike.
And most would be unwilling to spend more than $500 on it.
One in 10 said they would spend between $500 and $1000 on an e-bike, and just three per cent said they would spend more than $1000.
But even the cheapest e-bike models from popular brands like DiroDi and Fatboy Bikes cost more than $2000 and $3000 respectively.
The majority of nine.com.au readers confessed they were opposed to young Australians being able to own and ride e-bikes altogether.
“I think the use of e-bikes should be restricted to those over the age of 16, fully regulated just like a motorbike, and only be allowed on the road,” one said.
“Currently children are riding them at high speeds on shared footpaths with impunity and absolutely no regard for other pedestrians.”
Another suggested children under the age of 16 should undergo a road rules test and e-bike handling course to ensure road safety before they’re allowed to own an e-bike.
Some voiced concerns about safety, reporting that they often see young riders on e-bikes without helmets, risking serious injuries.
Most nine.com.au readers said none of the children in their lives had asked for an e-bike for Christmas yet.
But with the holidays weeks away, that could still change.
*The nine.com.au poll, which runs once a fortnight, canvases the views of the Nine audience on 9Nation, which is an online community of our readers and viewers.