NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – The North Charleston Police Department (NCPD) issued a public service announcement regarding e-bikes and e-motos.
The NCPD said the increase in e-bike and e-moto drivers has come with an increase in issues as well as many are being used by younger riders unfamiliar with traffic laws.
NCPD says younger riders on the road lead to speeding, riding on sidewalks and even stunt riding.
The department says it’s important to know the difference between:
E-bikes: Pedal-assisted electric bicycles with limited motor power or operable pedals. They are limited to 750 watts and can go up to almost 30 miles per hour.
E-motos: Often incorrectly referred to as e-bikes, they are high-powered electric motorcycles. They are accelerated by throttle, with motors ranging from 1,000-3,000 watts and can reach 30-50 miles per hour.
E-bikes are in the same category as a regular bicycle, meaning no driver’s license, registration or mandatory insurance is required. They can legally use bike lanes and paths. They are also allowed on sidewalks and have all the rights and duties of a pedestrian.
E-motos are legally classified as motor vehicles and if the motor’s capacity is 35 miles per hour or under, it is categorized as a moped. If it can go 35 miles per hour or more, it is categorized as a motorcycle. Both require licensing, registration and insurance.
E-motos cannot be driven on sidewalks, bike lanes or paths and must obey speed limits and cannot be operated in hazardous ways that will endanger the diver or the public.
“At the end of the day, e-motos are not toys and are not made for joyriding. Stunt riders are increasingly involved in collisions and are causing major injuries to those who engage in them…We ask you to travel safely, whether its electrically or not,” NCPD said.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.