HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) – As e-bikes top many teenagers’ holiday wish lists, Connecticut police are reminding parents about new state laws that went into effect October 1 that classify some models as motor vehicles requiring a driver’s license.

More than a million e-bikes were sold in the United States last year, and the devices continue growing in popularity among teenagers and older adults who want to stay active.

“So many kids are buying e-bikes or getting them as gifts, and they can be very powerful,” Chief Joshua Bernegger of the Watertown Police Department said.

The new Connecticut law creates three different classes of e-bikes based on speed and power. All riders must wear helmets regardless of the class.

If the e-bike’s motor is less than 750 watts, there is no age restriction and riders only need to wear a helmet. However, if the motor is 750 watts or more, Connecticut no longer considers it an e-bike but classifies it as a “motor driven cycle.” These require riders to be at least 16 years old and have a driver’s license.

E-bikes with top speeds exceeding 28 miles per hour are not classified as e-bikes under state law.

Bernegger said the new laws address rising safety concerns about e-bike accidents.

“We’ve been seeing a lot of serious accidents in CT over the past year,” Bernegger said. “The number of fatal accidents involving bicycles has risen more than 300% over the prior year, and our emergency rooms are seeing dramatic increase in significant injuries for children and adolescents riding e-bikes.”

The police chief said some e-bikes may be too powerful for young teenagers to handle safely.

“It’s often more of a bike than a young teen, 13, 14, 15-years-old can really handle,” Bernegger said.

Eric Otero, lead salesman at Bikers Edge in Bristol, said e-bikes have transformed his sales floor in recent years.

“Teenagers are kind of taking over the streets on them,” Otero said. “I get calls everyday about them.”

Otero said he sells a couple e-bikes each week, usually to teenagers eager to ride on city streets.

Bernegger advised parents to research their purchases carefully, especially when buying online.

“It’s often more of a bike than a young teen, 13, 14, 15 years old, can really handle,” Bernegger said.

The new law includes specific penalties for violations. Riding without a helmet results in a $90 fine. Riding a modified e-bike costs $100. Riding a motor driven cycle under age 16 or without a driver’s license can result in the bike being impounded.

Otero advised parents to act quickly if they plan to purchase an e-bike for the holidays.

“I’d call now because they’re going faster than you think,” Otero said.

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