Greenwich PD Sees Increase In Children Riding Electric Bikes, Scooters

Information via Greenwich Police Department

GREENWICH, CT — The Greenwich Police Department said this week in a Facebook post that it has seen an increase in children operating motor-driven cycles, electric bikes and electric foot scooters on roadways around town. The department is urging parents to review the rules of the road with their children to keep everyone safe.

The GPD noted that 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, or 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 the state. Mini-motorcycles have seat heights that are less than 26 inches.

Connecticut law requires the operator of a motor driven cycle to:

• Possess a valid driver's license
• 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 the age of 18 must wear motorcycle helmets
• All Operators must wear eye protection unless the motor-driven cycle is equipped with a windscreen or windshield which conforms to the minimum specifications called for by such regulations

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, and they must wear helmets when riding Class 1 or Class 2 electric bikes.

Electric scooters cannot be used on public sidewalks; they must be used on the road or in a bicycle lane. Children under 16 must wear a helmet when riding an electric scooter.

To review the state laws regarding bicycles and motor drive cycles, please visit click here.