Certain E-Bikes Can Reach Speeds of 70 MPH, and One State Is Taking Action | Carscoops

      New regulations are set to be implemented in Connecticut to reduce the number of fringe e-bike users who can keep pace with highway traffic.

      Starting in October 2025, Connecticut will establish new legal definitions for e-bikes.

      These regulations will categorize e-bikes based on their power output and other important equipment features.

      Officials indicate that the new rules are intended to enhance safety and address the concerns surrounding faster e-bike designs.

      Electrification is no longer limited to just cars; motorcycles are now available with electric power, and this technology is also being integrated into bicycles. E-bikes, which are a rapidly expanding category, often bypass many of the laws and regulations that apply to motorcycles and mopeds.

      This is precisely why Connecticut plans to implement new legal definitions that will classify certain e-bikes as 'motor-driven vehicles' and 'motorcycles.'

      Currently, most e-bikes on the market are limited to speeds of 20 or 28 mph, depending on their classification. Some require pedaling (pedal assist) while others come with a throttle. There is also a group that offers both features. However, certain e-bikes on the road can reach significantly higher speeds.

      Safety Concerns Prompt Local Scrutiny

      Westport Police Lt. Serenity Dobson informed CT Insider that, "These bikes can come with a top speed of 30 mph, but if the controller is modified, they can reach 60 or 70 mph, and kids know how to do this." She and others are concerned about young people using e-bikes in a variety of situations, especially given the dangers they present on roads with cars and other traffic.

      While it is questionable whether everyday e-bikes can achieve such speeds without significant modification, some high-performance e-bikes are indeed capable of those speeds straight from the manufacturer. Both situations pose a challenge for a state like Connecticut, which currently lacks specific rules or regulations for these types of transportation.

      To address this issue, the state will categorize e-bikes starting in October. Any e-bike producing 750 watts or more without pedals will be classified as a motor-driven cycle, requiring the rider to possess a driver’s license.

      E-bikes generating 3,500 watts will be legally recognized as motor-driven vehicles, while those exceeding 3,700 watts will classified as motorcycles, mandating the appropriate license and insurance for riders.

      In essence, most people will not need to be concerned about these regulations since the majority of e-bikes operate well below 3,500 watts. Many e-bikes that reach up to 1,000 watts still come equipped with pedals, meaning they would not fall under these regulations. For instance, the e-bikes featured from McLaren, Ford, and Porsche would bypass these rules.