By Anne White
The New Canaan Police Department is expanding efforts to promote safe and legal use of electric bicycles (e-bikes), highlighting concerns about reckless youth riding and a growing number of serious crashes reported nationally.
In a recent op-ed, Police Chief John DiFederico wrote, “In response to complaints about local juveniles on e-bikes speeding, being reckless and nearly colliding with automobiles, and the increasing number of reports from across the country of life-threatening injuries from e-bike accidents, New Canaan Police continues to address the issue in our community”.
He said that local police have been conducting public education work for over a year and a half. “Our patrol officers and Community Impact Officer started working directly with the community to inform them about proper use of electric bicycles and scooters on our local streets. Our efforts have not let up,” DiFederico wrote.
The department’s public relations campaign began in April 2024, using local news media, Town information outlets, and social media to share safety guidelines.
Chief DiFederico also described a new partnership with New Canaan Public Schools. “We are now collaborating with New Canaan Public Schools where administrators are working with middle school students to develop a multi-media program to get the word out to youth e-bike riders about safe and proper use of e-bikes on our roads. This effort is supported by a CT Department of Transportation grant and should be implemented in the next few months,” he wrote.
In addition, the Town Council’s Bylaws and Ordinances Committee is discussing options for local regulation. “While our public safety awareness and law enforcement efforts continue, the Town Council Bylaws and Ordinances Committee is discussing possibilities for establishing a minimum age for e-bike operators and for utilizing a registration system for the e-bikes. Their meetings are open to the public,” DiFederico said.
Enforcement and Legal Requirements
DiFederico emphasized parental responsibility, writing: “Parents of children who are operating e-bikes and e-scooters have the responsibility to make sure their children understand the risks, the laws and the rules of the road to prevent injury to themselves, pedestrians and other motorists”.
He added: “Enforcement action will be taken seriously regardless of age. Violators of motor vehicle laws pertaining to bicycles, e-bikes and e-scooters may receive a ticket with a fine of $117”.
Connecticut General Statutes 14-286a-d classify electric bikes into three categories:
Class 1: Pedal-assist only, motor stops at 20 mph.
Class 2: Electric power with or without pedaling, also capped at 20 mph.
Class 3: Pedal-assist up to 28 mph.
State law includes these restrictions and requirements:
Helmets are mandatory for all e-bike riders.
Persons under 16 may not operate a Class 3 e-bike on streets, highways, or bike/pedestrian paths but may ride as passengers.
Electric bikes are prohibited on New Canaan sidewalks and limited-access highways.
E-bikes are not allowed on paths designed for non-motorized traffic.
Riders must obey all rules of the road, including yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks.
When the maximum speed of the roadway exceeds the e-bike’s speed, the cycle must be operated in the right-hand lane or on a usable shoulder.
E-bikes must have a white front light visible from 500 feet, a rear light or reflector visible from 600 feet, and side reflectors. Operating without required lighting can result in a $92 fine.
E-bike motors may not exceed 750 watts and must disengage when braking.
Broader Injury and Fatality Data
While Connecticut does not publish e-bike-specific fatality data, health officials have warned of rising risk as use increases. Nationally, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported 104 e-bike fatalities between 2017 and 2022. Annual e-bike deaths grew from 6 in 2018 to 42 in 2022.
Roughly 55% of those fatalities resulted from collisions with motor vehicles, while loss of control and pedestrian crashes accounted for other significant causes. Youth under 24 represented about 10 fatalities nationally during that span.
Injuries have also increased sharply: more than 53,000 e-bike-related emergency room visits were recorded nationally between 2017 and 2022, with nearly half occurring in 2022 alone.
More Information
For details on Connecticut’s e-bike laws, the department encourages residents to review the Connecticut Office of Legislative Research’s 2024 guide available here.
Questions may be directed to the New Canaan Police Department’s non-emergency line at 203-594-3500. For emergencies, call 911.
