New North Carolina e-bike classifications prompt local safety discussion

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — North Carolina is changing how electric bicycles are classified, a move that could affect how riders use local roads and how cities and counties regulate e-bikes.

The North Carolina General Assembly has divided e-bikes into three classes based on how they operate and how fast they can travel.

The changes come amid growing conversations about e-bike safety, including following local crashes such as one in the Monkey Junction area where an e-bike rider was killed after being struck by a vehicle.

Under the new classifications, Class 1 e-bikes require riders to pedal and can reach speeds of up to 20 mph. Class 2 e-bikes can also reach speeds of up to 20 mph but do not require pedaling.

Class 3 e-bikes require pedaling and can reach speeds of up to 28 mph.

The Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Active Transportation Advisory Committee met Tuesday to discuss e-bike safety and the impact of the new classifications.

The law also gives cities and counties more authority to regulate e-bikes within their jurisdictions.

WMPO Transportation Planner Beth King said the organization can serve as a resource for local governments as they consider how to approach the new rules.

“I think the WMPO’s biggest value here is just being a resource and also being maybe a forum where the different jurisdictions can come together and talk about what they’re thinking. It’s up to the jurisdiction what they want to regulate and how they want to do that, but if requested, we’re always able to provide information, insight, look at what’s going on around the state, around the country, and kind of give advice,” said King.

The discussion also ties into the WMPO’s Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries while improving safety for everyone using local roads, including cyclists and e-bike riders.