2019 Connecticut General Statutes
Title 14 - Motor Vehicles. Use of the Highway by Vehicles. Gasoline
Chapter 248 - Vehicle Highway Use
Section 14-289k - Rights of electric bicycle riders. Operation of electric bicycles. Prohibition re children riding electric bicycles. Protective headgear for electric bicycle riders and passengers. Exceptions.
(a) For the purposes of this section, “electric bicycle”, “class 1 electric bicycle”, “class 2 electric bicycle” and “class 3 electric bicycle” have the same meanings as provided in section 14-1.
(b) Except as provided in this section, the rider of an electric bicycle shall be afforded the same rights and privileges and subject to the same duties as the rider of a bicycle.
(c) Except as provided in this section or where prohibited by local ordinance, an electric bicycle may be ridden where bicycles are permitted to travel.
(d) A class 3 electric bicycle shall not be ridden on a bicycle trail or path or multiuse trail or path.
(e) Except where permitted by local ordinance, a class 1 or class 2 electric bicycle shall not be ridden on a bicycle trail or path or multiuse trail or path designated for nonmotorized traffic if such trail or path has a natural surface tread made by clearing and grading the soil and no surfacing materials have been added.
(f) No person under the age of sixteen shall ride a class 3 electric bicycle. Any person under the age of sixteen may sit as a passenger on a class 3 electric bicycle provided such bicycle is equipped or designed to carry a passenger.
(g) No person shall ride or sit as a passenger on an electric bicycle unless such person is wearing protective headgear that conforms to the minimum specifications established for bicycle helmets by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission or the American Society for Testing and Materials.
(h) The provisions of subsections (c), (d) and (e) of this section shall not apply to any police officer, firefighter or emergency medical technician engaged in the performance of the duties of such officer, firefighter or technician.
(P.A. 18-165, S. 1.)
