Council members raise safety concerns about e‑bikes; recommend regionwide review and education

Councilman Dan Wood presented concerns about a recent increase in e‑bike use by children in Bluffton and other towns, saying the devices are appearing in groups, often ridden without helmets, and can create hazardous conditions on roadways and trails.

Wood summarized state classifications for e‑bikes and noted that South Carolina law currently treats e‑bikes like bicycles (no universal helmet, registration or licensing requirements). He cited Beaufort County Parkway data noting 26 pedestrian/bicycle accidents over a seven‑year period on the parkway and recounted a December crash in which a 12‑year‑old on an e‑bike was reportedly airlifted to Savannah.

Why it matters: board members said e‑bikes and electric scooters raise pedestrian and trail safety concerns in urbanized corridors and on shared paths. Several members said enforcement is difficult and agreed an education campaign or regional study would be a prudent first step.

Board response and next steps: members pointed to local examples (Moss Trail restrictions to class‑1 e‑bikes; Hilton Head policies) and emphasized parental responsibility; several members supported forming a subcommittee or scheduling a future, more detailed presentation so the region can consider coordinated responses.

Wood: “My goal today is just to mention this, put it on the radar, and we'll see if there is interest in talking about it further … That's the main point: keep everybody safe.”

Chair concluded the discussion by asking staff to place the matter on a future Soloco agenda for an in‑depth report.