Town of Holly Springs
It’s a familiar sight to us all: a group of kids riding bikes in their neighborhood after school. While many still enjoy the freedom of traditional, pedal-operated bikes, a few of those riders aren’t getting on a Huffy like you may have ridden as a child. Instead, they’re on e-bikes or e-motos, vehicles that are significantly more powerful, and occasionally, much more dangerous.
A new ordinance in Holly Springs addresses the rapid increase and unique challenges posed by e-bikes while prioritizing safety. The ordinance allows e-bikes on greenways and sidewalks, an activity that wasn’t allowed before, while strengthening regulations on the usage of more powerful e-motos.
Is It an E-bike or a Motor Vehicle?
Vague marketing can sometimes make it difficult for parents and guardians to distinguish between a standard e-bike and a vehicle legally classified as a motorcycle (e-moto), since many are significantly more powerful.
Knowing what you’re purchasing is the first step in keeping your child safe. Remember — if your child is riding an e-moto, they must be 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license. The e-moto must be registered at the DMV and be properly insured.
E-bikes and E-motos on Greenways
In Holly Springs, e-bikes are now allowed on greenways when operated safely.
“The Town’s greenways and parks are the heart of this community,” said Holly Springs Parks & Recreation Director LeeAnn Plumer. “While the Town is happy to see e-bike riders enjoying the mobility that e-bikes provide, the trails are shared spaces meant for everyone, and safety is a top priority.
“If your child enjoys riding an e-bike on a Town greenway, please make sure they follow all essential safety guidelines, including always wearing a helmet, yielding to pedestrians, and staying focused by not using phones, earbuds, or earphones while riding,” said Plumer.
Finding the Flow: Balancing Connection and Safety
On multiple occasions, Holly Springs police officers have been dispatched to major thoroughfares, neighborhoods, and greenways in Town to address children, typically middle school-aged, riding e-motos in unsafe ways around drivers and pedestrians.
The uptick in calls from concerned residents about unsafe e-moto behavior is one of the reasons the Holly Springs Town Council approved the new ordinance.
“Unlike traditional bicycles, e-motos can reach speeds that require greater responsibility and awareness,” said Holly Springs Police Chief Paul Liquorie. “The Town’s focus is ensuring public safety as e-bikes and e-motos become more common, with the overall goal that every resident, especially children, can confidently, legally, and safely navigate these new modes of transportation.”
Liquorie added, “This initiative isn’t about taking away anyone’s fun or issuing heavy penalties. It is simply about establishing common-sense guidelines and providing educational resources to ensure children can enjoy their independence safely in Holly Springs.”
As the community grows, the Town is working hard to find smart, sustainable ways to ease congestion so residents can spend less time in their vehicles and more time with their families. Giving residents options for how they travel is a major part of that effort, which is why the Town is now allowing e-bike use on greenways.
“E-bikes promote active transportation and provide additional options to get around Town,” said Chris Hills, Holly Springs development services director. “However, integrating e-bikes into our existing pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure requires a proactive, systematic approach to safety.” hollyspringsnc.gov/ebikes
