The use of electric bicycles, or e-bikes, is booming. E-bikes offer numerous benefits: they promote physical activity while making cycling accessible to people of all fitness levels, reduce strain on commutes, and help riders travel farther and faster with less effort. They’re environmentally friendly, producing no emissions and using very little energy compared to cars. E-bikes also save money on fuel, parking, and maintenance, while avoiding traffic and making city travel more convenient. Plus, they’re fun to ride, reduce congestion and noise, and often include smart features like GPS and theft protection — making them a practical, sustainable, and enjoyable alternative to driving.
However, there are important things to know before hoping on an e-bike, or purchasing one for your child. Read on to find out what you need to know!
An e-bike is defined as a bicycle that is propelled by both operable foot pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. E-bikes are classified into three categories:
Class 1: Pedal-assist with a top speed of 20 mph.
Class 2: Throttle (may also have pedal-assist) with a top speed of 20 mph.
Class 3: Pedal-assist with a top speed of 28 mph. Class 3 e-bikes also must have a speedometer.
If the vehicle’s motor exceeds 749 watts, it is no longer an e-bike. Bicycles with attached motors that do not meet the legal definition of an e-bike are not one. Vehicles that are not explicitly e-bikes are now motor-driven cycles or even motorcycles, depending on power/wattage. A motor-driven cycle requires a driver’s license and a motorcycle requires a driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement. Motorcycles must also be registered and insured like cars and trucks.
Any age rider can operate an e-bike in class 1 or 2. However, riders under 16 years old are not permitted to operate a class 3 e-bike. Children under 16 can be a passenger on a Class 3 e-bike if the bike is designed to carry one. There is no driver’s license, registration, or insurance requirement for e-bikes.
Unlike traditional bicycles, ALL RIDERS of e-bikes in any class must wear a helmet, regardless of age. Failure to do so can result in an infraction.
E-bikes are treated similarly to regular bicycles. Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on all multi-use trails and paths. Class 2 e-bikes are allowed on multi-use trails that have been surfaced. Other trail use is subject to local ordinances. Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on multi-use trails. Permission to ride on sidewalks is determined by local ordinance. You cannot ride on limited-access highways or turnpikes.
All e-bikes must have front white lights visible from at least 500 feet, rear red reflectors visible from at least 600 feet and side reflection or lighting visible from both sides.
A major concern with e-bikes is the growing trend of modifying them to achieve higher speeds, even above the legal limits. If an e-bike modification results in performance that would change its class, its label must also be changed accordingly. Also, modifications that result in a power output above 749 watts or a top speed above 28 mph (or 20 mph if the e-bike has a throttle) can result in the vehicle being re-classified as a motor-driven cycle or a motorcycle.
The new laws also introduce sales and marketing rules. Retailers may not advertise or sell a vehicle labeled as an e-bike if it isn’t one. They must also disclose to customers the proper e-bike classification and ensure it is marked clearly on the frame.
Updates to the e-bike laws in the Connecticut General Statutes include adding penalties. Not following the various safety laws, including those like the helmet requirement, can result in fines ranging from $50-$117. Manufacturers and sellers who violate the labeling requirements are subject to fines of up to $100 each for the first offense and fines between $100-$300 for subsequent offenses.
Schools and local police are actively enforcing the new rules — e.g., some middle schools are banning high-power e-bikes and e-scooters on campus for non-compliance.
For Riders
Get comfortable before hitting the road.
Remember, e-bikes behave much differently than regular bicycles. The power and speed might surprise you. Be sure you are comfortable with these dynamics before venturing onto public roads.
Parents and Caregivers
While it’s legal for children to ride class 1 and 2 e-bikes, you should think carefully before allowing it. E-bikes can reach speeds of 20 mph or more, and those with a throttle can operate more like a small motorcycle than a traditional bicycle.
These higher speeds, combined with increased power, require quick decision-making, advanced coordination and a strong understanding of how to navigate traffic – all things that younger children and early teens may not have developed yet. Children are still growing cognitively and physically, and many lack the road experience needed to ride safely. These factors make e-bikes significantly more dangerous for younger riders.
