Motorized Bicycle Laws in Connecticut

Motorized Bicycles in Connecticut

Generic Court GavelThere are many benefits to be had by using a motorized bicycle as your primary (or secondary) method of transportation. With rising gas prices, environmental concerns and a suffering economy, it’s no wonder more and more people are choosing them over other options.

Similar to other states, Connecticut uses engine size as the a factor for distinguishing between different classifications of motor-driven cycles.

Electric Bicycles

While there are federal laws for e-bikes, Connecticut also has their own laws.

In order for a vehicle to be classified as an e-bike, it must have a helper motor that produces no more than 5 brake horsepower.

Motor-Driven Cycles

In Connecticut, a motor-driven cycle must:

  • Have a motor that is no bigger than 50 cc.
  • Have a seat that that is at least 26 inches high.

In order to be considered a motor-drive cycle rather than a motorcycle, your vehicle must beet the requirements above.

You must always wear a helmet if you are under 18 years old, and you cannot ride on sidewalks, turnpikes or limited access highways.

Additionally, due to your lack of speed you must always drive in the right lane or on the shoulder on the right side of the road, except when you are making a left turn.

Motor-Driven Cycle Licensing and Registration

You must be at least 16 years old, and have a valid Connecticut driver’s license in order to ride a motor-assisted cycle.

If it is your first time getting a drivers license in Connecticut you must take an 8-hour Safe Driving Practice class. And if you are under 18, you must also have at least 2 hours of training with a parent or legal guardian.

You are not required to register your moped or scooter, and you are not required to carry any insurance. However, you should be sure that your vehicle is classified as a motor-driven cycle, as the requirements for motorcycles are different.

Required Motor-Driven Cycle Equipment

In order to drive on the road, your motorized cycle must have:

  • Lights
  • Brakes
  • A horn
  • Rear view mirrors

This is true for all kinds of motor-driven cycles, as well as motorcycles.

Pocket Bikes

In Connecticut, there’s another classification and set of regulations for what is considered a “pocket bike”, or mini-motorcycle.

In order to be considered a pocket bike, your motor-drive cycle must have a seat height that is less than 26 inches.

Unlike motor-drive cycles, you do not need a driver’s license, title or registration. However, you also can’t drive a pocket bike on public roads or sidewalks – they can only be driven on private property.

Want a Motorized Bicycle?

We have a great selection of motorized bicycles for sale! While we recommend getting an e-bike, we also have motorized bicycle kits for sale and bicycle accessories for sale. All of our listings are highly reviewed, as you will see for yourself!