E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular in North Carolina, and many riders might be unsure of just how fast these vehicles are allowed to go. Modern electric bikes are surprisingly powerful, and certain variants are essentially electric motorbikes capable of great speeds. What is the speed limit for an e-bike in North Carolina? Could you face a speeding ticket for riding your e-bike too fast in the Tar Heel State?
You Can Get a Speeding Ticket for Any Vehicle in North Carolina
First of all, it is important to understand that speeding laws in North Carolina apply to all vehicles. These include motorcycles, passenger vehicles, scooters, e-bikes, and even non-motorized bicycles. Yes, it is possible to get a speeding ticket while riding your bike in North Carolina. Assuming you can pedal fast enough to break a speed limit, you will face the possibility of a ticket.
Newer e-Bikes are Very Fast
It is obviously much easier to break the speed limit on an e-bike, however. Newer variants are exceptionally quick – equipped with powerful batteries that can propel two-wheeled vehicles at speeds that match the slowest motorcycles. This has led to widespread concern, especially since e-bikes may not require a license or registration. It is not uncommon for e-bikes to post top speeds of almost 40 miles per hour.
That said, some e-bikes have built-in speed limiters that prevent users from reaching the device’s real top speed. Some enthusiasts have learned how to remove these safeguards, pushing the top speed up to 50 miles per hour and beyond. Seeing as the “default” speed limit in North Carolina is 55 miles per hour unless otherwise specified, this means that modern e-bikes are theoretically capable of breaking speed limits across North Carolina.
In addition, it is worth noting that the default speed limit inside cities and towns is 35 miles per hour. This means that even e-bikes that retain their built-in speed limiters could surpass speed limits in urban areas. This is especially true, seeing as e-bikes are much more popular in these urban areas.
Faster e-Bikes May Require a License and Registration
If your e-bike is over 750w and has a top speed higher than 20 miles per hour, you may need to get a license and registration in order to legally operate it. However, these regulations are extremely vague, and the laws surrounding e-bikes are very new.
Find a Speeding Defense Lawyer in North Carolina
If you have been searching for an experienced speeding defense lawyer in North Carolina, look no further than Coastal South Law. With the rise of e-bikes in the Tar Heel State, many people are facing speeding tickets that would have been unthinkable even a few years ago. The rules on this subject are often unclear, and it might be challenging to make sense of your speeding ticket. Book a consultation today to fight your speeding ticket.