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SB 970

E-Bike Definition and Local Regulation.

2025-2026 Session Introduced by Jay Chaudhuri and 2 co-sponsors

Allows local governments to regulate e-bike use (classes, speeds, helmets) on streets and paths, and funds safety education.

Passed 1st Reading
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Bill Summary · SB 970

Summary of SB 970 (2025 Session) — E-Bike Definition and Local Regulation (North Carolina)

Purpose and intent

SB 970 clarifies the statutory definition of electric assisted bicycles (e-bikes) and authorizes local governments (cities and counties) to regulate their use within municipal and unincorporated areas. The bill aims to standardize classifications of e-bikes and empower local authorities to establish rules for where e-bikes may operate, helmet requirements for certain riders, and related safety education.

Key provisions

1) Definition of Electric Assisted Bicycle (G.S. 20-4.01(7a))

  • Reiterates and classifies e-bikes as bicycles with two or three wheels, a seat, fully operable pedals, and an electric motor no greater than 750 watts.
  • Maximum motor-assisted speed on level ground (powered solely by the motor) is 20 mph.
  • Establishes three classes:
    • Class 1: Motor provides assistance only when pedaling; stops assisting at 20 mph.
    • Class 2: Motor can propel without pedaling; stops assisting at 20 mph.
    • Class 3: Motor provides assistance only when pedaling; stops assisting at 28 mph.

2) Statewide operation and local regulation (G.S. § 20-171.3; G.S. § 160A-300.2; G.S. § 153A-245.1)

  • Statewide operation: Electric assisted bicycles defined in § 20-4.01 may operate on all roadways, bicycle lanes, and shared-use paths, unless otherwise limited by state or local law.
  • Age-based helmet requirement:
    • Riders under 18 operating or as passengers on a Class 3 e-bike must wear a helmet meeting federal safety standards.
  • Local authority (cities and counties):
    • Cities may regulate e-bike use within their limits, including:
    • Restricting certain classes on multiuse paths, sidewalks, or trails.
    • Setting speed limits on greenways or shared-use paths.
    • Requiring helmets for riders under 18 on Class 1 or Class 2 e-bikes.
    • Imposing penalties for violations.
    • Counties may regulate e-bike use in accordance with the new state framework, with cities maintaining authority within their jurisdictions.

3) Local education and implementation funding (G.S. § 20-4.01; Sec. 4)

  • Department of Transportation (DOT) is directed to develop educational materials on proper use and safety considerations for e-bikes.

4) Appropriation (Sec. 5)

  • Allocates $100,000 in nonrecurring Highway Fund dollars for FY 2026-2027 to the DOT to implement the educational materials (Section 4).

5) Effective date (Sec. 6)

  • The act becomes effective when it becomes law and applies to all e-bike riders and passengers on or after that date.

Who/what is affected

  • Electric assisted bicycle riders and passengers, particularly:
    • Those operating Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 e-bikes.
    • Minors under 18 who ride Class 3 e-bikes (helmet requirement).
  • Local governments (cities and counties) that wish to regulate e-bikes on streets, bike lanes, and shared-use paths.
  • Department of Transportation, which will develop educational materials and oversee implementation.
  • The public, via safety education and potential changes to where different e-bike classes may ride.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Funding is provided for 2026-2027 to support education efforts.
  • The bill is designed to take effect upon becoming law, with immediate relevance to enforcement and local regulation thereafter.

Overall, SB 970 provides precise definitions for e-bike classes, clarifies permissible operation on state and local infrastructure, and empowers local governments to tailor rules (including helmet and speed regulations) while funding safety education.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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