GOOSE CREEK, S.C. — Goose Creek City Council has unanimously approved a new ordinance establishing safety regulations for electric bicycles and electric scooters as the devices become increasingly common across the city.
Council members voted 7-0 on Tuesday, March 10, during their regular meeting at the municipal court building at the municipal center complex. The ordinance passed on its second and final reading and took effect immediately within city limits.
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City leaders say the new rules are designed to promote safe and responsible operation of the devices while reducing conflicts with pedestrians and motorists.
Under the ordinance, e-bikes — defined as bicycles with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of no more than 750 watts — are prohibited from operating on city sidewalks. The restriction aligns with existing rules that already prohibit traditional bicycles from sidewalks, though the rule does not apply to designated multi-use paths such as the city’s hiker-biker trails.
Electric scooters will be limited to roadways with posted speed limits of 30 miles per hour or less, though riders may cross higher-speed roads at intersections or crosswalks.
The ordinance also places a maximum operating speed of 25 miles per hour on both e-bikes and e-scooters. Any e-bike that exceeds 750 watts or one horsepower and can travel faster than 25 miles per hour will be classified as a moped and subject to additional regulations.
Additional safety rules
The city also adopted several operating requirements for riders.
Operators must follow all traffic signals and traffic-control devices and may not operate the devices recklessly or in a way that damages public or private property. Riders are also prohibited from using a mobile phone or other electronic device while operating an e-bike or e-scooter if it interferes with safe operation.
E-scooters may not carry more riders than the device is designed for.
While scooters may operate on sidewalks, riders must yield to pedestrians and exercise caution to ensure the safety of others.
Equipment and helmet requirements
The ordinance also outlines equipment requirements for e-bikes.
Riders under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet when operating or riding on an electric bicycle.
All e-bikes must also be equipped with working brakes capable of stopping the bicycle on dry pavement.
For nighttime riding, e-bikes must have a white front light visible from at least 500 feet and a red rear light visible from 50 to 300 feet when illuminated by a vehicle’s headlights.
Enforcement provisions
City officials say the ordinance includes enforcement measures as well.
Law enforcement officers may seize e-bikes or e-scooters used in violation of the ordinance until the matter is resolved through the courts. For riders under the age of 18, the device may be held until a parent or guardian retrieves it.
City leaders say the ordinance reflects a “common-sense” approach to regulating emerging transportation options while keeping streets, sidewalks and trails safe for everyone.
As e-bikes and e-scooters continue gaining popularity across South Carolina, Goose Creek officials say the new rules provide clear guidance for riders while protecting pedestrians and motorists.
