Substitute House Bill No. 6862 seeks to regulate electric bicycles, electric scooters, and motor-driven cycles in Connecticut by introducing new requirements for manufacturers and sellers. Key provisions include mandating compliance with federal safety standards, labeling e-bikes with specific information regarding their classification, maximum speed, and motor wattage, and requiring speedometers on class 3 e-bikes. The bill prohibits modifications that alter the motor-powered speed capability of e-bikes without updating the labeling. It also clarifies definitions related to electric bicycles and scooters, establishes guidelines for their sale and advertisement, and outlines the rights and responsibilities of riders, including helmet requirements for children and restrictions on where certain classes of e-bikes can be ridden. Violations of these regulations could result in fines ranging from $100 to $300.

Additionally, the bill amends existing traffic laws to enhance safety for all road users, particularly vulnerable users such as cyclists and pedestrians. It introduces a surcharge for drivers who fail to yield to cyclists and specifies safe operation practices for electric bicycles and scooters. The bill also empowers local authorities to create ordinances governing the use of these vehicles and mandates the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to adopt regulations for inspections and compliance with emission standards. Significant changes include the removal of the term "foot" from electric scooters, the establishment of penalties for misrepresenting vehicles, and the requirement for protective headgear for children under 16. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 14-289l, 14-289k, 14-212c, 14-286, 14-286b, 14-286c, 14-286d, 14-288, 14-289, 14-298, 14-300i, 14-300j
TRA Joint Favorable Substitute: 14-289l, 14-289k, 14-212, 14-212c, 14-286, 14-286b, 14-286c, 14-286d, 14-288, 14-289, 14-298, 14-300i, 14-300j
File No. 553: 14-289l, 14-289k, 14-212, 14-212c, 14-286, 14-286b, 14-286c, 14-286d, 14-288, 14-289, 14-298, 14-300i, 14-300j