[John DiFederico is chief of the New Canaan Police Department.]
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.
Police Chief John DiFederico. Credit: Legacy Studios
It has been about a year-and-a-half since 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.
Our public relations campaign, which started in April 2024, continues in local news media, Town information outlets and social media.
Further, 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.
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.
Here are some safety reminders:
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.
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. The state classifies electric bikes in three categories:
- 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.
Rules of the Road
A person under 16 years of age may not operate a Class 3 e-bike upon any street, highway, or bike or pedestrian path. Persons under age 16 may ride a Class 3 e-bike as a passenger only.
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.
Questions and comments may be addressed to New Canaan Police Department by calling 203-594-3500.
Does New Canaan have a local regulation prohibiting e-bikes and e-scooters from public park trails in Waveny and the Bristow Bird Sanctuary?
Hi Chris,
Great question!
Maybe direct your question to the Town Council By-Laws Subcommittee co-chairs:
Tom Butterworth and Hilary Ormond
The topic of e-bikes came up, I think, last year during one of their meetings.
NewCanaanite readers would be interested in the answer, too.
I’m glad the police are taking this seriously. I’ve seen too many kids on motorized bikes on sidewalks, riding in the middle of Elm and Main Streets, riding diagonally across the intersection of Cherry & Main near the library against the traffic. It’s just a matter of time before someone is grievously injured. And the poor driver who hits them….
I continue to see the e-bikers and scooter riders each and everyday on the sidewalks on South Ave and Elm St..One afternoon, I observed Officer Nicole Vartulli speaking with some young people explaing safety and giving literature to them. I fear for their safety and the safety of drivers as they DO NOT STOP at the corner of South before turning on to Elm St. This is also true of cars which also do not stop.They sometimes turn left, going the wrong way down Elm St This is a dangerous intersection that needs some attention. There have been Police cars parked there at times which has been helpful.