The Ridgefield Police Department is aware that there has been an increase in the use of electric bicycles (e-bikes) around town. By law, an electric bicycle is a bicycle that (1) has operable foot pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts and (2) qualifies as a class 1, class 2, or class 3 bicycle.
A class 1 e-bike engages the motor only when the rider is using the foot pedals, and has a maximum speed of 20 mph. A class 2 e-bike engages the motor when the rider uses the pedals or a throttle, and has a maximum speed of 20 mph. A class 3 e-bike engages the motor only when the rider uses the pedals and has a maximum speed of 28 mph. Modification of an e-bike to exceed these classifications would mean that it is no longer classified as an e-bike, and may be subject to motor vehicle registration, insurance, and licensing requirements.
The Ridgefield Police Department will be doing ongoing education regarding e-bikes and will also be stepping up enforcement of violations.