Sen. Lee files bill in North Carolina Senate defining electric assisted bicycles

A new bill filed by State Sen. Michael V. Lee seeks to define electric assisted bicycles and enable local governments to regulate their use and safety requirements, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 576 on March 25 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘E-Bike Definition and Local Regulation.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill clarifies the definition of electric assisted bicycles, categorizing them into Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 based on their motor assistance capabilities and speed limits. Class 1 bicycles assist only when pedaling and stop assisting at 20 mph, Class 2 can operate without pedaling up to 20 mph, and Class 3 assist when pedaling, ceasing at 28 mph. The bill authorizes local governments to regulate these bicycles, allowing cities to restrict their use on multi-use paths, sidewalks, or trails and to establish speed limits. Cities can require helmets for Class 1 and 2 riders, while Class 3 users must wear helmets. Counties are permitted to regulate under city guidelines, without restricting city powers. The Department of Transportation is tasked with creating educational materials about electric bicycle use and safety. The act is effective upon becoming law.

Of the two sponsors of this bill, Michael A. Lazzara proposed the most bills (38) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Lee graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1991 with a BA and again in 1997 from Wake Forest University Law School with a JD.

Lee, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2023 to represent the state’s 7th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Jim Perry.