Reckless-Riding Complaints Prompt Enfield E-Bike Alert

ENFIELD, CT — Enfield police are reminding residents to know the rules for e-bikes, mopeds and other motor-driven cycles after an increase in complaints in Enfield and nearby communities.

The department said it has received numerous complaints about e-bike operators riding wheelies in roadways and operating recklessly. The alert was aimed at parents of young operators as well as adult riders.

Connecticut requires every e-bike operator and passenger to wear a helmet. The law also bars anyone younger than 16 from operating a Class 3 e-bike, which can provide pedal assistance up to 28 mph. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are generally limited to 20 mph, according to the state’s e-bike information guide.

Not every electric two-wheeler marketed as an e-bike qualifies as one under state law. A legal e-bike must have operable foot pedals and an electric motor of no more than 750 watts. Higher-powered devices or those without pedals may instead be classified as motor-driven cycles or motorcycles, which can carry different licensing, registration and insurance rules.

Police also stressed that motor-driven-cycle riders need a valid driver’s license, while motorcycle operators need a motorcycle endorsement. The Connecticut DMV’s motorcycle guide says both must comply with state traffic laws, and motor-driven cycles cannot be ridden on limited-access highways or turnpikes.

Enfield police urged riders to respect the road and follow the law.

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