The Dare County Sheriff’s Office is trying to educate the county to promote the safe and lawful operation of electric bicycles within the county by providing the public information of applicable bicycle, eBike, moped, and motorcycle laws / regulations.

The Dare County Sheriff’s Office receives numerous complaints throughout the county and is increasing patrol presence to monitor E-Bike use to ensure safety for everyone. We are trying to educate operators to gain compliance and help keep our community safe.

We have seen many electric motorcycles and mopeds illegally operating within the county. Repeated violations involving the illegal operation of electric motorcycles and mopeds, which are NOT eBikes under North Carolina law, may result in citations or other penalties. Continued issues could also result in towing or seizure of the “vehicle”.

As a reminder, North Carolina currently defines legal eBikes as:

NCGS 4.01 [7(a)]:

“Electric Assisted Bicycle. – A bicycle with two or three wheels that is equipped with a seat or saddle for use by the rider, fully operable pedals for human propulsion, and an electric motor of no more than 750 watts, whose maximum speed on a level surface when powered solely by such a motor is no greater than 20 miles per hour”.

Many “eBikes” are capable of speeds over 30mph and legally classified as a motorcycle which would require proper licensing, registration, and insurance.

E-bikes on the Outer Banks - Safety, Rules, & Regulations Video