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.
Winnie and Wally are on their way to the park—but getting there safely is just as important as the fun waiting ahead! 🌳☀️
Whether you're walking or biking to your favorite park, remember to use sidewalks whenever they're available, cross only at marked crosswalks, walk your bike through busy intersections, and watch for vehicles entering and exiting parking lots.
A few simple safety habits can help everyone enjoy a safe trip to the park. Where are Winnie and Wally headed next? Tell us your family's favorite Connecticut park in the comments! 👇
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🎒 With the school year starting up, Amy is here with tips to help keep kids—and everyone on the road—safe.
Increased traffic, school buses, pedestrians, and bicyclists mean commutes may require a little more time and attention. 🚗🚌🚶♀️🚲
Listen in to learn how you can help make every trip a safer one this school year!
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🚌 Back-to-School Means Safety First
School is back in session, and that means new routines and new traffic patterns.
As students head to bus stops, walk to school, and parents navigate drop-off lines, our roads become much busier.
A few simple reminders:
⏰ Leave a few extra minutes for your commute.
🚸 Watch for children crossing the street and walking near roadways.
🚗 Be patient as everyone adjusts to the new school-year routine.
A little extra time and awareness can make everyone's commute safer and less stressful.
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Last week, Watch for Me CT’s Amy Watkins joined state leaders and other officials for a back-to-school press conference focused on keeping Connecticut’s students safe.
Amy, along with other key leaders, continue to stress the importance of cautious driving as students return to their daily morning and afternoon commutes, reminding drivers to stay alert and watch for children walking, biking, and crossing the road.
Amy also offered safety tips for parents and caregivers when it comes to e-bikes, including ways to help make sure kids are riding safely.
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🚶♀️🚲 Road Safety Starts Early! 🚲🚶♂️
Help keep young pedestrians and bicyclists safe by teaching them the basics of road safety. Children under 10 often have difficulty judging traffic, vehicle speed, and safe crossing opportunities, which is why adult supervision is so important.
In this carousel, Winnie and Wally share key tips for:
✅ Walking safely near roads
✅ Crossing streets the right way
✅ Riding bikes safely and wearing a properly fitted helmet
✅ Following the rules of the road
Swipe through to learn simple ways to help children stay safe while walking and biking. 💛
#WatchForMeCT #PedestrianSafety #BicyclistSafety #RoadSafety #SafeKids #trafficsafety #WalkSafe #bikesafe ... See MoreSee Less
A new NBC News report highlights a concerning rise in e-bike and e-scooter injuries among children and teens, with emergency room visits increasing by more than 600% over the past three years.
As these devices become more common, it’s more important than ever for young riders to understand how to stay safe and for parents and caregivers to reinforce safe riding habits.
Watch the full segment: ow.ly/YtIv50ZEKw3
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E-bike injuries surge in kids and teens
ow.ly
New data shows emergency room visits for e-bike and e-scooter injuries among kids and teens have jumped more than 600 percent in the last three years. Our team traveled to Madison, Wisconsin, where on...🔋 E-bike batteries help power your ride—but using and storing them safely is just as important.
While battery fires are uncommon, taking a few simple precautions can help reduce the risk and keep you, your family, and your home safe. Swipe through to discover five simple ways to properly charge, store, and care for your e-bike battery while reducing the risk of battery fires.
Safe habits start before you hit the road. 🚲⚡
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Winnie and Wally never head out on a summer adventure without their safety checklist! ☀️🦘🚲
Whether you're riding your bike, walking to the park, or exploring your neighborhood, a little preparation can make a big difference. Remember to wear a properly fitted helmet when biking, bring water to stay hydrated, wear bright or reflective clothing, look left, right, then left again before crossing, and put your phone away so you can stay focused on your surroundings.
With a few simple safety habits, every summer adventure can be a fun one. Where are Winnie and Wally headed next? Tell us your favorite summer destination in Connecticut! 🌳
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⚡ E-Scooter Safety Tips ⚡
There has been a recent rise in e-scooter injuries in our state. Though e-scooters are a fun way to get around, parents of young children should think twice before letting their child ride one. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that due to the difficulty of balancing and steering, children 9-12 should not ride on anything motorized that goes faster than 10 mph. The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends that children under 16 not operate electric scooters due to the lack of developmental skills and judgment to do so safely. If you feel your child has the physical and mental ability to operate an e-scooter safely, here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
• Wear a Helmet: Most head injuries happen to children not wearing a helmet. Choose the right helmet for the speed of the device, and wear it every time.
• Other safety gear: Riders should also wear elbow pads, knee pads and wrist guards, as they protect the areas commonly injured in a fall. Wear closed toe footwear to protect feet. High-visibility or reflective gear and lights should be worn at night.
• Ride in a safe area: Find areas where kids can ride safely and separately from cars. When that isn’t an option, try to identify where they can at least ride with minimal traffic and bumps in the road. Always ensure a rider is supervised by an adult, particularly near intersections or busy areas.
• Practice riding: Ensure your rider knows how to use an electric scooter properly. Practice braking smoothly and consistently at high speeds. Teach them basic traffic rules (stop signs, hand signals) so they can communicate safely when riding. Never allow riders to ride double on a device designed for a single rider. ... See MoreSee Less