As e-bikes become more common across communities in the Triangle, law enforcement and parents are raising concerns about safety and confusion over what legally qualifies as an e-bike.
Holly Springs Police Chief Paul Liquorie says many families are unknowingly purchasing vehicles that are not e-bikes, but technically e-motorcycles.
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“We are giving younger children, less experienced children, some with impulsive decision-making, a vehicle that can go the speed of a motorcycle," said Liquorie.
His warning comes weeks after the town unanimously passed an ordinance regulating the use of e-bikes and similar modes of transportation.
The ordinance covers e-bikes, e-motos, and other electric personal travel devices. It emphasizes that pedestrians have the right of way on sidewalks, side paths and greenways and that riders of electric-powered devices must alert others when they plan to pass.
Chief Liquorie told WRAL News that current laws have struggled to keep up with rapidly advancing technology. He says police departments across North Carolina are now discussing possible ordinances and regulations aimed at improving safety and clarifying enforcement.
"I've been talking to other chiefs of police here in the region and across the state and elsewhere so that we can get ideas on how to form our own ordinance," Liquorie said.
Under North Carolina law, any bike capable of traveling faster than 20 miles per hour or equipped with a motor larger than 750 watts is no longer considered an e-bike. Those vehicles require either an M1 or M2 license and a registration to operate.
For some parents, that distinction only became clear after something went wrong.
Lauren Lovette said her son was involved in a crash while riding what the family believed was an e-bike. Along with bruises from the accident, he also received a citation from the police.
“It turned out that it was an e-motorcycle," Lovette said. ”We only learned that from the police officer who is citing him."
Lovette says the bike was advertised and sold as an e-bike, leaving her family unaware that it legally fell into a different category. She believes many other parents may be facing the same confusion.
"If you told someone that they were going into a motorcycle shop to buy their 14-year-old a motorcycle, they would think that was ridiculous. But that is essentially what a lot of those bikes are," Lovette said.
Concerns are also growing among residents who use local roads and greenways. Some parents say fast-moving riders are making shared public spaces feel unsafe.
"It feels like they are learning to drive, before they can drive," Rachel Young said. "There is no one teaching them how to operate them safely."
What qualifies as an e-bike?
- Has a motor of less than 750 watts
- Maximum speed of 20mph
- Has pedals
- Is allowed on greenways, side paths, and sidewalks
What is being done?
The mayor of Apex is considering partnering with the police for a training/safety course for young riders and their parents.
In Wake Forest, town leaders updated their regulations in January, banning the e-bikes from sidewalks but allowing them in parks and on greenways.
Raleigh's e-bike rules align with traditional bicycle laws.