- The BOC recently approved an amendment to the Code of Ordinances regarding motorized scooters, electric bicycles, and electric assisted bicycles, pedestrian right-of-way, and requirements for helmets.
- The updated ordinance allows motorized scooters, electric bicycles, and electric assisted bicycles to operate on shared streets, greenways, parks, multi-use paths, and bicycle lanes – but not on sidewalks.
- It also requires anyone under the age of 16 to wear a bicycle helmet when operating one of these vehicles.
WAKE FOREST, NC – During its regular meeting on January 20, the Board of Commissioners voted to approve an amendment to Chapter 30, Article III Section 30-1, and 30-90 thru 30-92 of the Code of Ordinances regarding motorized scooters, electric bicycles, and electric assisted bicycles, pedestrian right-of-way, and requirements for helmets.
The updated ordinance allows motorized scooters, electric bicycles, and electric assisted bicycles to operate on shared streets, greenways, parks, multi-use paths, and bicycle lanes – but not on sidewalks. It also requires anyone under the age of 16 to wear a bicycle helmet when operating one of these vehicles.
Other highlights of the amended ordinance:
- Motorized scooters must have a maximum speed of no greater than 15 mph.
- Electric bicycles and electric assisted bicycles powered by motor only must have a maximum speed of no greater than 20 mph.
- A motorized scooter or an electric bicycle may not operate on any road with a speed limit over 25 miles per hour.
- No motorized scooter, electric bicycle, or electric assisted bicycle shall exceed a speed of 10 miles per hour while being operated on a greenway, in a park, or on a multi-use path.
Wake Forest Police also wish to remind community members that mopeds (motorized vehicles that travel between 20-30 mph) are regulated under state law and require drivers to be over the age of 16. In addition, such vehicles must be registered and insured and must not have a maximum speed of over 30 mph.
Meanwhile, motorcycles (motorized vehicles that travel over 30 mph) are also regulated under state law, must be registered and insured, and require the driver to carry a motorcycle endorsement.
For more information, email Wake Forest Police Capt. David Zick at dzick@wakeforestnc.gov.