How drivers in Connecticut can help prevent motorcycle and e-bike accidents
This fall, Connecticut is implementing safety regulations designed to protect some of the most vulnerable road users: motorcycle and e-bike riders.
Starting Oct. 1, 2025, motorcyclists under the age of 21 will be required to wear helmets. At the same time, new rules for certain types of e-bikes will take effect, requiring licensing, and in some cases, registration and insurance, according to an NBC Connecticut report. These changes come at a critical time, as data shows young riders are disproportionately involved in crashes, and hospitals are reporting alarming spikes in e-bike-related injuries.
While stronger laws and increased police enforcement are important steps, preventing accidents ultimately falls to drivers, who play an important role in keeping motorcyclists and e-bike riders safe.
Are motorcycles and e-bikes gaining popularity?
NBC Connecticut cites the Connecticut Crash Data Repository, which reports that riders between the ages of 21 and 27 are more likely to be involved in crashes than other age groups. Although overall motorcycle fatalities are down (22 deaths so far this year, compared to an average of 32 annually), serious risks remain.
At the same time, Connecticut hospitals are reporting a sharp rise in e-bike injuries. At Connecticut Children’s Hospital in Hartford, doctors treated 25 e-bike injuries in May and June of 2025 alone, compared to just three during the same period last year, NBC Connecticut reports. Many of these crashes involve children, which shines a spotlight on the dangers of treating e-bikes like toys instead of high-powered vehicles.
What can drivers do to protect riders on e-bikes?
Whether you’re behind the wheel on I-84, cruising through Hartford, or driving local roads in New Haven or Waterbury, here are key steps every driver should take to help prevent devastating crashes with motorcycles and e-bikes:
- Look twice at intersections. Motorcycles and e-bikes are smaller and harder to see, especially when you’re turning. Always double-check mirrors and blind spots before pulling out.
- Give riders room. Riders need extra space to maneuver safely, particularly on rough or uneven roads. Tailgating a motorcycle or e-bike is extremely dangerous.
- Adjust for speed. E-bikes can travel up to 28 mph, and motorcycles can accelerate quickly. Don’t underestimate their speed when judging distance.
- Be cautious when passing. Connecticut law requires giving cyclists and e-bike riders a safe passing distance. The same courtesy should extend to motorcycles.
- Avoid distractions. A moment of inattention is all it takes to miss a rider in your blind spot or approaching an intersection.
- Slow down in neighborhoods. Many e-bike crashes involve young riders on local roads. Driving cautiously can help avoid tragic accidents.
Connecticut’s new helmet and e-bike laws reflect a growing recognition that motorcycles and e-bikes require serious attention to safety. But laws alone aren’t enough. Drivers must remain vigilant, patient, and respectful of riders who share the road.
Contact a Connecticut accident attorney who fights for injured riders
At the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli, our accident attorneys know how devastating motorcycle and e-bike crashes can be. Insurance companies can be especially tough on motorcycle and e-bike accident claims. Riders often suffer serious injuries, and the costs of medical care, lost wages, and long-term recovery can be high.
That means insurers may try to minimize or deny these claims to protect their bottom line. They might argue the rider was at fault, question the severity of injuries, or push for a quick settlement that falls far short of what’s needed.
One of our experienced attorneys can step in to handle these challenges by building a strong case, negotiating directly with the insurer, and fighting to secure the full compensation riders deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, our dedicated legal team is here to fight for your rights and help you pursue the maximum compensation you deserve. Don't wait...tell them you mean business and contact us today for a free consultation!
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