Just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s safe. Make sure your child is truly ready – both physically and mentally – before putting them on an e-bike.
While overall road deaths in Connecticut declined last year, pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities continue to rise. These numbers are a sobering reminder that there is still significant work ahead in 2026 to protect our most vulnerable road users. Slowing down, staying alert, and sharing the road can save lives.
Learn more here: ow.ly/EKsN50Y5o4F
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CT road deaths drop 12% in 2025, pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities rise
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Connecticut saw a significant drop in roadway deaths in 2025, reaching the state’s lowest total in five years, according to new data. But state officials said pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities sti...Remember to clear and salt your sidewalks! Drivers, watch for pedestrians that are forced to step into the road to get around steep snow banks.
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Did you know that in Connecticut, you’re legally required to yield the right-of-way the moment a pedestrian in a crosswalk shows intent to cross? Whether they’re already in the crosswalk or just stepping to the curb with a hand raised, drivers must stop and allow them to cross.
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How do you know if your child is ready for an e-bike? Here’s a quick checklist:
➡️Motor Mastery: They can confidently handle a heavy frame (40–70 lbs) and perform sudden "panic stops" without losing balance.
➡️Split-Second Judgment: They have the focus to anticipate hazards and the impulse control to manage higher speeds (up to 20 mph) responsibly.
➡️Traffic Literacy: They instinctively follow the rules of the road—knowing hand signals, right-of-way, and how to navigate intersections safely.
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🚧 You may notice some four-lane roads being converted into three lanes. This change is called a Road Diet — and it’s designed to make streets safer for everyone.
Here’s how it works:
➡️ One travel lane in each direction
➡️ A center left-turn lane that gives drivers dedicated space to turn without blocking traffic
Why it matters:
✔️ Shortens crossing distances for pedestrians
✔️ Makes left turns safer
✔️ Improves overall roadway safety
According to the FHWA, converting a road from four lanes to three can reduce crashes by up to 47%. Safer design = safer streets for all.
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Slow down and move over a lane if you can when there are vehicles stopped on the side of the road or highway ahead. Lives depend on it.Today, the entire MaineDOT family is heartbroken. Yesterday, we lost two dedicated public servants: James Brown and Dwayne Campbell from our Fairfield Crew. When they left for work, no one could have known they wouldn’t return. Our entire team mourns today from this unspeakable loss and we share our sympathies with their families, friends, and loved ones. Two other MaineDOT workers were injured but are recovering today.
We appreciate your thoughts and prayers as we work to rebuild and recover from this tragic incident. Every day, road workers put their trust in your hands. They step out of their vehicles trusting that drivers are paying attention, distraction free, and focused on driving safely. No matter what comes out of this ongoing investigation, we hope you will see our flashing lights on the side of the road as a reminder: move over a lane if possible; if not, slow down. There are lives at stake.
We would like to extend our sincerest appreciation to the Maine State Police, Waterville Police Department, Waterville Fire Department, Waterville Public Works, Delta Ambulance, and Dostie’s Towing. For those of you who are continuing to reach out to your friends and family members at MaineDOT, we thank you for your kindness. It means a lot. 💔 ... See MoreSee Less
This National Passenger Safety Week we are encouraging vehicle passengers to speak up! Say something if you are in a car and you don't feel safe. Some reasons to feel unsafe include a driver that is:
🚗Texting/using their cell phone when driving
🚗Under the influence of alcohol or drugs
🚗Driving too fast
🚗Tailgating
🚗Is driving while tired
Passengers can make a difference!
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Congratulations Anna on becoming a Road Safety Champion!! 🥇🥇🥇On Thursday, November 20, 2025, we honored 270 graduates from across the entire state of Connecticut. The T2 Center hosted this annual event at the University of Connecticut's Storrs campus. Congratulations to all of the graduates, thank you to the agencies that support them, and to the T2 staff for their hard work all year round!
Read more about this event by visiting the T2 Center's website.
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