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Resolution Expressing Support for NC Senate Bill 970 / House Bill 1084
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Department: |
City Council |
Meeting Date: |
6/2/2026 |
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Contact Name: |
Cassidy Santaguida |
Public Hearing: |
No |
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Contact Phone: |
910-341-7815 |
Advertising Date/Advertised By: |
N/A |
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Attachments: |
Attachment #1: Resolution |
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this resolution is to express City Council’s support for Senate Bill 970, as introduced in the 2026 session of the North Carolina General Assembly, alongside companion legislation, House Bill 1084.
BACKGROUND:
The popularity of electric bicycles (“e-bikes”) has resulted in the growing presence of e-bikes on streets and greenways and the growing need for units of local government to regulate their increased use.
E-bikes are defined in North Carolina General Statutes as vehicles, but there aren’t regulations for them, meaning there are no helmet, age, speed limit, or license rules. This legislation would classify e-bikes into three categories and allow municipalities specific authority to regulate them.
Specifically, this legislation would:
(1) Classify e-bikes into three listed classes:
• Class 1 electric bicycle (a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to assist once the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour)
• Class 2 electric bicycle (a bicycle equipped with a motor that may propel the bicycle without pedaling but ceases to assist once the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour)
• Class 3 electric assisted bicycle (a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to assist once the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 miles per hour)
(2) Authorize cities to regulate e-bikes on any street, road, or highway within municipal limits to include: (1) restricting the use of a class or classes of electric assisted bicycles on multiuse paths, sidewalks, or trails; and (2) establishing speed limits on greenways or shared-use paths.
(3) Require persons under the age of 18 operating or riding class 3 bicycles to wear a helmet.
(4) Appropriate $100,000 from the Highway Fund to the Department of Transportation for 2026-27 to develop educational materials and conduct a public awareness campaign on the proper use and safety considerations of electric-assisted bicycles.
budget
BUDGET IMPACT:
N/A
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Passage of the resolution is recommended by Councilmember Santaguida.