The Greenwich Police Dept shared a post on Facebook this week about the increase in children riding motor-driven cycles, electric bikes, and electric foot scooters on town roads.
Connecticut law defines Motor Driven Cycles as motor scooters, mopeds, or motorbikes with an engine size of less than 50cc and a seat height of at least 26 inches.
Mini-motorcycles (Pocket Bikes) are not motor-driven cycles and cannot be registered in Connecticut and continue to be prohibited from use on any roadway or sidewalk in Connecticut.
Mini-motorcycles have seat heights that are less than 26 inches.
Connecticut law requires the operator of a Motor Driven Cycle to have a valid driver’s license, and not be driven on a sidewalk, limited access highway, or turnpike.
When traveling on a roadway where the speed limit exceeds the motor-driven cycle’s maximum speed, operators must travel in the right-hand lane or shoulder, except when preparing to turn left at an intersection or into or from a private road or driveway.
Operators and passengers under 18 are required to wear motorcycle helmets.
All Operators must wear eye protection unless the motor-driven cycle is equipped with a windscreen or windshield.
The State of Connecticut does not classify electric bicycles as “motor-driven cycles.” (CGA 14-1(58)). To be legally driven on a public road in Connecticut, electric bikes must have an electric motor with no more than 750W. Riders of electric bikes are afforded the same rights and privileges and are subject to the same duties as the rider of a bicycle.
The state classifies electric bikes into three categories:
• Class 1 electric bikes are pedal-assist only, and the motor stops when the rider stops pedaling or when the speed reaches 20 mph.
• Class 2 includes electric bikes that provide electric power whether or not the rider is pedaling but stop providing power when the brakes are applied or when the speed reaches 20 mph.
• Class 3 electric bikes are pedal-assist only, and the motor stops when the rider stops pedaling or when the speed reaches 28 mph.
Children under 16 are prohibited from operating Class 3 Electric Bikes on a public roadway. Children under 16 must wear helmets when riding Class 1 or Class 2 electric bikes.
The State of Connecticut classifies Electric Foot Scooters as a device that:
-Weighs not more than seventy-five pounds
-It has two or three wheels, handlebars, and a floorboard that can be stood upon while riding
-It is powered by an electric motor and human power
-A maximum speed, with or without human propulsion on a paved level surface, of 20mph.
E-Scooters can not be used on public sidewalks. E-Scooters must be used on the road or in a bicycle lane. Children under 16 must wear a helmet when riding an electric scooter.
“We ask parents to review with their children the roadway rules if they allow their children to ride their bicycles, electric bicycles, electric scooters, and, if allowed by law, their Motor Driven Cycles on the public roadways,” police said.
To review the laws regarding bicycles and motor drive cycles, please visit https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/title_14.htm After following this link, definitions are under Chapter 246 14-1, and bicycle laws are under Chapter 248, 14-286 thru 14-289l.