Electric bicycles and other electric mobility devices continue to grow in popularity, especially among youth. The Fairfield Police Department encourages families to understand the laws that apply to these devices and to make safe riding a priority.
Know the Rules. Ride Responsibly.
Helmet Requirements:- Helmets are required by law for all riders and passengers of electric bicycles, regardless of age.
- Riders under 16 are not permitted to operate e-bikes or other motorized devices capable of reaching 28 mph or higher.
- Parents should confirm the class, speed, and wattage of the device before allowing a child to ride.
All e-bikes operated during low-light conditions must be equipped with:
- A white front light visible from at least 500 feet
- A red rear light or reflector visible from at least 600 feet
- Side reflectors for visibility
- Class 3 e-bikes may not be used on sidewalks, multi-use trails, or bike paths
- Riders must follow posted rules on school property, parks, and public spaces.
- Fairfield Public Schools prohibits the use of these devices on school property beyond traveling to or from school. They must be otherwise parked in designated areas.
- Riders must yield to all pedestrians at all times
E-bike and scooter riders must follow all State of Connecticut traffic laws, including:
- Riding on the right side of the roadway
- Obeying stop signs and traffic lights
- Using proper hand signals
- Yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks and on shared paths
- Traveling with traffic, not against it
- No passengers - unless the device was designed for more than one rider
Understanding the Changes in Law:
Effective October 1, 2025, Connecticut law expands the definition of a motor-driven cycle to include gas powered, electric, and hybrid motors. The classification will depend on wattage.Classifications:
- Class 1: Pedal assist only (no throttle) with a top assisted speed of 20 mph
- Class 2: Throttle and/or pedal assist with a top assisted speed of 20 mph
- Class 3: Pedal assist only with a top assisted speed of 28 mph
- Not permitted for riders under 16
- Not allowed on sidewalks, multi-use trails, or bike paths
- Devices producing more than 750 watts will be classified as motor-driven cycles and will require a driver’s license to operate.
- Devices producing 3,700 watts or more will be considered motorcycles and will require a motorcycle endorsement, registration, and insurance
- Motor-driven cycles and motorcycles cannot be operated on sidewalks or trails
Violations may result in fines, youth diversion team referrals (formerly the juvenile review board), juvenile court referral, or the device being seized, depending on the circumstances and safety concerns.
Guidance for Parents and Guardians
- Consider whether your child has the maturity and judgment to operate an e-bike safely. Serious injuries and fatal crashes have occurred across Connecticut involving young riders.
- Discuss helmet use, speed control, and rules of the road.
- Confirm your child’s device meets legal requirements and has functioning brakes, lights, and reflectors.
- Be cautious of online videos showing children how to bypass speed limiters or increase wattage. This may make the device illegal under state law.
- Supervise young and inexperienced riders, especially around traffic.
- Ensure your child understands where riding is allowed and where it is not.
Need Assistance or Have a Concern?
- If you observe unsafe riding or a potential violation, contact Police Dispatch at (203) 254-4800.
- For general questions about e-bike or e-scooter safety, families may contact the Traffic Safety Division for guidance.