Bike, E-Bike & Shared Path Rules

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Ordinance 2026001 - Effective February 10, 2026

At its regular meeting on February 10, 2026, the Waxhaw Board of Commissioners adopted Ordinance 2026001 (PDF), updating Town regulations governing the operation of bicycles, electric bicycles (e-bikes), scooters, skateboards, and other regulated devices on streets, sidewalks, parks, and greenways.

The ordinance modernizes regulations that had not been comprehensively updated in decades and clarifies where specific devices may operate. The changes prioritize pedestrian safety, protect accessibility in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and establish clear, enforceable standards as the use of e-bikes and other motorized devices continues to increase.

This page provides a summary of the updated requirements, including where devices may operate, applicable speed limits, helmet requirements, safety equipment standards, and enforcement provisions. Residents are encouraged to review these rules to ensure compliance.

What is an E-bike?

In the State of North Carolina, an e-bike must have all of the following:

Pedals
A motor no greater than 750 watts
A top speed no greater than 20 mph

View our user-friendly E-bike Laws Guide (PDF)

If any e-bike fails to meet any of those requirements, then it is considered a motor vehicle. This means that these bikes are no different than motorcycles powered by gasoline and must be:

Registered to operate on the roadways in North Carolina
Driver must have a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement
Vehicle must have liability insurance and must pass a safety inspection

If the motorcycle does not meet the State mandated requirements, then the only place these motorcycles may be operated in is on private property where the property owner has given permission to the rider.

Rules for Bicycles, E-Bikes, & Other Regulated Devices

Streets

Bicycles, e-bikes, and other regulated devices may be operated on public streets and must follow all traffic laws applicable to motor vehicles, except where otherwise provided.

Operators must ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable.
Operators must not ride more than two abreast on a public roadway, except on designated bicycle lanes or paths.

Sidewalks - Pedestrians First

Under the updated ordinance, pedestrians always have the right-of-way on sidewalks, parks, and greenways.

Sidewalks are intended primarily for pedestrian use. Traditional bicycles and non-motorized recreational devices may operate on sidewalks unless otherwise posted. However, electric bicycles, electric scooters, and other motorized recreational devices are not permitted on sidewalks.

Operators on sidewalks must:

Yield to pedestrians at all times
Provide an audible signal before passing
Travel at a safe speed not exceeding 10 miles per hour

Parks and Greenways

On Town greenways and in parks:

The maximum speed for regulated devices is 15 miles per hour
Walkers and runners have the right-of-way
Bicyclists must ride single file and stay to the right except when passing

Helmet Requirement & Safety Equipment

Operators under the age of 16 are required to wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet when riding on public streets, sidewalks, parks, or other property.

Any regulated device operated on a street at night must be equipped with:

A white front light visible from at least 300 feet
A red rear reflector or rear light visible from at least 300 feet

Enforcement

Violations of the ordinance may result in a civil penalty of up to $50 per violation.

Law enforcement officers also have the authority to impound a regulated device, if necessary, until corrective action is taken or penalties are satisfied.

FAQs

Are e-bikes allowed on sidewalks?

No. Electric bicycles, electric scooters, and other motorized recreational devices are not permitted on sidewalks.

Traditional (non-motorized) bicycles and non-motorized recreational devices may operate on sidewalks unless otherwise posted.
Are helmets required?

Yes. Riders under the age of 16 must wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet when riding on public streets, sidewalks, parks, or other public property. All helmets must meet U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission standards.
Are there any special requirements for riding at night?

Yes. Any regulated device operated on a street at night must have a white front light visible from at least 300 feet and a red rear reflector or rear light visible from at least 300 feet.
Can I attach my bicycle or scooter to a moving vehicle?

No. Attaching yourself or your device to a moving vehicle while in operation is prohibited and inherently dangerous.
Can I leave my bicycle on the ground in a park or greenway?

No. Bicycles and other regulated devices may only be left unattended in designated racks or spaces. Devices may not be left in a manner that creates a tripping hazard or obstructs pedestrian access.
Can I ride my bike or e-bike in parks and greenways?

Yes. E-bikes are permitted provided operators comply with the 15 mph speed limit, always yield to walkers and runners, and cyclists must ride single file and remain to the right except when passing.
Does this ordinance apply on private property?

No. The ordinance applies to public streets, sidewalks, parks, and greenways within the Town of Waxhaw.
Is my e-bike street legal?

In the State of North Carolina, an e-bike must have all of the following: 1) pedals, 2) a motor no greater than 750 watts, and 3) a top speed no greater than 20 mph.

If any e-bike fails to meet any of those requirements, then it is considered a motor vehicle. This means that these bikes are no different than motorcycles powered by gasoline and must be: 1) Registered to operate on the roadways in North Carolina, 2) Driver must have a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement, and 3) Vehicle must have liability insurance and must pass a safety inspection.
What happens if someone violates the ordinance?

Violations constitute a civil infraction and may result in a penalty of up to $50 per violation. Law enforcement officers may also impound a regulated device, when necessary, until corrective action is taken or penalties are satisfied.
What is the speed limit on sidewalks?

The maximum speed on sidewalks for traditional (non-motorized) bicycles and non-motorized recreational devices is 10 miles per hour. All operators must yield to pedestrians and provide an audible signal before passing. E-bikes are not allowed on sidewalks.
When did the ordinance take effect?

Ordinance 2026001 became effective upon adoption by the Waxhaw Board of Commissioners on February 10, 2026.
Where can I read the full ordinance?

You can read the full Ordinance 2026001 (PDF) here.
Which devices are covered under this ordinance?

The ordinance applies to bicycles, electric bicycles (Class 1 and 2), mopeds and scooters, skateboards and rollerblades, electric scooters and other motorized recreational devices. These are referred to collectively as “regulated devices.”
Why did the Town update this ordinance?

The ordinance (ORD2026001) was updated to modernize regulations that had not been comprehensively revised in decades and to address the increased use of electric bicycles and other motorized devices. The changes clarify where devices may operate, establish safety standards, and prioritize pedestrian access.

More FAQs

Town of Waxhaw, NC

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