Electric Bikes On Hilton Head Island: Are They Allowed?

Electric bikes are a contentious issue on Hilton Head Island. While the state doesn't define electric bikes as motor vehicles, the town's municipal code bans vehicles with motors on public pathways. However, in April 2022, the Public Planning Committee approved a measure for the use of electric bikes, with a 12-mph speed limit requirement. The Town Council has also approved an ordinance allowing lower-speed electric bicycles, or e-bikes, on public pathways. This ordinance requires businesses that sell and rent bicycles to provide consumers with a Town-issued safety and etiquette pamphlet to encourage safe operation and adherence to local traffic laws.

Electric bikes are not considered motor vehicles by the state

In April 2022, the Public Planning Committee approved a measure for the use of electric bikes, which included a 12-mph speed limit requirement. Electric bikes must also have their horsepower and maximum speed labelled on them under the new ordinance.

The Town Council has also approved an ordinance allowing lower-speed electric bicycles, commonly referred to as e-bikes, on the Town's public pathways. The ordinance permits the use of lower-speed, class 1 and class 2 electric bicycles. To encourage the safe operation of all e-bikes and regular bicycles, the ordinance requires businesses that sell and rent bicycles to provide consumers with a Town-issued safety and etiquette pamphlet. This pamphlet conveys important information to visitors and residents so they are aware of and adhere to local traffic laws, take precautions to remain safe when out riding their bicycles and know how to make their bicycle riding experience enjoyable for themselves and others.

Town municipal code bans vehicles with motors on public pathways

Electric bikes are not currently allowed on Hilton Head Island. However, this could be about to change. The Town Council has approved an ordinance allowing lower-speed electric bicycles, commonly referred to as e-bikes, on the Town's public pathways.

The change comes after over a year of discussion over whether electric bikes should be allowed alongside traditional bikes. Town municipal code currently bans vehicles with motors on public pathways, but the state doesn’t define electric bikes as a motor vehicle. In April, the Public Planning Committee approved a measure for the use of electric bikes, which included the original 12-mph speed limit requirement.

Electric bikes must have their horsepower and maximum speed labelled on them under the new ordinance. To encourage the safe operation of all e-bikes and regular bicycles, the ordinance requires businesses that sell and rent bicycles to provide consumers with a Town-issued safety and etiquette pamphlet. This pamphlet conveys important information to visitors and residents so they are aware of and adhere to local traffic laws, take precautions to remain safe when out riding their bicycles and know how to make their bicycle riding experience enjoyable for themselves and others.

The Public Planning Committee approved a measure for the use of electric bikes

Electric bikes are not yet allowed on Hilton Head Island, but this could be about to change. In April, the Public Planning Committee approved a measure for the use of electric bikes, which included a 12-mph speed limit requirement. The change comes after over a year of discussion over whether electric bikes should be allowed alongside traditional bikes. Town municipal code bans vehicles with motors on public pathways, but the state doesn't define electric bikes as motor vehicles.

The Town Council has approved an ordinance allowing lower-speed electric bicycles, commonly referred to as e-bikes, on the Town's public pathways. The ordinance permits the use of lower-speed, class 1 and class 2 electric bicycles. To encourage the safe operation of all e-bikes and regular bicycles, the ordinance requires businesses that sell and rent bicycles to provide consumers with a Town-issued safety and etiquette pamphlet. This pamphlet conveys important information to visitors and residents so they are aware of and adhere to local traffic laws, take precautions to remain safe when out riding their bicycles and know how to make their bicycle riding experience enjoyable for themselves and others.

Electric bikes must have their horsepower and maximum speed labelled on them under the new ordinance.

Electric bikes must have their horsepower and maximum speed labelled on them

Electric bikes are now allowed on Hilton Head Island, but they must have their horsepower and maximum speed labelled on them. This is a new ordinance that was approved in April by the Public Planning Committee. The ordinance permits the use of lower-speed, class 1 and class 2 electric bicycles.

The change comes after over a year of discussion over whether electric bikes should be allowed alongside traditional bikes. Town municipal code bans vehicles with motors on public pathways, but the state doesn't define electric bikes as motor vehicles.

The ordinance was approved with a 12-mph speed limit requirement. In an email sent to Deputy Town Manager Josh Gruber, representatives for Bike Walk Hilton Head Island supported a bike speed limit. They suggested that "the most effective way to reach cyclists is to start with a phased-in approach and post speed limit signs on our most heavily travelled bike pathways".

The new ordinance also requires businesses that sell and rent bicycles to provide consumers with a Town-issued safety and etiquette pamphlet. This pamphlet conveys important information to visitors and residents so they are aware of and adhere to local traffic laws, take precautions to remain safe when out riding their bicycles and know how to make their bicycle riding experience enjoyable for themselves and others.

Businesses that sell and rent bicycles must provide consumers with a Town-issued safety and etiquette pamphlet

Electric bikes are now allowed on Hilton Head Island, following a change in the law. The Town Council approved an ordinance allowing lower-speed electric bicycles, commonly referred to as e-bikes, on the Town's public pathways.

The new ordinance also requires that electric bikes must have their horsepower and maximum speed labelled on them. The speed limit for electric bikes is 12 mph.

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