NC's e-bike law changes Dec. 1. How western Wake towns are responding
Apex is moving toward new e-bike rules that could expand helmet requirements for younger riders and clarify where electric bicycles can travel. The proposed changes come as a new North Carolina law takes effect Dec. 1, changing which e-bikes are permitted on roads and greenways. The new law also will require helmets for Class 3 e-bike riders and passengers under 18. Towns can also require helmets for riders and passengers under 18 on Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, but the new law does not mandate those additional requirements statewide. A separate, existing state law already requires bicycle helmets for anyone under 16. Apex’s Public Safety Committee on Thursday, Nov. 5, backed limited amendments to existing bicycle regulations, rather than a comprehensive e-bike ordinance. “Making huge regulatory changes at this stage may be the wrong thing. We may be over-regulating,” council member Ed Gray told The News & Observer after the meeting. But Gray also supports a uniform helmet requirement for younger riders, saying it would be easier to understand and enforce. The Town Council must approve any amendments, which it could do as soon as Dec. 17. The new rules Under the new state law, Class 1 bikes provide motor
