New Canaan Police Working With Schools On E-Bike Safety Awareness Campaign

NEW CANAAN, CT — Police are currently working with New Canaan Public Schools on a new safety awareness campaign regarding electric "e-bikes" in town, according to the department.

In a news release Friday, Chief of Police John DiFederico said the department continues to address e-bike safety in town in response to complaints about local juveniles "speeding, being reckless and nearly colliding with automobiles," as well as "the increasing number of reports from across the country of life-threatening injuries from e-bike accidents."

According to DiFederico, local patrol officers and the town's community impact officer began working directly with the community to inform them about proper use of electric bicycles and scooters on New Canaan streets about a year-and-a-half ago, and their efforts have not let up since.

"Our public relations campaign, which started in April 2024, continues in local news media, town information outlets and social media," DiFederico said in a news release.

DiFederico also noted the department is 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 state Department of Transportation grant and should be implemented in the next few months, DiFederico said.

"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," DiFederico said. "Their meetings are open to the public."

DiFederico also provided the following safety reminders regarding e-bikes:

Parents' Role

"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," DiFederico said. "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."

State of Connecticut Regulations

Electric bikes may not have a motor with more than 750 watts, and they must be equipped so that motor function ceases when the brake is applied, DiFederico said.

The state classifies electric bikes in three categories, according to DiFederico:

• Class 1 are pedal-assist-only, and the motor stops when you reach 20 mph.
• Class 2 provide electric power whether or not the rider is pedaling. The power stops when the speed reaches 20 mph.
• Class 3 continue providing electrical power up to 28 mph.

Connecticut General Statutes 14-286a-d cover the operation of bicycles, electric bicycles and electric foot scooters, DiFederico noted.

Rules of the Road

A person under 16 years of age may not operate a Class 3 e-bike on any street, highway or bike or pedestrian path; they may only ride one as a passenger, according to DiFederico.

• Helmets are required for everyone on any e-bike.
• Electric bikes are prohibited from New Canaan sidewalks and limited access highways.
• E-bikes are not allowed on paths designed for non-motorized traffic.
• Electric bicycles shall follow all of the rules of the roads like any motor vehicle, including yielding the right-of-way to pedestrians in a crosswalk.
• If the maximum speed of the roadway is more than the maximum speed of the cycle, the cycle must be operated in the right-hand lane or on a usable shoulder.
• Each city, town, and borough may create local regulations for e-bikes as long as these are not inconsistent with the state's ordinance.