Greenwich police are reminding the public about the law when it comes to kids and electric scooters and bikes.

Police say they are seeing an increase in children riding electric bikes and scooters throughout town.

Police are asking parents to review the laws for scooters, and remind their children where they are allowed to ride and where they are not.

Currently, the state of Connecticut classifies electric bikes into three categories:

Class 1 - electric bikes are pedal-assist only and the motor stops when the rider stops pedaling or when the speed reaches 20 mph.

Class 2 - electric bikes that provide electric power whether the rider is pedaling but stops providing power when the brakes are applied or when the speed reaches 20 mph.

Class 3 - electric bikes are pedal-assist only and the motor stops when the rider stops pedaling or when the speed reaches 28 mph.

Officials say children under 16 are prohibited from operating Class 3 electric bikes on a public roadway.

Children under 16 must wear helmets when riding Class 1 or Class 2 electric bikes.

The state classifies electric foot scooters as a device that weighs no more than 75 pounds, has two or three wheels, handlebars, and a floorboard that can be stood upon while riding, is powered by an electric motor and human power, and has a maximum speed with or without human propulsion on a paved level surface of 20 mph.

Officials say e-scooters cannot be used on public sidewalks.

E-scooters must be used on the road or in a bicycle lane.

Police say parents should review with their children the roadway rules if they allow their children to ride their bicycles, electric bicycles, electric scooters, and, if allowed by law, their motor driven cycles on the public roadways.  

To review the laws regarding bicycles and motor drive cycles, click here.

After following the link, definitions are under Chapter 246 14-1, and bicycle laws are under Chapter 248, 14-286 thru 14-289l.