08/20/2026
E-Bike Safety Program Planned for Local Youth
Author photo
Press Release from State Rep. Renee LaMark Muir
Aug 14, 2026 1:39 PM
State Rep. Renee LaMark Muir has announced a new community e-bike safety program designed to help young riders and their families safely navigate the growing popularity of e-bikes, e-scooters, and other electric recreational vehicles.
“Ride Smart 101: E-Bike Safety Program” will be held Monday, Aug. 24, at 5 p.m. at Deep River Elementary School. Children and parents from Chester, Deep River, Essex, and Haddam are invited and encouraged to participate.
The program is the first safety program specifically geared toward e-bikes in the region and is intended to serve as a model that other communities across Connecticut can use to address the growing need for education and safe riding practices. The program is modeled after the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s Pedal Bike Rodeo and Safe Routes to School programs, adapting those safety and education efforts to the rapidly growing use of e-bikes and other electric recreational vehicles.
“Kids will always look for adventure. Today, that adventure often comes on an e-bike,” said LaMark Muir. “Over the past several months, parents, grandparents, neighbors, drivers, and town officials have shared concerns about unsafe riding and have questions about the rules of the road for e-bikes. This program is about giving young riders the knowledge and skills they need to have fun, ride responsibly, and get home safely every day.”
The program is sponsored by LaMark Muir and provided through a partnership between the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of State Police and the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Additional community partners include first selectmen, parks and recreation departments, resident state troopers and local constables, and youth service bureaus in Chester, Deep River, Essex, and Haddam, as well as Regional School Districts 4 and 17.
The program will provide practical instruction and discussion on rules of the road and traffic laws applicable to e-bikes and e-scooters; respectful and courteous operation in neighborhoods and throughout the community; maintenance and basic repair of e-bikes and e-scooters; safe riding techniques and tactics to help young riders maintain control; and how riders, parents, and the broader community can work together to promote safer operation.
The announcement comes as families and state and local officials have raised increasing concerns about e-bike safety. Hospitals and physicians across Connecticut have also reported a sharp increase in the number of children being treated for injuries associated with the operation of an e-bike.
“This program isn't about taking away the fun,” said LaMark Muir. “It’s about making sure our kids understand the responsibility that comes with riding an e-bike or e-scooter. We want them to know the rules, develop good riding habits, maintain control, and make smart decisions.”
LaMark Muir said the program also demonstrates the value of bringing state and local resources together to address community concerns.
“This is a practical and positive response to a concern we are hearing from families and communities throughout the region,” she said. “By bringing together our state and local police, CTDOT, local officials, schools, youth service organizations, Parks and Recreation departments and other community partners, we can give our young people the tools they need to ride safely while helping make our roads and neighborhoods safer for everyone.”
The program's organizers hope the initiative can become a blueprint for communities throughout Connecticut as e-bike use continues to grow.
“We have an opportunity to get ahead of this issue,” LaMark Muir said. “If this program helps one child learn how to safely operate an e-bike, understand the rules of the road, and avoid an injury, it will be worthwhile. But I also hope we can demonstrate that this is a program that brings our communities together and that can be replicated in towns across Connecticut.”
The free program is open to children and parents from Chester, Deep River, Essex, and Haddam. Families are encouraged to register in advance.
