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Councilman seeks input on ebike ordinance as commission readies education campaign
Summary
Councilman Jim Frayer asked the Bike Walk Commission for feedback on a potential ebike ordinance and coordination on education. Commissioners cited recent state wattage changes and said they are developing materials, a seminar and translated guides with Watch for Me CT and the health department.
Councilman Jim Frayer told the commission he is "exploring the opportunity to develop an ordinance for ebikes" and asked for input on key elements such as wattage limits, licensing questions and education requirements.
"Is there's a new rule or there's a new law out there that if you've got a an ebike of greater than, 750, watts, you now have to have a, a driver's license to drive them," Frayer said, adding that the commission should consider how to define regulated devices and whether education or voluntary certification is appropriate for young people.
Commissioners said the educational subcommittee is prioritizing ebike safety courses and materials; Becca Stoll and Anna Stern (Watch for Me CT) said a set of parent- and school-targeted materials exist and can be consolidated. Emily Burnemann said the commission will aim to publish materials on its website and work with the health department to produce Spanish and Haitian Creole translations.
Frayer said he has been in contact with Darien and Westport and wants a regional approach; commissioners noted that neighboring towns' experiences (including town halls and police citations) informed the commission’s outreach and that a virtual safety seminar is in development. No ordinance text was proposed or voted on during the meeting.
