What Owners, Riders Need To Know As New E-Bike Regulations Begin Oct. 1

NEW HAVEN, CT — Starting on Oct. 1, new state law regulating e-bikes and e-scooters will be affective. What does that mean for owners, operators?

Breaking it down:

MDC: A motor-driven cycle, an "E-bike" without pedals and with a motor between 750 and 3,500 watts, will be legally classified as MDCs. Operating one will require a valid driver's license.

Motorcycle: E-bikes with a motor over 3,500 watts will be treated as motorcycles. This will require the vehicle to be registered and insured.

And also beginning Oct. 1, all motorcycle riders under 21 must wear a helmet. For e-bikes, helmets are required for riders under 16 and recommended for all others.

The New Haven Police Department posted the new rules to social media so "riders and families are aware of upcoming changes to e-bike regulations."

"These changes are designed to keep riders safe and accountable as high-powered e-bikes become more common, especially among young riders," police noted.

When asked about how the department will handle enforcement, a police spokesperson said, "We’re going to be doing some legal update training for officers around this issue along with other changes to state laws that go into effect on that date."

"This is a new variation of motor vehicle law, but the underlying concepts remain the same: they need to obey the same rules as any other vehicle on the road, along with any new regulations stipulated by the state legislature," police noted.

The new law's purpose is to "redefine 'electric foot scooter' and 'motor-driven cycle,' specify electric vehicles that do meet the definition of electric bicycles, and, make selling or advertising such electric vehicles as electric bicycles an unfair or deceptive trade practice."