Electric bikes have become a prominent topic of discussion in recent months in South Windsor, with numerous news reports highlighting both their rising popularity and the safety concerns associated with their use.
This year, there has been a huge increase in fatalities and injuries regarding e-bikes.
As of July 30, 2025 there had already been seven deaths caused by e-bikes. This is a larger number than Connecticut has seen in recent years, and the most deaths they’ve seen involving e-bikes since 2016.
According to the Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA), many of these fatalities stem from a combination of excitement and inexperience, as children often rush to ride their new bikes without using proper safety equipment.
The new law released on October 1 has raised the required age of wearing a helmet to 18 years of age. New helmets for higher speed bikes might also soon be a requirement.
Places such as Portland, Oregon; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Boston, Massachusetts are making safe spaces for kids to ride e-bikes.
They have created separate bike lanes bordered with concrete barriers or trees to prevent cars and other vehicles from coming in contact with the kids on bikes.
According to Connecticut Public Radio, Connecticut emergency departments have been booming with serious e-bike injuries.
Parents choose e-bikes that have electronic assist, because it limits how fast the actual bike can go. What many don’t know is that these bikes can easily be modified to go way over their set speed limits.
While these bikes are dangerous if not used properly, kids are still eager to ride.
South Windsor is bubbling with complaints and concerns about kids recklessly riding their e-bikes on roadways.
While there are no nationwide rules regarding e-bikes, many states have a three-class system for them.
Class 1 consists of bikes with pedal assist only, and motor assistance stops at 20 mph.
Class 2 consists of bikes with pedal assist or throttle control, and motor assistance stops at 20 mph.
Class 3 consists of bikes with pedal assist only, and motor assistance stops at 28 mph.
According to the Office of Legislative Research, “E-bike riders do not need a driver’s license, and e-bikes are not registered with DMV. However, CT state laws prohibit anyone under age 16 from riding a class 3 e-bike unless they are riding as a passenger on an e-bike designed to carry one.”
Connecticut state laws identify that it is required for every e-bike rider to wear a helmet, no matter their age, unlike regular bikes where the user is only required to wear a helmet age 16 and under.
On September 15th 2025, South Windsor Chief of Police Kristian R. Lindstrom, issued a press release regarding the rules and regulations of e-bikes in the town.
Lindstrom told The Prowl that this press release was issued after a fatal e-bike accident in Tolland. He said this was released as a preventative measure.
In the letters to families, Lindstrom said there have been multiple complaints about unsafe riding in recent weeks. The department released a rules sheet stating that all riders must wear helmets regardless of their age.
Lindstrom also mentioned that e-bikes without pedals will no longer be considered e-bikes and instead they will be identified as “motor driven cycles”.
In order to operate one of the motor driven cycles, you must be 16+, hold a valid drivers license, and keep your bike strictly on the road and off sidewalks.
For e-bikes in classes 1 and 2, no license is required, but you must be 16 or older to ride a class 3 e-bike. Riders will be treated like motor vehicles while on the road and pedestrians while riding on sidewalks.
Lindstrom stated that these rules and regulations were released in order to “minimize the chance of our community experiencing a tragedy similar to those we’ve seen recently around the State.”
Lindstrom has also “asked the South Windsor Police Department to expand their traffic enforcement efforts to include providing increased attention to e-bikes.”
SWPD has no intentions to completely ban dirt bikes; however, they are going to continue to keep a close eye on riders and make sure safety is a priority.
“The South Windsor Police makes a huge effort to be an approachable department so kids can feel comfortable asking questions when they see officers around,” Lindstrom told The Prowl.
The Chief also advised residents to disregard unofficial e-bike rules and trends circulating on social media, and instead familiarize themselves with their state’s laws.
Currently, there are no e-bike rules specific to South Windsor, and all rules are parallel throughout the state.
On October 1st 2025, the new e-bike law went into effect.
Connecticut e-bike laws will require a driver’s license for pedal-less e-bikes with batteries over 750 watts (classified as motor-driven cycles) and require registration and insurance for e-bikes with batteries over 3,500 watts.
The law also mandates helmet use for all e-bike riders, restricts Class 3 e-bikes for riders under 16.
“I think it’s necessary; the biggest factor I see with mopeds and electric bikes is people are riding in traffic, and if they don’t have a license they don’t know general rules of traffic,” South Windsor Resident James Smith said. “They could make mistakes that could be life threatening to them.”
This bill was implemented by lawmakers on the Transportation Committee and was managed by multiple co sponsors, not just one lawmaker.
As authorities keep a closer eye on these bikes, it’s important for everyone to have fun but remember the dangers and responsibilities of being an operator.
