Councilmembers on Oct. 14 raised safety concerns about electric bicycles and other motorized personal transport devices and directed staff, legal counsel and the police department to develop a regulatory approach to bring to the Traffic and Transportation (TNT) committee.

Councilmember Greg described constituent complaints in District 1 about high-powered devices he called "e motorcycles," noting that the technical definition of an "ebike" is limited to 750 watts and 20 miles per hour and that some devices he sees exceed those limits and operate like motorcycles on main roads. He cited enforcement challenges and described incidents on Clements Ferry Road and a viral clip purportedly showing a rider on 526.

Councilmember Seekings said staff and legal counsel will draft options and bring them to TNT for discussion this calendar year, with input from Chief Walker and police to ensure enforceability. Councilmember Seekings noted Mount Pleasant has adopted a separate ordinance but said Charleston must craft an approach appropriate to local conditions. Councilmember Appel asked that greenway and bikeway restrictions be considered because parks are city-owned property and may fall under the city’s authority.

Why it matters: councilmembers said increased prevalence of high-speed electric devices has created safety concerns for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers across the city and that a locally enforceable approach is needed because state law has lagged behind technology.

Next steps: staff, legal counsel and police will review existing city ordinances, prepare regulatory options (including possible registration, insurance or use restrictions), and present recommendations to TNT. Councilmembers emphasized a phased approach and the need to include motorized skateboards and similar devices in any broader regulation.

Ending: Council members asked for enforceable, practical rules and committed to bringing a proposal to TNT for further deliberation.