With e-bikes and motorized/electric vehicles becoming more popular - especially among youth - the Glastonbury Police Department is reminding families to make safety a top priority and follow Connecticut laws for electric bicycle operation.

Helmets are required by law for all e-bike riders and passengers, regardless of age.

Riders under 16 years of age may NOT operate e-bikes/motorized vehicles that can reach speeds of 28 mph or greater.

All e-bikes must be equipped with proper lights and reflectors:

• White front light (visible from 500 feet)
• Red rear light or reflector (visible from 600 feet)
• Side reflectors for visibility

Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on sidewalks, multi-use trails, or bike paths.

E-bike riders must follow all rules of the road, including (but not limited to):

• Riding on the right side
• Yielding to pedestrians
• Obeying stop signs and traffic lights

Per CT General Statutes House Bill 6862 (effective 10/1/2025), the definition of a motor-driven cycle will now include gas-powered, electric, and hybrid motors. Depending on the watts produced by the cycle, certain driver’s licenses and registration requirements will apply. 

Specifically, cycles producing greater than 750 watts will be considered a motor-driven cycle, will require a driver’s license, and cannot be driven on sidewalks. Cycles producing 3,700+ watts will be considered a motorcycle and will require a driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement, registration, and insurance, and cannot be driven on sidewalks or trails.

Violations may result in fines, juvenile review board referrals, or bike seizure.

View a summary of e-bike/motor-driven cycle classifications under state law (effective 10/1/2025) - or see screenshot below

• Please carefully consider whether your child is ready to safely operate an e-bike. Serious crashes have occurred across the state involving young riders.
• Talk with your child about 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.

Let's work together to keep our kids, and our community, safe! Please contact us as follows:

If you witness a potential violation/safety concern - Call Police Dispatch immediately at (860) 633-8301. 

General questions - Routine questions regarding e-bike/motorized/electric vehicle laws can be directed to Sergeant Brian Barao during standard office hours at (860) 652-4282 or brian.barao@glastonbury-ct.gov.