wheelWISE: Building a New Generation of Responsible Road Users

Executive Summary

The teenage brain—a remarkable work-in-progress—faces a mismatch between its fully developed reward center and its still-maturing risk assessment capabilities. While e-bike and vehicle technology have advanced rapidly, the adolescent mind has not evolved at the same pace. wheelWISE addresses this critical gap with an innovative, research-driven educational framework that guides teens from e-bike safety at ages 12-14 through to driver training at 15-16, in partnership with Responsible Driving School and independent driver education providers. Our mission: to foster a generation that respects every vehicle, protects every road user, and leads with responsibility—whether on two wheels or four.

Introduction: Why Teens Need a New Approach to Mobility Safety

Today's teens are coming of age in a transportation revolution. E-bikes, scooters, and other micromobility options have become mainstream, offering speed and convenience but also introducing new risks—especially for youth whose brains are wired for reward but not yet for risk4 5. Traditional driver education programs focus on cars and rules of the road, but leave a gap in preparing teens for the realities of modern, multi-modal travel.

Teen crash rates remain disproportionately high, with inexperience, distraction, sensation-seeking, and peer pressure as leading factors6 7. Meanwhile, research shows that interventions such as graduated driver licensing (GDL) can reduce risky behaviors and improve educational outcomes by limiting unsupervised driving and access to high-risk situations2. wheelWISE responds to these challenges by creating a seamless, holistic progression from e-bike safety to driver education, rooted in adolescent brain science and real-world needs.

The wheelWISE Learning Model: Wonder, Investigate, Share, Empower

Wonder: Meeting Teens Where They Are

Recognizing that teens spend significant time on TikTok and YouTube, wheelWISE intentionally uses short-form video to spark curiosity and engagement. These videos present real-world scenarios, expert insights, and relatable stories—prompting teens to ask "what if?" and reflect on their own choices. This approach leverages existing media habits to activate curiosity and build hazard perception skills, a foundation for defensive riding and driving.

Example: Teens watch short clips of common e-bike and driving situations, pausing to identify hazards before they're revealed. This method encourages active observation and primes the brain for critical thinking.

Investigate: Deepening Understanding Through Exploration

Teens move from curiosity to analysis, exploring the science and consequences behind mobility safety:

Research-based activities on the physics of movement, stopping distance, and reaction time.
Hands-on experiments, such as comparing battery safety between manufacturer and off-brand chargers.
Case studies, including real-life incidents and legal outcomes, to connect choices with consequences5.

Example: Teens analyze why carrying passengers increases risk on e-bikes, or investigate the aftermath of a local crash involving distracted riding.

Share: Building Community Through Peer Education

wheelWISE empowers teens to transform learning into collective wisdom:

Creation of Public Service Announcements (PSAs) on safety topics.
Peer-to-peer teaching and group projects.
Development of educational resources for schools and communities.

Example: Teens collaborate to produce a PSA on helmet use or safe group riding, sharing it on social media and in their schools.

Empower: From Knowledge to Action

The final phase guides teens to apply their learning through real-world advocacy and leadership:

Start conversations and peer-to-peer challenges (e.g., helmet selfies, “no phone zone” pledges).
Encourage friends and family to adopt safer habits through creative, positive messaging.

This organic, peer-driven advocacy builds a culture of safety from the inside out, as teens see their friends modeling and promoting responsible behaviors

Example: Teens distribute their PSAs widely—school Science projets (why are off-market batteries more likely to start fires?) on social media, and through local media partners.

Seamless Progression: From E-Bike to Driver’s Seat

wheelWISE, in partnership with Responsible Driving School and other education providers, offers a structured path:

Age	Focus Area	Key Skills Developed
10-14	E-bike Safety	Hazard perception, rules, battery safety, peer accountability
14-15	Hybrid Road Coexistence	Defensive riding, traffic negotiation, group safety
15-17	Driver Training	Systems thinking, risk management, advocacy

This progression ensures that as teens mature, their education evolves—preparing them to respect all vehicles and road users, and to lead with responsibility at every stage.

Curriculum Focus Areas

Defensive riding and driving, with special attention to the unique risks of micromobility5.
Traffic laws and right-of-way, including local and state regulations.
Safe vehicle and gear selection, fitting, and maintenance.
Battery safety and responsible charging.
Social responsibility, peer influence, and advocacy skills.

Expert input from law enforcement, EMTs, mental health professionals, and insurance agents ensures content is accurate, relevant, and actionable.

Implementation Models

wheelWISE is designed for flexibility:

For Families: Self-paced online modules, family discussion guides, parent teen contracts and community events.
For “Friend” Groups: Learn in person or online with your buddies and besties. Do it together and hold each other accountable to safety.
For Schools: Elective courses, after-school programs, or enhancements to existing driver education.
For Affiliates Partners and Sponsors: Expand your reach, Social Media Amplification, Revenue Opportunities, Enhanced customer trust.
For Policymakers: Data-driven recommendations and youth engagement models for safer communities.

Measuring Success

Success is measured by:

Knowledge acquisition and retention.
Shifts in attitudes toward safety and responsibility.
Observable behavior changes in transportation choices.
Community impact through teen-led initiatives and policy changes.

Conclusion: Smarter, Safer, More Responsible Teens

wheelWISE is more than a safety program—it’s a movement to align education with the realities of modern mobility and the adolescent brain. By partnering across the e-bike-to-driver continuum, we are building a generation that respects every vehicle, protects every road user, and leads with responsibility. Together, we can ensure that teens not only survive but thrive—on two wheels, four wheels, and beyond.

For more information about implementing wheelWISE, contact us at [contact information].