Avon PD Urges E-Bike Safety, Vigilance

AVON, CT — Like many towns, Avon officials are reporting safety issues and concerns regarding electric bicycles being ridden in town.

As a result, the Avon Police Department is on an information push about the vehicles, which will soon have new regulations governing who can ride them legally this October.

The APD is reminding families to "make safety a top priority and follow Connecticut laws for electric bicycle operation.

"Please carefully consider whether your child is ready to safely operate an e-bike," wrote Avon police.

"If you wouldn’t let them ride a motorcycle, they shouldn’t be riding something that functions like one."

Police offered the following tips/informatoin regarding E-bikes:

• Serious crashes have occurred across the state involving young riders.

• Talk with your child about proper helmet use, safe riding, and traffic laws.

• Ensure your child’s e-bike is properly equipped and that they understand where they can legally ride.

• Supervision is key—especially for younger or inexperienced riders.

Meanwhile, Avon police urged folks to be mindful of new changes in E-bike regulations that will take effect Oct. 1 statewide.

Among the changes are:

• E-bikes without pedals and batteries over 750 watts but under 3,500 watts will now be defined as motor-driven cycles.

• A valid driver’s license will be required to operate those E-bikes (Class 1-3 will still not require a license).

• E-bikes over 3,500 watts will require registration and insurance, similar to motorcycles.

"These changes aim to improve safety and accountability as high-powered bikes become more common, especially among young, unlicensed riders," wrote the APD.

For more information on current E-bike rules and regulations, click on this link.

For more information on new E-bike regulations changes coming Oct. 1, click on this link.