At Hilton Head Bicycle Company, we take bike safety seriously. When it comes to e-bikes, the need for safe riding is even more important. But handled properly, e-bikes are both a fun and safe way to get around the island and explore our many beaches, pathways, and roads allowing you to get to restaurants and work.
E-bikes have just about everything in common with traditional bikes, so riding one is as easy as, well … you can guess where we’re going here – riding a bike. While e-bikes share a lot with traditional bikes, they differ considerably from e-motos, and that is the topic we would like to address.
Know Your E-Bikes
As we’ve already noted, e-bikes are built like standard bicycles. They have pedals for riders to use and are mostly propelled through the efforts of the rider. What they offer, thanks to a motor, is a bit of a boost when needed, for example to get up a hill or gain some speed on a long, straight stretch of road.
E-bikes don’t require a license. In S.C., including Hilton Head, motors of 750 watts or less that top out at 20 mph are still considered bikes. This allows riders to take e-bikes on multiuse pathways just like they can with traditional bikes.
What is an E-Moto
By contrast, e-motos are powered by stronger motors, and some types can go up to 65 miles an hour. These motor vehicles are classified more like motorcycles, mopeds, and dirt bikes – they are electric but mighty. Even if they have pedals, they usually have throttles too. Because of their abilities, they can be ridden on public roads as vehicles as long as they meet the minimum speed requirements.
You might have guessed that these vehicles also require a license, but in S.C., things get tricky when it comes to the motor vehicle law. The current laws define a bike and define a moped, but they do not specifically address e-motos.
This has led to a big problem. Kids sometimes ride e-motos on real roads without a license or insurance. This happens because at this time, e-motos do not require a license due to their lack of classification as a bike, motorcycle or moped. When some e-motos boast 1,000 watts of power and can hit excessive speeds, a dangerous situation is created.
Rules of the Road
E-bikes and e-motos may look similar at first glance. But the difference is in the name. One is a bike with added electric power. The other is a moto(r)-operated vehicle. If you’ve heard stories or seen press coverage about the danger of e-bikes, it may be a case of mistaken identity.
We are a bicycle company, and we rent and sell e-bikes. We are also advocates for safety, wearing proper gear, and following the rules of whatever type of road you are on.
Thanks to Florida Bicycle Association for letting us share the e-bike vs. e-moto graphic.