CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — The City of Charleston is working to help educate residents about the differences between e-bikes, e-motos and mopeds, as a new ordinance is put in place to regulate them and keep the streets and cyclists safe.
According to the city, an e-bike is identified as a bike that has working pedals, a motor under 750 watts, and tops out at speeds under 20 miles per hour. In the case of an e-bike, it must follow bicycle rules. They are not allowed on any sidewalk in the city and a parent or guardian could be cited for allowing a violation.
On the other hand, an e-moto has a motor that operates over 750 watts and can exceed 20 miles per hour on the throttle alone. The law treats it as a moped or motorcycle and thusly it must be registered and the rider needs a driver’s license or moped license…