Bike/Ped chair warns of rising juvenile e‑bike risks; committee urges education, police report outreach

Kure Beach — Mo Linquist, chairperson of the Bike/Ped Committee, asked the council Jan. 26 to heed a written letter raising concerns about increasing unsafe juvenile behavior involving bicycles, e-bikes and motorized vehicles.

The letter, incorporated into the meeting minutes, described near collisions on streets such as Settlers Lane and cautioned that the town should focus enforcement on how vehicles are operated rather than only on what they are called. The letter noted technical limits for Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes — "limited to 750 watts and a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph, after which the motor disengages" — and warned that modified vehicles that exceed those limits "are no longer legally considered an e-bike — it falls into the category of an electric motorcycle." The letter recommended education as the principal remedy: "The solution is clear: education. We must educate both juveniles and parents about safe, responsible, and lawful operation before serious injuries occur."

Linquist also offered parent tips recorded in the minutes such as checking for pedals ("No pedals = moped/motorcycle"), checking motor wattage and top speed, requiring helmets and discussing rules of the road with children. The letter thanked Police Chief Brandon Bailey and the Kure Beach Police Department for proactive outreach through Facebook and the Pleasure Island News.

The minutes do not show a council directive, ordinance or vote resulting from the letter; the item was presented as a committee communication incorporated into the record.

Provenance: topicintro SEG 002; topfinish SEG 006