Title
Motor Vehicles & Traffic Ordinance Amendments
Action
Action:
Adopt an ordinance to amend the Motor Vehicles & Traffic Ordinance (Chapter 14, Articles I and VI of the City Code of Ordinances) as recommended by the Safety Committee.
Body
Committee Chair:
Danté Anderson, Safety Committee
Staff Resource(s):
Jessica Battle, City Attorney’s Office
Shawn Heath, City Manager’s Office
Background
§ On June 30, 2026, Former Mayor Vi Lyles issued a policy referral regarding current public safety concerns associated with electric assisted bicycles (e-bikes).
§ NC House Bill 1094 will go into effect on December 1, 2026, and amends Chapter 20 of the North Carolina General Statutes (G.S.) as follows:
- Amends the definition of “Electric Assisted Bicycle,” and adds Class 1, 2, and 3 categorizations to e-bikes (NC G.S. Section 20-4.01(7a);
- Authorizes the operation of an electric assisted bicycle on all roadways, bicycle lanes, and multiuse paths (NC G.S. Section 20-171.3);
- Requires all persons under the age of 18 to wear helmets when operating or riding as a passenger on a Class 3 electric assisted bicycle (NC G.S. Section 20-171.3), and
- Authorizes municipalities to regulate the use of e-bikes, as defined in NC G.S. Section 20-4.01, on any multiuse path or sidewalk within municipal limits (NC G.S. Section 160A-300.2).
Proposed Changes
§ The Safety Committee’s recommended revisions to the Motor Vehicles & Traffic Ordinance include:
- Amendments to the City of Charlotte Ordinance Chapter 14, Article I to define Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes; and
- Amendments to the City of Charlotte Ordinance Chapter 14, Article VI to:
§ Require helmets for persons under the age of 16 on Class 1 and 2 e-bikes;
§ Require lamps at night for all riders;
§ Codify a requirement that riders must yield to pedestrians on sidewalks less than five feet in width; and
§ Establish penalties for injuries to personal and real property caused by electric-assisted bicycles.
Committee Discussion
§ The Safety Committee discussed the e-bikes referral at the September 8, 2026, and October 5, 2026, Committee meetings.
§ On September 8, 2026, the Safety Committee voted unanimously to recommend the proposed updated to the Motor Vehicles & Traffic Ordinance to full Council for consideration.
§ Council received an overview of the Committee’s recommendations at the October 25, 2026, Business Meeting.
Attachments
Attachment(s)
Ordinance
Ordinance Revisions