CMPD: 77% increase in e-bike accidents year-over-year; city moves closer to regulations

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Charlotte City leaders are getting closer to putting new restrictions on e-bikes. Safety Committee members voted Tuesday to advance proposed regulations to the full city council.

It comes as new stats from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police show a 77 percent increase in accidents involving e-bikes year-over-year. Council members say it’s been a challenge to educate parents and young people on safety. District 6 Councilman Ed Driggs says, “In a couple cases, we complained to parents and they complained right back, you know ‘to hell with you!'”

The potential ordinance could restrict where e-bikes are allowed and define what’s considered an e-bike. The city is looking at existing ordinances in Cornelius and Davidson as possible models.