Electric assisted bicycles and other electric motorized cycles are transforming personal transportation and offering a popular alternative to automobiles. Some of these vehicles are lower speed electric assisted bicycles as defined under North Carolina law, while others can reach speeds of 30 mph or higher. As their popularity has grown, so have safety concerns and calls for new regulations across the United States.
Under North Carolina law §20-4.01(7a), an electric assisted bicycle is defined as a bicycle with two or three wheels, a seat or saddle, fully operable pedals for human propulsion, and an electric motor of no more than 750 watts. The motor alone cannot propel the bicycle faster than 20 mph on a level surface. Electric assisted bicycles that meet this definition are legally treated the same as conventional bicycles. They are not classified as motor vehicles and do not require a driver’s license, registration, title, or insurance.
Vehicles that exceed the motor power or speed limits, or that do not have operable pedals, are not legally considered electric assisted bicycles in North Carolina. Depending on their configuration as purchased or after modifications, they may instead be classified as motor driven bicycles, mopeds, or motorcycles. These classifications can carry additional requirements such as minimum age limits, licensing, registration, insurance, or specific equipment standards. Because many models look similar, higher speed vehicles are sometimes incorrectly labeled as electric assisted bicycles even though they fall outside the legal definition. It is important that these vehicles are understood and treated separately.
Electric assisted bicycles and other electric motorized cycles represent an important shift in transportation in both urban and rural communities. Thoughtful policy can enhance safety while preserving the benefits these vehicles bring to health, personal mobility, and the economy. Any new regulations should be clear, enforceable, and proportional to risk while maintaining access and encouraging sustainable transportation.
BikeWalk NC believes that the operation of lower speed electric assisted bicycles that meet North Carolina’s legal definition is already adequately covered by existing traffic laws that govern conventional bicycles. If new regulations are considered for higher speed electric motorized cycles, they should not intentionally or unintentionally create barriers to the use of conventional bicycles or electric assisted bicycles that meet the legal definition.
Education and user behavior also play an important role in addressing safety concerns. BikeWalk NC welcomes opportunities to partner with communities and organizations to expand safety education for both bicyclists and drivers through programs such as the Bicycle Safety Quiz, the Friendly Driver Program, and other safety initiatives. BikeWalk NC is currently developing more detailed recommendations and welcomes the opportunity to serve as a resource to state and local officials as these discussions continue.
