MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCIV) — E-bikes continue to grow in popularity across Mount Pleasant, but some residents say unsafe riding and a lack of enforcement are putting pedestrians at risk – even after the town updated and clarified its e-bike ordinances.
Neighbors say it’s common to see riders speeding along busy roads and neighborhood sidewalks, sometimes weaving around strollers, pets and older pedestrians. Several residents report close calls and say they rarely see officers enforcing the rules.
“It seems like we have a lot of competition between baby strollers, dogs, elderly people walking,” said Mount Pleasant resident Maureen Fisher. “It’s unsafe. It’s set up for disaster.”
Under Mount Pleasant’s current ordinances, e-bikes are generally treated like traditional bicycles, but there are limits. Police say e-bikes can have a maximum motor output of 750 watts and a top speed of 20 miles per hour. When ridden on sidewalks, e-bike riders must yield to pedestrians and cannot exceed 12 miles per hour.
Mount Pleasant Police Department says recent ordinance updates give officers clearer authority when addressing unsafe riding behavior.
“Having these ordinances gives us clarification about what an e-bike is, where they can be operated, how fast they can be operated,” said Sgt. Robert Blaschke. “Instead of seeing something dangerous and not having an ordinance to address it, this gives us that clarity.”
Police also say there’s growing confusion between e-bikes and mopeds. If a bike exceeds 750 watts or can reach speeds above 20 miles per hour, it may legally qualify as a moped under South Carolina law. Mopeds require a driver’s license and registration and cannot be ridden on sidewalks at all.
Blaschke says many parents don’t realize the difference — and may unknowingly be allowing their children to ride vehicles capable of reaching highway speeds.
“I think what we’re running into is parents not understanding that their kid is riding what they think is an e-bike, when it’s actually capable of going 35, 45, even 50 miles an hour,” Blaschke said.
Residents say enforcement remains their biggest concern. Fisher says education — especially in schools — could help prevent injuries before they happen.
“I think it all starts with education,” she said. “Parents would have a heart attack if they actually saw what their kids are doing on the streets.”
Police say they’re asking for help from parents and the community to reinforce safety rules and reduce dangerous behavior. Anyone who witnesses unsafe e-bike riding is encouraged to contact the Mount Pleasant Police Department’s non-emergency line.
