North Carolina considers new E-Bike regulations amid safety concerns

CAROLINA BEACH, N.C. (WWAY) — A bill moving through the North Carolina Senate could change how electric bicycles are regulated across the state as communities like Carolina Beach work to expand cycling access and improve safety.

During a recent Carolina Beach Town Council meeting, members of the town’s Bike-Ped Committee outlined plans to improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, including new sidewalk and bike lane connections along key corridors.

“What we want to have is greenways, bikeways and sidewalks in our community,” said Rodney Kidd of the Carolina Beach Bike-Ped Committee.

Kidd presented several recommendations, including extending sidewalk connections along Seventh and Eighth streets to improve access for cyclists and pedestrians.

“One of the first ones is the 7th Street sidewalk. The next suggestion would be to look at the sidewalk on 8th Street to go ahead and connect 8th Street all the way to Mike Chappell Park,” Kidd said.

The push for improved infrastructure comes just one week after officials in Leland discussed potential e-bike regulations amid growing concerns about rider safety.

Leland Mayor Pro Tem Bob Campbell said he has witnessed unsafe riding behavior and believes safety education is needed.

“I saw one going down the street with two kids back-to-back, young children, no helmets, no nothing, just going down the road,” said Campbell.

Town leaders in Leland ultimately decided to wait for action from the state legislature before considering local regulations.

House Bill 1094 would establish a statewide three-class system for electric bicycles. The proposal includes speed classifications for e-bikes, helmet requirements for younger riders, and allows restrictions on where certain classes of e-bikes can be operated, including some trails and shared-use paths.

Supporters of the legislation say the changes are intended to improve safety as e-bike use continues to grow across North Carolina and the country.

Concerns about safety are reflected in national data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which shows a significant increase in e-bike-related injuries between 2017 and 2022.

Safety advocates say education remains one of the most important tools for preventing accidents.

“Our emphasis is on education, whether you’re on a tricycle or an e-bike,” said Lisa Weyer, executive director of the Strider Education Foundation.

Weyer’s organization helps operate the All-Kids Bike program, which teaches kindergarten students how to ride bicycles as part of their physical education curriculum.

“So that means we train the PE teachers, we give them certification on how to teach the balance bike method. We provide all of the curriculum for the eight lessons,” Weyer said.

As lawmakers debate new e-bike regulations and local governments consider safety measures, advocates hope education and improved infrastructure will help create safer roads and paths for riders of all ages.

“Our whole goal is to teach kids how to ride, but we really do hope that they continue that journey throughout their life whether it’s a pedal bike, an E-Bike, motorcycle,” Weyer said.

Leland officials say they plan to continue monitoring the state legislation before deciding whether any local e-bike regulations are needed.