Are electronic cigarettes safer than regular cigarettes?

Probably - Addictive: Yes, they are promoted as safer because of lack of many oxidation byproducts produced by burning tobacco ; this is true. They supply nicotine to keep the addition going but the industry has not performed any clinical trials to evaluate the pros ; cons. Thus the conclusion, through presumably reasonable, is presumptive, not tested, without known reliability ; largely exempted by dshea act 1994.

Yes: E cigarettes don't produece tar or carbon monoxide. E- cigarettes may contain nicotine, volatile organic compounds, heavy metals (like lead, tin & nickel), ultrafine particles (which may be drawn deep into lungs, diacetyl & Nicotine which is addictive. REF: https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/