Riders under 18 must wear a helmet and only Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes are allowed on Huntersville streets, sidewalks and greenways. A violation is a $50 ticket.

Anyone under 18 riding an e-bike in Huntersville now has to wear a helmet, and only three classes of e-bike are allowed on the town’s streets, sidewalks and greenways. Breaking the rules can bring a $50 ticket.

The Huntersville Board of Commissioners adopted the ordinance 5-0 on Sept. 15, according to the approved minutes. It took effect the day it was adopted. The town explained the rules on its website on Sept. 29.

A state law passed this year, Session Law 2026-46, gave North Carolina towns the power to regulate e-bikes, the minutes say.

The rules

The ordinance adds Chapter 74 to the town code. In short:

  • Only Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes may be ridden on Huntersville roads, streets, highways, sidewalks and multiuse paths, including greenways.
  • Riders and passengers under 18 must wear a helmet that meets federal safety standards.
  • Police, firefighters and EMS crews on duty are exempt.
  • A violation is a $50 citation. If it is not paid within 15 days, the town can sue to collect it as a civil penalty. A violation that keeps going can bring a new citation each day.

Which e-bikes count

To count as an e-bike, a bike needs two or three wheels, a seat, working pedals and a motor of 750 watts or less. Then it must fit one of three classes:

Class How the motor helps Motor stops helping at
Class 1 Only while you pedal 20 mph
Class 2 Can move the bike without pedaling 20 mph
Class 3 Only while you pedal 28 mph

A machine with a stronger motor, or one that goes faster under power, is not an e-bike under the ordinance. The town says most e-bikes carry a label on the frame with the class, top assisted speed and motor wattage.

The ordinance does not cover electric motorcycles, often called e-motos. State law already regulates them, the town said.

What police said

Huntersville’s police chief told the board the main enforcement problem is e-motorcycles, according to the minutes. The chief said education would come before strict enforcement, including videos on the town’s social media.

“Our goal isn’t to write tickets,” the town said in its notice. “It’s to keep our sidewalks and greenways safe and welcoming for walkers, runners, strollers, wheelchair users, pets and riders alike.”

What it means for you

  • If your child rides an e-bike or rides on the back of one, they need a helmet anywhere in town, including greenways.
  • Check the label on the frame. Only Class 1, 2 and 3 bikes are allowed, and a bike with a motor over 750 watts is none of them.
  • The town also asks riders to slow down near people walking, call out or ring a bell before passing, keep right and use lights at dawn and dusk. Those tips are not part of the law.
  • Questions about enforcement go to the Huntersville Police Department.
  • Where to ride: our guide to walking and biking trails and getting around Huntersville.
  • The town’s Greenway, Trail and Bikeway Commission advises the board on paths, and its meetings are open to the public.